NAJITE & OLOKUN PROPHECY - Afro Beat
For the better part of 2 decades,NAJITE & OLOKUN PROPHECY [”N.O.P.”]
has kept authentic afrobeat and African jazz alive from its home base in Los Angeles.
Led by Nigerian master percussionist Najite Agindotan, this roaring ensemble
embraces the restless genius of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the harmonic innovation
of Horace Tapscott and the rhythmic soul of the African Diaspora.
Many of Southern California’s best instrumentalists have lent their talent to
N.O.P. over the years- Phil Ranelin, Nate Morgan, Bobby Bryant, Jerri Jheto-
and the current bandrepresents a cross-generational accumulation of their
spirit and wisdom.
From saxophonist Jim Thompson (currently with Bobby Womack’s band) to bass
player Brafo Agindotan (Najite’s eminently talented son) to Kpakpo Addo
(who cut his chops with the legendary Uhuru Band of Ghana), the members of
N.O.P. all share a commitment to using the joyful celebration of music to foster unity
among all peoples.The music, N.O.P.’s tool of communication, is at once mythological
and urgently realistic.
“Africa Before Invasion,” an album title track, looks to the “Kings and Queens”
of the past, when “We were self-sufficient/We didn’t have to steal from each other.”
“A O Ri E O” addresses more recent history: the wars in Congo, Biafra, Angola and Burundi.
But the music’s infectious joy stands defiant in the face of the sobering lyrics.
And it is this joyful defiance that best defines the message of N.O.P. Despite all
obstacles, the human spirit will not only persevere, it will celebrate.
The Age of Goodness is upon us and Najite & Olokun Prophecy invites us to join
them in welcoming a new day.
For more info visit www.najite.estnyboer.com
