The Afro Sphere emerged from London's underground music scene in 1967, pioneering a unique fusion of psychedelic soul, afrobeat, and ethio-jazz. Founded by Nigerian-born multi-instrumentalist Victor Olayinka and British jazz drummer Steve Harper, the band quickly expanded to include Ghanaian horn player James Mensah, bassist John "The Groove" Wilson, and Ethiopian keyboardist Mulatu "Duke" Tessema.
The band's innovative approach to blending African rhythms with psychedelic elements and jazz structures caught the attention of legendary producer Marcus Thompson, who signed them to Progressive Records in early 1968. Their debut album "Kaleidoscope Kingdom" (1968) was recorded at Olympic Studios in London, using vintage analog equipment to capture their warm, authentic sound.
Known for their hypnotic live performances and elaborate stage presence, The Afro Sphere became a fixture in London's progressive music scene, performing alongside influential acts of the era. The band's unique sound influenced numerous artists and helped establish the foundations of the world music fusion movement.
Their core lineup consisted of:
-Victor Olayinka (percussion, vocals)
-Steve Harper (drums)
-James Mensah (saxophone, trumpet)
-John Wilson (bass)
-Mulatu Tessema (keyboards, vibraphone)
Unfortunately, the band only recorded two albums before dissolving in 1970 due to creative differences, but their impact on the development of psychedelic world music remains significant. Both their studio albums are now considered collector's items and have influenced generations of musicians exploring the intersection of African music and psychedelia.
*Tracklist:*
00:00 Rainbow Tribe
04:21 Sahara Dreams
09:16 Electric Ritual
13:37 Soul Kingdom
18:32 Ethiopian Nights
22:54 Jungle Fever
26:10 Cyristal Visions
- WARNING: Every artist and song here is entirely fictional. But who cares what's real when the music sounds this good? Just hit play and enjoy!
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#psychedelic soul #afrobeat #ethio-jazz #funk