Music:
Member Since: 15/11/2006
Band Website: www.benokafor.com
Band Members:
DISCOGRAPHY
CHILD OF BIAFRA
(2007)
Featuring songs by
BEN OKAFOR from the
stage production, 'Child
of Biafra.' These
songs reflect the
origins of Ben's musical
career, his early
childhood and his early
journey through the
fields and fortunes of
war, and the influences
of these experiences on
his artistic and
spiritual vocation to
date. The musical
arrangements and
performances are
poignant, earthy,
acoustic-based and truly
reflect the African
heritage from which they
draw.
ACOUSTIC CLOSE-UP
(2006)
A
truly intimate and organic album featuring a wonderful rich mixture
of musical styles, influences and textures that make up and shape
Ben’s life and his music - all rooted around an acoustic base.
Building from Ben and an acoustic guitar this magical collection of
songs also feature keyboards, bass and drums and all kinds of
wonderful and exotic percussion!
SCROLL DOWN for complete list -
GENERATION - REMASTERED (2006)
Originally released 1992
On
its release, Generation won high praises from critics around the world
as well as firmly establishing him as a talented song smith and musician
with a message and mission. Ben had long been a communicator of
meaningful spiritual songs that touched on the needs and injustices of
the world and man's inhumanity to man as well as extolling his God and
His love for every person and this album was widely regarded as a
masterpiece. Ben's highly charged festival stealing performance at the
USA's Cornerstone Festival in front of a crowd of thousands at the end
of a US tour with his band (the buzz from which reached across the
Atlantic to the UK) secured the deal for the USA release of the album.
In answer to constant requests from fans, in 2006 a special remastered
and expanded version of the album was released. For the release, Ben
re-recorded 3 songs that were originally written and recorded just after
the Generation sessions. These new recordings fit perfectly onto the
album and make it a must for any Ben Okafor fan.
THING WITH WAR (2003)
Featuring tracks not available on any of his albums. Because of
Ben’s experiences as
a boy soldier whilst growing up in Nigeria, 35%
of the profits from this reggae/world music single goes to support
the work of the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers. Go to
the links page for details of their website.
COFFEE WITH LAZARUS
(2000)
Recorded in the USA with producer Harvey Jones, this best selling
album was hugely acclaimed by the critics. Packed with Ben’s
trademark thought provoking lyrics, all wrapped up in the
intoxicating fusion of reggae, African and world music that only Ben
can produce. An album with class written all over it.
SHADOWS (1998)
An album Ben recorded exclusively for release on his own Nigerian
based
Roadsweeper Records. It features more earthy raw versions of
songs originally featured on his ‘Nkiru’ and ‘Generation’ albums,
plus two songs that are exclusive to this CD. We have the only very
limited stocks of this album outside of Nigeria. Once they’re gone,
they’re gone!
SEE ME NOW (1998)
Following a gap of 6 years from his previous album, this EP features
radio edits of 4 magnificent showcase tracks that went on to appear
on Ben’s ‘Coffee With Lazarus’ album each in their full versions.
BLOOD BROTHERS (1992)
Ben joins forces with UK pioneering Christian folk singer/songwriter
Garth Hewitt for this album which was released across Europe the
same year as Ben's own solo masterpiece '
Generation'. As well
as including 5 wonderful haunting OKAFOR tracks (the recordings of
which are all unique to this album and some of which have never been
included in any form on other OKAFOR album) Ben takes on the role of
producer for this album and the musicians who feature on the album
are all musicians who have played with Ben - so the Okafor effect is
very much in evidence throughout.
NKIRU (1989/UK 1991/USA)
This is the critically-acclaimed album that really brought Ben to
the attention of music lovers around the world and cemented his
reputation as a class writer and performer of intelligent
thought-provoking songs addressing the human condition. Originally
released in the UK and Europe in 1989 the album was picked up in
1991for release in the USA. 3 of the tracks from the UK version were
dropped and replaced with long time live favourite 'World Gone
Crazy', the mighty 'Man of Sorrow' and 'Filippino'. With this album
Ben Okafor had truly arrived and had (musically) come of age. It
set the benchmark for future releases
DOWNPRESSOR MAN (1986 )
This 4 track collection was Ben's second release after arriving in
the UK and his first on his own Crimson Flame label. His love and
understanding of reggae radiates through the passion-filled cover of
Peter Tosh's '
Downpressor Man'. Ben's unique blending of
Reggae with the African musical influence of his childhood were in
evidence in the remaining songs - all OKAFOR originials, and in
hindsight this EP laid the musical foundations for the following '
Nkiru'
album which would see Ben's music maturing fully with success and
recognition around the world
CHILDREN OF THE WORLD (1985)
This was Ben's debut release after arriving in the UK. Produced by
Bob Lamb (who'se other production credits include UB40) and recorded
at Bob's studio in Birmingham the album was released by the now
defunked UK label, Ears and Eyes. What is in evidence is Ben taking
his first raw tentative steps in laying the foundations of that
unique Okafor musical blend. Included in this album is the fantastic
'Messiah Man' which Ben still occasionally includes in present day
performances.
Sounds Like: Too unique in his sound to be compared to anyone else.
Record Label: Plankton Records
Type of Label: Indie
