Ofege - 1973 - Try And Love

Ofege

1973

Try And Love

01. Nobody Fails

02. Whizzy Ilabo

03. Gbe Mi Lo

04. Try And Love

05. It's Not Easy

06. Ofege

07. You Say No

08. Lead Me On

Melvin Ukachi (guitar, vocals)

Paul Alade (bass)

Mike Meme(drums),

Dapo Olumide (keyboards)

Felix Inneh (rhythm guitar)

In the early 1970s, Nigeria was a hotbed of musical innovation, with genres like highlife, juju, and Afrobeat captivating the nation. Amid this vibrant scene, a group of teenage students from St. Gregory’s College in Lagos formed a band that would leave an indelible mark on Nigerian rock music. Ofege, named after a Yoruba word meaning "breaking bounds," defied expectations by blending psychedelic rock, funk, and Afrobeat into a sound that was as youthful and exuberant as its creators. Formed by guitarist Melvin Ukachi and bassist Paul Alade, the band quickly expanded into a five-piece ensemble with drummer Mike Meme, keyboardist Dapo Olumide, and rhythm guitarist Felix Inneh. Influenced by guitar legends like Carlos Santana and Jimmy Page, as well as African bands such as Osibisa, Ofege crafted a unique sound that resonated deeply with Nigeria’s youth. Their debut album, Try and Love, recorded in 1972 while they were still in high school, became a national sensation, selling hundreds of thousands of copies and cementing their status as one of Nigeria’s most beloved bands.

Ofege’s breakthrough came with Try and Love, a masterpiece of African psych rock that showcased their exceptional musicianship and songwriting despite their average age of 16. Recorded under the guidance of EMI producer Odion Iruoje, the album fused complex African rhythms with fuzzy psychedelic effects and heartfelt lyrics. Tracks like "Nobody Fails" subverted expectations with its quasi-waltz rhythm and catchy guitar riffs, while "Whizzy Llabo," a wild instrumental, highlighted their dexterity and groove. The emotional peak, "It’s Not Easy," a languorous ballad, moved listeners with its haunting melody and swaying backing vocals, later earning it placements in various TV shows. The album’s success thrust Ofege into the spotlight of Nigeria’s burgeoning psych-rock scene, alongside contemporaries like Blo, the Funkees, and Ofo the Black Company—a scene that, while overshadowed by Afrobeat’s legacy, was immensely popular locally at the time.

Following Try and Love, Ofege released three more albums: The Last of the Origins (1975), Higher Plane Breeze (1977), and How Do You Feel (1978). These records saw the band evolving their sound, incorporating funk, disco, and Afrobeat elements while retaining their psychedelic rock roots. Higher Plane Breeze stood out for its bold mix of funk and heavy rock guitars, paired with an iconic cover featuring a band member defiantly raising his middle fingers—a visual encapsulation of their rebellious spirit. Despite their musical growth, Ofege’s career was short-lived, and they disbanded after their fourth album in 1978. Their national success didn’t translate to international fame during their active years, but their music laid the groundwork for a lasting legacy.

Though Ofege’s time in the spotlight was brief, their impact on Nigerian music and the global psych-rock scene is undeniable. In recent years, their work has been rediscovered by international audiences, with reissues by labels like Tidal Waves Music and Strut Records introducing their sound to new generations. This resurgence has earned them a cult following among enthusiasts of psychedelic rock, funk, and Afrobeat. The band’s story—a group of teenagers creating timeless music—speaks to the power of youth and creativity. The tragic passing of Paul Alade in 2020 due to COVID-19 brought renewed attention to Ofege, reminding the world of their contributions. Their legacy endures through their recordings and the memories of those who witnessed their meteoric rise.

The early 1970s marked a vibrant period in Nigerian music, with Lagos emerging as a hub for innovative sounds. Influenced by Western rock legends like Carlos Santana and Jimmy Page, Ofege blended these inspirations with the rich African rhythms of their homeland. Produced by the legendary Odion Iruoje at EMI’s Lagos studios, Try and Love arrived at a time when bands like Blo, the Funkees, and Ofo the Black Company were also pushing musical boundaries, cementing Nigeria’s place in the global psych-rock and Afrobeat scenes.

Try and Love is a sonic journey that seamlessly merges psychedelic rock, funk, and Afrobeat. The album kicks off with "Nobody Fails," a track defined by its quirky quasi-waltz rhythm and infectious guitar riffs. Melvin Ukachi’s youthful vocals pair beautifully with the band’s tight instrumentation, setting the stage for what’s to come.

A standout instrumental, "Whizzy Llabo," highlights Ofege’s musical prowess. Fuzzy guitar solos echo Santana’s psychedelic style, while intricate African rhythms provide a groove that’s impossible to resist. This track exemplifies the band’s ability to bridge Western and African musical traditions. Another gem, "It’s Not Easy," is a slow, haunting ballad that reveals an emotional depth surprising for such young artists. Its swaying backing vocals and timeless melody have even landed it in modern TV shows, proving its enduring appeal.

Odion Iruoje’s production strikes a balance between polish and raw energy, allowing each instrument—guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards—to shine. The use of psychedelic effects alongside rock instrumentation and African rhythms creates a cohesive yet adventurous sound that feels both innovative and rooted in its cultural context.

Upon its release, Try and Love was a massive hit in Nigeria, selling hundreds of thousands of copies and propelling Ofege to national fame. However, it remained largely unknown outside the country for decades. In recent years, reissues by labels like Tidal Waves Music and Strut Records have sparked a global rediscovery, introducing the album to new audiences. Its influence can be felt in modern music, and it’s now celebrated as a pioneering work in Nigerian psych-rock history.

Listening to Try and Love today, its youthful energy and genre-defying creativity still captivate. The album has aged gracefully, though some production elements may feel slightly dated. Its charm lies in the band’s ability to craft complex, engaging music at such a young age—a feat that remains impressive nearly 50 years later. While it’s not without minor flaws (like occasional unevenness in pacing), these are easily overshadowed by its strengths.

Try and Love is a must-listen for fans of African music, psychedelic rock, or anyone curious about Nigerian popular culture in the 1970s. It’s a testament to Ofege’s extraordinary talent and a snapshot of a dynamic era in music history. This album’s unique blend of styles and its timeless appeal make it a classic that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.