Film exploring Eastern Nigerian Afro-funk released

Titled Ki'mon!: The Eastern Nigerian Afro-Funk Revolution 1970–1980, the documentary was directed by Nze Ed Emeka Keazor and co-produced with veteran Afro-funk drummer Eddie Offeyi. It features interviews with pioneers and chroniclers to offer a deep understanding of the movement’s history and its impact.

“In an era where the contributions of our past music heroes are largely under-appreciated and under-documented, Ki'mon not only narrates history but also celebrates the contributions of key players in Eastern Nigeria’s Afro-funk scene, and further illuminates the complex cultural realities of a post-Biafra Nigeria,” a statement reads. “While the East is widely understood as a site of desolation and destruction in the post-war period, the film contrastingly exposes the vibrancy of youth culture coming out of the region at the time.”

The film’s premiere, held in Lagos last month, was co-hosted by African Music Library (AML) and Keazor. It featured a film talkback with music industry legends, as well as a performance by the Lagos Afro-Funk Collective.

The event also saw veteran artists presented with lifetime achievement awards for their contributions to Nigerian music history. Those honoured included Odion Iruoje, Benson Idonije, Eddie Offeyi, Chinyeaka Okoli, Anii Hoffnar Umebuani, and Ginger Forcha. Also recognised were Uchenna Ikonne, the sons and nephew of the late Goddy Oku, and Igbo rapper Jeriq.