Lafayette Afro Rock Band – Soul Makossa

Released in 1973, Soul Makossa marked the explosive debut of the Lafayette Afro Rock Band and showcased their ability to fuse raw American funk with African rhythms, rock energy, and global sensibilities. Recorded after the band relocated to Paris in search of creative freedom, the album draws its name and spirit from Manu Dibango’s hit of the same name, which they reinterpret with fierce instrumentation and layered percussion. But this record isn’t just about the title track—it’s a full-body immersion into deep grooves, psychedelic guitar riffs, and a loose, almost improvisational fire that would become their signature sound.

The band’s synergy is evident on tracks like “Hihache” and “Azeta,” which build slowly before unleashing waves of tightly coiled funk. “Hihache” in particular became a breakbeat goldmine, sampled by everyone from Biz Markie to Naughty By Nature. Soul Makossa stands as both a statement of cultural exchange and a sonic blueprint for decades of sampling and underground funk. It’s raw, vibrant, and undeniably ahead of its time.

Reviews

“A searing mix of raw funk, afrobeat, and soul—the album is a rhythmic masterclass.” – AllMusic

“The title track is great, but the deep cuts like ‘Hihache’ are what elevate this to essential status.” – The Quietus

“This record is an untamed beast. Percussion-heavy, groove-forward, and a joy for crate diggers.” – Wax Poetics

“Even now, Soul Makossa sounds fresher and more inventive than most modern funk attempts.” – The Vinyl Factory

“Funkadelic with a passport—this is one of the most important funk albums you’ve never heard.” – Record Collector Magazine