Nigeria 70 - Sweet Times: Afro- Funk, Highlife & Juju from 1970'S Lagos

A magnificent entry in Strut Records' groundbreaking archival series, Nigeria 70: Sweet Times digs deep into the music vaults of 1970s Lagos to unearth an incredible selection of rare and hidden gems. Compiled by Duncan Brooker, this double-LP compilation moves past the well-trodden paths of standard Afro-beat to explore the dazzling cross-pollination of guitar highlife, heavy psychedelic funk, and progressive juju music that defined the era.

The track list acts as an essential masterclass in rhythmic innovation, featuring tracks previously unissued outside of Nigeria. It seamlessly balances high-energy, big-band workouts like Moneyman & The Super 5 International's 'Life' alongside darker, psych-tinged college funk and hypnotic juju rhythms. Sweeping Congolese-influenced guitar lines from Ali Chukwumah sit beautifully next to a rare, slow-burning Afro jam from highlife legend Dr Victor Olaiya and a deeply moving plea for peace from Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey.

Brimming with extraordinary horn arrangements, infectious percussion, and unmatched groove architecture, Sweet Times is far more than a simple history lesson. It is a vibrant, rhythmically joyous celebration of a golden musical era, making it an essential acquisition for collectors of African rare grooves, world music, and vintage funk.