Peter King
Peter King was a pioneering Nigerian musician renowned for blending Afrobeat with jazz on the alto saxophone. His career spanned decades, marked by innovative recordings and global performances until his death in 2023.
Born Peter King Adeyoyin Osubu in 1939 in Enugu, Nigeria (with some sources citing 1938), he grew up across Lokoja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. He attended St. Gregory's College, where he first engaged deeply with music, and began professionally in 1957 with Roy Chicago's band in Ibadan, starting on maracas and conga before mastering alto sa.x
In 1961, King studied at London's Trinity College of Music and formed the African Messengers with Bayo Martins and Mike Falana, backing acts like The Four Tops and Diana Ross while scoring hits like "Highlife Piccadilly". Returning to Nigeria in 1969, he performed during the Civil War with The Voice of Africa, then toured internationally with Shango in the 1970s, backing Boney M and releasing acclaimed albums like Shango. Back in Nigeria from 1979, he formed the P.K. Band, composed for TV, and founded a music school in 1982.
King fused Afrobeat, highlife, funk (James Brown-inspired), and jazz, creating "Afrojazz" and "Miliki Sound" heard in tracks like those on A Soulful Peter King. He released at least nine studio albums from 1975–1978 and collaborated with highlife stars like Victor Uwaifo and Fela Kuti, influencing Nigerian music education. He passed away on August 29, 2023, at age 84.
Shango
2 Prisoner Of Law 5:41
3 Mr Lonely Wolf 6:55
4 Freedom Dance 4:14
5 Go Go's Feast 7:46
6 Mystery Tour 6:17
7 Now I'm A Man 3:37
8 Watusi 4:46
Label: Afro Strut – STRUTACD 006
Format: CD, Album
Country: UK
Released: 2002
Recorded at Camden Town Studio, London 1974.
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Afrobeat, African, Funk
Peter King's Shango (originally 1974) is a landmark Nigerian Afro-funk/jazz album, praised as a "lost classic" for its electrifying blend of hard African rhythms, funky grooves, potent political messages, and stunning horn/flute work, offering deep, raw energy rivaling Fela Kuti at the time, with memorable tracks like "Mr Lonely Wolf" and "Watusi" showcasing psychedelic keyboards and intense sax. Reissued by Mr Bongo, it's celebrated for its powerful, danceable sound, combining global influences with Nigerian soul and a unique, joyful swing.
A compelling mix of Afrobeat, Funk (James Brown-esque), Jazz, and highlife, creating a unique "sweet Afro casserole" sound. Features deep grooves, soulful saxophone solos, vibrant horn arrangements, psychedelic keyboard work (like Chick Corea influences), and lush flute melodies.
The album carries strong political messages, calls for freedom in Africa, and channels the energy of the Yoruba deity Shango (thunder, fire). Considered a classic of its era, showcasing King's talent as a multi-instrumentalist (sax, flute) and bandleader.
It remained unreleased for decades before being released on CD in 2002 and re-released in 2013, bringing it to a wider audience.
Track Highlights: "Mr Lonely Wolf": Features intricate guitar licks, haunting sax, soulful flute, and a driving beat; "Watusi": Known for its psychedelic keyboard work; "Shango": The epic, high-energy title track.
Reviewers describe it as "hard hitting," "riveting," and a "boiling pot of hip-shaking sexiness and rage," making it an essential listen for fans of African funk and jazz