Nigerian Afro-Funk legends Wrinkars Experience reunite for Lagos Jazz Series Festival

The melodious, catchy lines of the Afro-funk monster hit 'Fuel for love' dominated the Nigerian airwaves from its release in 1971, all the way through to the mid-1970's. Few songs in the popular music genre have been so dominant in the Nigerian Music scene, with the track featuring subconsciously for many Nigerians as the sound-track of their youth and a reminder of more innocent times in the life of a nation. Other singles such as 'Money to burn' and 'Soundway' were to propel the band behind the songs, into the realms of legends of Nigerian music The Band in question, being the enigmatic Wrinkars Experience. Wrinkars enjoyed huge popular acclaim, not just in Nigeria, but all across West Africa, assisted by the multi-ethnic make-up of the band (Nigerian, Cameroonian and Ghanaian). They toured to sell-out crowds all across West Africa, cementing themselves as icons of West African popular culture. They were sadly to split up in 1977, ending a great era of Nigerian music. The band's founder, guitarist and lead singer, Dannie Ian however continued to record, albeit for a short while, before devoting himself to a successful career as a businessman. Ian was to make one cameo appearance on the music stage, as a special guest at the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria Gala night a few years ago. However Wrinkars as a group never performed together after their split in 1977, at least till now.

In an unprecedented move, that sent waves of excitement through the Nigerian music industry, the surprise announcement of the reunion wa made on saturday 22nd November. The behind-the-scenes negotiations and planning that took place over several weeks, were finally concluded with agreement of terms last week Friday, 21 November 2014, between the organisers of the Lagos Jazz series Festival, led by Oti Bazunu and Wrinkars Experienced, represented by Chief Dannie Ian Mbaezue. The organisers also acknowledged the asistance of Music in Africa, in facilitating contact with remnants of the band, who equally requested for the creation of a profile page on the Music in Africa directory.

The band is set to take to the stage at 7pm this Friday, 28 November 2014 at the Musi Okunola Park, Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, one of the two venues of the Festival . The other being the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bellow Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. Music in Africa shall be covering the event, as Media Partners and have been granted an exclusive interview with the band. Watch this space.