Ofege | It's Not Easy | 1973

Ofege was formed in the early 1970s by a bunch of teenage hippies at St. Gregory's College in the Obalende area of Lagos Nigeria. Ofege was 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.
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.

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