Ofege

Real Name:
The Ofege Phenomenon

Music Genre:
Funk
Highlife
Rock
Soul

Record Label:
EMI-Nigeria | Polydor-Nigeria

Nationality:
NIGERIA

Ofege

Background
Break
Did you know?

The Ofege Phenomenon, the 1970s school boy musical band from St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos. Nigeria’s most outstanding school boy band of all time! Largely influenced by the guitar solos of Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Francis Rossi, and the criss-cross rhythms of Osibisa.

At home they were influenced by the music of ‘BLO’ (Berkley Jones, Laolu Akins and Mike Odumosu), ‘Monomono’ (led by Joni Haastrup), The Funkees, and Ofo The Black Company.

Their first album was recorded while the band members were still in high school (average age of 16), Ofege’s debut album Try And Love was originally recorded and released in 1973. Due to their vibrant combo of sweet harmonies, hooks & fuzz, they would become one of the most legendary Nigerian groups of all time, with expressive sales and national stardom.

However, with only four albums released until 1978 and no recognition outside Nigeria, Ofege’s short career would only be rediscovered with the turn of the century.

Its Members included;

Melvin Noks: Lead Vocals/Rhythm.
Paul Alade: Bass Guitar.
Mike Meme: Drums.
Soga Benson: Lead/Solo Guitar.
Felix Ijeh: Rhythm/Tenor Guitar.
Dapo Olumide: Keyboards.
Felix Inneh: Percussionist.