Aktion - Groove the funk

 Aktion  - Groove The Funk

Afrobeat / Funk / Psych Rock

Groove the Funk is essential Afro-Funk LP from mid '70s. It was released in Nigeria and the whole LP of material is really special. From unique use of fuzz guitar and keyboard to ecstasy rhythms that can be experienced only from the heart of Africa.



Nigeria had a rich musical history with variety of bands that were playing quite an unique Afro-Funk with incredible rhythms and in Aktion's case thanks to one of the very best drummers of that time Ben Alaka. Sadly most of the scene vanished like in Zambia and their Zam Rock scene, but thanks to collectors worldwide part of Nigerian music heritage remained with us to be enjoyed. One of the most explosive bands were AKTION (also known as The Action 13 or The Actions). They were from Warri, which is a city in south Nigeria and their debut album was released by Clover Recording Organization from city of Aba. Clover Records founder Ben Okonkwo was a very influential man for Nigerian music scene. His label released a lot of music including The Doves, The Apostles, Mansion, Akwassa and two wonderful compilations of Clover artists. Aba had quite an exciting scene because it was home to another label called Anodisk, formed by Simeon Anochie. Anodisk Records actually received a small commercial success with artists such as Joe Nez and Voice Of The Cross (Brother Emmanuel And Brother Lazarus).
Aktion were among the most exciting bands coming from the scene. Lemmy Faith Nwani was the group's leader together with Renny Pearl Nwosa, Essien Akpabio and well known drummer Ben Alaka and together with Zeaky M. George, Geoffrey Omodehbo and Frank Abayomi were part of their first album. Ben Alaka is only credited as a guest musician. He was well respected drummer (he's also on albums by The Stormmers, Dedication, as well as The Funkees). Their very first incarnation was Action 13 and they released two singles for EMI back in 1973. One being "Active Action" / "Set Me Free" and other being "More Bread (To the People)" / "Go If You Want To". It's worth a mention that EMI had first studios in Apapa and later on in Ikeja. They had a proper studio gear with EMI 8 track console...
Band was originally based around the duo of Essien Akpabio and Lemmy Faith which expanded into a full band later on when releasing above mentioned singles. They were playing all across their part of the country. Nigeria had a very well known club called Lido Night Club and Restaurant and AKTION were staying there for awhile. They played many college campuses all around Nigeria and also many villages to entertain Eastside students.

Groove the Funk is a very exciting intervention in one of the most exploding scenes coming from Africa. It's afrobeat in its best form mixed with amazing funky-psych grooves. Lot's of fuzz guitar and bad-ass keyboard playing. Certainly a great look into Nigerian scene.
- Klemen Breznikar (It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine)