Orlando julius - super afro soul

Spencer Kinry
 

Orlando Julius moved to Ibadan, Nigeria in 1957 to make his name as a musician. In the fifty years since, Orlando has made his name as a pioneer of Afro-pop and an integral influence in the development of Afrobeats. His debut album, Super Afro Soul, released in 1966, is a foundational album for Afro-pop.

His fusion of American soul with Nigerian styles such as highlife, calypso and traditional rhythms and beats was revolutionary, influencing music across the continent. Some argue it even helped start the funk movement in America in the 1970s, which could convincingly be argued after a listen to the funky and grooving “Ise Owo.” The impact of American soul on Super Afro Soul can be heard throughout the album, especially on “Ijo Soul”, Orlando’s pseudo-cover of James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good)”, while his re-do of The Temptations famous hit, “My Girl” shows most clearly the fusion of soul and African beats he accomplishes so superbly throughout the album. Orlando Julius’ foundational Super Afro Soul impresses at every drum beat and sax riff, showcasing the roots of Afro-pop and Afrobeats while making anyone listening want to get up and groove.