Destruction

This excellent slice of Nigerian Afrobeat originally appeared on the tiny Orbitone imprint in 1973. The members of Nkengas were touring the U.K. with Osita Osedebe when they decamped to Orbitone’s north London studio to record this brief but remarkable LP. Destruction’s foreboding black and crimson sleeve art depicts a moment of occult ecstasy. It's a fitting match for the atmospheric, unfailingly eclectic music within, ranging from the relatively traditional highlife of “Anyi Buofo" to the simmering Afro-funk of cuts like “Anyi Bundi Igbo.” Listeners already initiated into the works of Nigerian Afrobeat masters like Fela Kuti and Orlando Julius will find much to enjoy here. The slow-burning “Jungle Beat” finds vocalist Vincent Okoroego calling out the names of American dance crazes over an irresistible, distinctly Nigerian rhythm that must be heard to be believed.