SJOB - 1977 - Friendship Train

SJOB

1977

Friendship Train

01. Friendship Train 6:06

02. Love Affair 6:50

03. What Could It Be? 3:33

04. Odiaria 5:50

05. Let's Do It 4:51

06. Halleluyah!! 5:03

Backing Vocals – Akin Nathan, Roy Spiff

Bass [Fender], Percussion – Ottay Hima Blackie

Congas – Friday Pozo

Gong – Moscow Egbe

Guitar, Vocals – Samuel Abiloye (Spark)

Keyboards, Vocals – Jonnie Woode Olima

All aboard the Friendship Train! Released in 1977 on EMI Nigeria (catalog NEMI 0273), this sophomore album from the egalitarian Nigerian afro-funk collective SJOB Movement is where they truly blast off into the stratosphere. Building on the solid foundation of their 1976 debut A Move in the Right Direction, Friendship Train cranks up the experimentation: more fluid grooves, bolder horns, and Jonnie Woode Olimmah's Moog synthesizer going full interstellar explorer mode. It's like the band took the already funky train from the first album, upgraded it with rocket boosters, and aimed it straight at a Lagos dancefloor orbiting Saturn.

Produced again by Odion Iruoje at EMI Studios in Apapa, with engineering magic from Kayode Salami and Monday Oki, this record features guest heavyweights like Ignace de Souza on trumpet, Fred Fisher on trombone, Akin Nathan on vocals, and Friday Pozo on congas. The core SJOB quartet—Prince Bola Agbana (drums, lead vocals), Jonnie Woode Olimmah (keys, Moog, vocals), Ottay "Blackie" Hima (bass, percussion), and Spark Abiloye (guitar, congas)—are locked in tighter than ever, proving their "no boss, all equals" philosophy could produce pure gold.

Clocking in at about 33 minutes across six tracks (three per side), it's concise yet expansive—songs stretch out just enough to hypnotize without derailing. The sound? Peak 1970s Nigerian afrobeat-funk hybrid: deep polyrhythms, philosophical lyrics, devastating horn stabs, and those "spaced-out Moog synthesizer sounds" that make it feel futuristic even today. Critics and reissue notes call it a "masterpiece of African music," and for once, the hype train is right on schedule.

Track-by-Track Breakdown 

Side A: The Departure Lounge

Friendship Train (~6:14)

The title track chugs in with a relentless groove that's pure invitation: "Get on board the friendship train!" Prince Bola's vocals urge unity over bouncing bass, percolating percussion, and horns that punch like friendly fireworks. The Moog adds wavy, cosmic flourishes, making it feel like Gladys Knight & the Pips hijacked a UFO. Humorously, in an era of Nigerian band hierarchies, this is SJOB's manifesto—everyone's welcome, no first-class egos allowed. Instant classic opener that sets the vibe: funky, uplifting, and impossible to sit still through.

Love Affair (~6:00)

Oh boy, this one's the breakout star—a devastating afro-soul-funk boogie monster that's been lighting up compilations (like Soundway's Nigeria Disco Funk Special) for years. Explosive horns blast in, the groove locks hard, and Bola croons about romantic entanglements with a wink. The synths swirl, the bass slaps, and it builds to a chorus that'll have you declaring love affairs left and right. Funny side note: If this track doesn't make you dance like you're auditioning for a 1977 Lagos nightclub, check your pulse—you might need a love affair with a doctor.

What Could It Be (~3:35)

The shortest cut here, but punchy as a quick espresso. Introspective lyrics ponder life's mysteries over a mid-tempo funk strut, with Jonnie's keys bubbling like philosophical champagne. It's the thoughtful breather between the party starters—almost like the band pausing to ask, "Wait, why are we all grooving so hard?" Charming and catchy, with horns that sneak up and steal the show.

Side B: Destination Funk Galaxy

Odiaria (~5:56)

Dipping into Yoruba vibes, this one's a hypnotic mid-tempo jammer with layered percussion and Moog effects that warp time. The groove sways like a gentle train on scenic tracks, building subtly with guitar licks and vocal harmonies. Translation vibes suggest something reflective or cautionary—perfect for contemplating life while your body moves on autopilot. Humor alert: "Odiaria" sounds like it could be a spell for endless dancing; cast it wisely, or you'll be grooving till dawn.

Let's Do It (~4:57)

Straight-up invitation to the dancefloor—no subtlety needed. Upbeat funk with urgent rhythms, call-and-esponse vocals, and horns that rally like a pep squad. It's motivational in the best way: "Let's do it!" could mean dance, love, live—whatever, just do it with groove. In SJOB's democratic spirit, this track feels like a group huddle turning into a party. Cheeky and irresistible; resistance is futile.

Halleluyah!! (~5:04)

The closer—a joyful, gospel-tinged explosion of praise with soaring vocals, triumphant horns, and percussion that celebrates like the train's arrived at paradise. The Moog adds ethereal touches, blending spiritual uplift with funky ecstasy. It's exclamatory for a reason (!!): pure catharsis. Funny thought: If church had grooves this killer in 1977 Nigeria, attendance would've skyrocketed—no collection plate needed, just dancing shoes.

Overall Sound and Legacy

Friendship Train elevates everything from the debut: grooves are more fluid, synths more adventurous (predating a lot of afro-electronic experimentation), and the collective playing shines brighter. It's afrobeat with a psychedelic funk twist—think Fela meets early Parliament-Funkadelic, but with Lagos soul and zero dictatorship. Lyrics mix love, philosophy, and positivity, avoiding heavy politics for feel-good wisdom.

With a humorous twist: While other bands had charismatic leaders barking orders, SJOB ran on friendship—and somehow produced an album this cohesive. It's like they proved communism works... but only in funk bands. Tragically short-lived experiment, but what a ride!

Rediscovered via the excellent 2017 Cultures of Soul reissue (with bonus rework of "Love Affair"), it's now a crate-digger holy grail. Originals? Forget it—prices rival a train ticket to the moon. On platforms like Rate Your Music and among afro-funk aficionados, it's hailed as superior to the debut, a true peak.

Friendship Train isn't just a move in the right direction—it's a full-speed journey to afro-funk nirvana. Spacier, funkier, and more infectious than its predecessor, it'll have you praising "Halleluyah!!" while plotting your next spin. Essential for any global groove lover. All aboard—or miss the funkiest ride of 1977!