Ofege - 1978 - How Do You Feel

Ofege 

1978

How Do You Feel

01. World Peace

02. Burning Jungle

03. Check It Out

04. Bomp Your Booty

05. Take Your Mind Away

06. How Do You Feel

07. Ideal Situation

08. Naira Power

09. Nature Queen

10. Frustration

Bass, Vocals – B-Tee-Paul Alade

Congas – Kofi Ayivor

Drums, Congas, Percussion, Vocals – Ike- Mike Meme

Guitar [Solo] – Jake Solo

Keyboards – Robert Bailey

Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar – Karchi-Melvin Noks

Producer – Majek

Strings, Keyboards – Francis Monkman

Violin – Miranda

Vocals – Ann

Ofege’s final studio album, How Do You Feel, released in 1978, serves as the closing chapter for a band that emerged as teenage pioneers in Lagos, Nigeria. Formed in the early 1970s, Ofege had already left a mark on Nigerian music with their debut Try and Love (1973), followed by The Last of the Origins (1976) and Higher Plane Breeze (1977). Their fourth album, How Do You Feel, wraps up a brief yet influential career, blending psychedelic rock, funk, and Afrobeat into a sound that was uniquely their own.

How Do You Feel showcases a noticeable shift in Ofege’s musical direction. While their early work leaned heavily on psychedelic rock with fuzzy guitars and intricate rhythms, this album embraces the funk and disco trends of the late 1970s. Expect punchy basslines, syncopated guitar riffs, and a stronger presence of keyboards, all woven together with their signature Afrobeat grooves. The result is a tighter, more polished sound that’s undeniably danceable—an evolution that reflects global musical currents while keeping their Nigerian roots intact.

Even with this shift, Ofege retains the youthful energy that defined their earlier releases. Now in their early twenties, the band members bring a refined interplay between instruments, highlighting their growth as musicians. However, fans of their raw, psych-rock beginnings might find this album less adventurous, as it trades some of that experimental edge for groove-oriented accessibility.

The album’s title, How Do You Feel, hints at introspection, and the lyrics likely explore themes of love, self-reflection, and social awareness. By 1978, Ofege had matured beyond their teenage years, and their songwriting reflects a broader perspective. While specific tracks aren’t detailed here, the songs probably balance personal narratives with the upbeat energy of the music, creating a mix that’s both thought-provoking and easy to move to. This duality keeps the album engaging for listeners who enjoy depth alongside a good groove.

Production-wise, How Do You Feel feels polished compared to Ofege’s earlier efforts. The sound is cleaner, with a clear emphasis on balancing the instruments—a nod to late-1970s techniques and the needs of funk and disco. This clarity enhances the album’s danceability, though it might lack the unpolished charm of their debut for some listeners. The shift suggests a band comfortable in the studio, adapting to contemporary standards while refining their craft.

When it hit the scene, How Do You Feel didn’t replicate the massive success of Try and Love, which had sold hundreds of thousands of copies in Nigeria. By the late 1970s, Afrobeat and highlife were dominating locally, and Ofege’s rock-funk fusion may have struggled to compete. The band’s breakup after this release further hints at a natural endpoint, perhaps as they sought new paths beyond music.

Over time, though, the album has found a second life. Reissues by labels like Tidal Waves Music and Strut Records have introduced it to international fans of 1970s Nigerian music, funk, and disco. While it doesn’t carry the same iconic status as their debut, How Do You Feel holds its own as a snapshot of Ofege’s adaptability and a key piece of their discography.

How Do You Feel is a vibrant farewell from Ofege, capturing them at a crossroads of funk, disco, and Afrobeat. It may not pack the raw, psychedelic punch of their earlier work, but it shines as a testament to their musical growth and willingness to evolve. For anyone diving into Ofege’s catalog—or the broader world of Nigerian music—this album is a must-listen, offering a groovy, reflective close to an unforgettable career.