The Apostles
Academy Rec. The Apostles : Onye Akpa/Oshi Onwo single- (NI,197?,re.2012)****
Funny how now and then even vinyl singles are being reissued. I didn’t want to miss this one. Side A is a funky afro-beat track, lead by singing and mostly rhythm lead arrangements on guitars,drums and organ. The B-side has more emphasis on the afro-funk lead singing and has more funky organ, while the rest of the band plays rhythm on guitar/drums/percussion. Further on the electric guitar plays lead solos on a still groovy rhythm, followed closely by solos on the organ before the song itself returns and in fact could have grooved even a bit longer (this has been faded out). These two tracks show a strong and directly effective sound.
This is what the label said : "Most Eastern Nigerians of a certain age hold a special place in their hearts for the music of The Apostles, the musical group based in the commercial city of Aba and best known for their string of folksy pop hits from the mid-1970s into the early 80s. More hardcore scenesters, though, may remember the band's more obscure early years as an unruly highlife-and-Congo music bar band, and their transformation into rugged soul outfit to replace departing hometown heroes The Funkees of Aba, who were getting set to relocate to London. Under the leadership of guitarist Walton Arungwa and fronted by singer Chyke Fussion Okoro, the Apostles of Aba (also known as The Apostles Rock Group of Nigeria) were quickly signed as the first pop act on the newly-formed, Aba-based BEN label. The group's first single "Down Down the Valley" b/w "Battery Rock" was a massive smash that financed the rapid expansion of BEN (which would eventually evolve into Clover Records). The Apostles' second BEN single--"Onye Akpa" b/w "Oshi Onwu"--while slightly more obscure was an even more intense funk workout. Having proven their mettle locally, the Apostles were then snapped up by EMI Records and began their reign as pop stalwarts. Their earliest recordings, however, remain a testament to their funky roots."
