「Nigeria 70」のStrutによる決定版アナログ再発は、2001年に初リリースされた画期的なコンピレーションに新たな命を吹き込んだ。1970年代ラゴスの音楽を広めた重要作として知られ、Fela Kutiの影響を超えたナイジェリア音楽の多様性を再発見できる貴重な内容だ。Monomonoの「Loma Da Nigbehin」で幕を開け、深く複雑なリズムのアフロビートが展開する。Fela Kutiの「Upside Down」や「Jeun Ko Ku (Chop 'n' Quench)」といった代表曲が革命的なファンクを象徴し、Tony Allenの「No Discrimination」ではジャンルの進化を見せつける。Ofo & the Black Companyの「Allah Wakbarr」やBLOの「Chant to Mother Earth」ではサイケデリックロックの影響が感じられ、Joni Haastrupの「Greetings」やShina Williams & His African Percussionistsの「Agboju Logun」ではアフロビートにディスコやエレクトロファンクが融合する。William Onyeaborの「Better Change Your Mind」はグローバルなファンクとシンセサウンドとの接点を示し、70年代ナイジェリア音楽の革新性を体現する一枚だ。

A1. Orlando Julius & His Afro Sounders - Alo Mi Alo (Parts 1 & 2 )
A2. Segun Bucknor & His Revolution - La La La
A3. Lijadu Sister - Orere Elejigbo

B1. Peter King - Shango
B2. Sahara All Stars Band Jos - Enjoy Yourself

C1. Fela Anikulapo Kuti & The Africa 70 - Jeun Ko Ku (Chop 'N' Quench)
C2. Tunji Oyelana & The Benders - Ifa
C3. Ofo The Black Company - Allah Wakbarr

D1. The Funkees - Dancing Time
D2. MonomonoTi - re Loma Da Nigbehin
D3. Bala Miller & The Great Music Pyrameeds Of Afrika - Ikon Allah

E1. Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Melody Maestroes - Akayan EkassaE2. Shina Williams & His African Percussionists - Agboju Logun

F1. Gasper Lawal - Kita Kita
F2. King Sunny Ade & His African Beats - Ja Fun Mi (Instrumental)

Strut's definitive vinyl edition of Nigeria 70 brings fresh vitality to a landmark compilation first released in 2001. This collection, renowned for its role in popularizing 1970s Lagos music, remains a vital exploration of Afro funk and Afro jazz, showcasing a vibrant cross-section of Nigerian music that extends beyond Fela Kuti's legacy. The reissue offers a rich tapestry of sounds that captured Nigeria's dynamic musical landscape. Starting with Monomono's 'Loma Da Nigbehin,' the album dives into deep, rhythmically complex Afrobeat grooves. Fela Kuti's iconic tracks 'Upside Down' and 'Jeun Ko Ku (Chop 'n' Quench)' highlight the revolutionary funk that defined the era, while Tony Allen's 'No Discrimination' from 1980 exemplifies the genre's evolving sophistication. The compilation's strength lies in its diversity. Tracks like Ofo & the Black Company's 'Allah Wakbarr' and BLO's 'Chant to Mother Earth' introduce psychedelic rock influences, while Joni Haastrup's 'Greetings' and Shina Williams & His African Percussionists' 'Agboju Logun' infuse disco and electro-funk elements into the Afrobeat foundation. William Onyeabor's 'Better Change Your Mind' offers a glimpse into how Nigerian artists engaged with global funk and synthesiser sounds. Nigeria 70 is a great example to the innovative spirit of Nigerian music in the 1970s, reflecting a rich interplay of local and global influences.