The Apostles – Black Is Beautiful

Circling back to 1977 here in 2019, Tidal Waves music brings us the first-ever reissue of this Nigerian funk and soul bomber from the disciples of heavy psychedelic funk fusion the Apostles. You may remember them from the Cultures of Soul “Banko Woman” 45 reissue a few years ago reviewed on the site, and today they are back again. The cream of the crop in Eastern Nigeria, the band brought a variety of afrobeat, pop, reggae, funk, soul, and rock styles to their electric performances on stages everywhere. Superstars in their own right (with a variety of popular hits in Africa), their four-decade strong domination of music is a force to be reckoned with. Tidal Waves Music digs deep (like they always do) and gives us the Black Is Beautiful Lp from ’77. While we were dealing with the blackout that year here in NYC, The Apostles could care less, because black is beautiful, lights on or not. This record, a staple in many Nigerian homes is a classic. Combining afrobeat, funk styles, some James Brown-style vocals (in English and in Igbo), along with heavy percussion and organ, this will soon be a classic on your turntable and home in no time. Afro-funk at its finest, we are very happy that this one is now available to the public. The reissue was formerly on EMI, and this copy (distributed by Light In The Attic) is pressed on 180g vinyl and is limited to 500 copies pressed up worldwide. The proof is in the pudding with this long-player. If you’ve not got a chance to experience this record, here’s your chance now. It will be available on November 29th, so get with it and play it loud.