BLO is a pioneering band from Nigeria, known for their unique fusion of afrobeat, funk, rock and psychedelic music. Consisting of core members Berkley Ike Jones on guitar, Laolu Akins on drums, and Mike Odumosu on bass guitar, BLO is often credited as one of the first rock bands to emerge from Africa in the early 1970s. Their music journey began with the release of their debut album "Chapter One" in 1973, which laid the foundation for their innovative sound that would influence the West African music scene.
The band's work was characterized by heavy funk grooves, intricate guitar work, and socially conscious lyrics—a blend that captured the complex climate of post-colonial Nigeria. Beyond their initial albums, BLO experienced a resurgence in interest with the reissues of their classic works like "Phases 1972-1982" and "Chapters and Phases (The Complete Albums 1973-1975)," which introduced the group's groundbreaking music to a new generation. The retrospective collections such as "51 Lex Presents: Dance In A Circle (Special Edition)" further cement their legacy in the annals of world music, spotlighting their timeless appeal and continuing relevance. Although the band went through various phases and changes in their career, BLO's music remains a seminal force and a historical beacon in the fusion genre they helped establish.
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