Joni Haastrup / MonoMono / Give The Beggar A Chance / The Dawn Of Awareness

Joni Haastrup was vocalist for Orlando Julius Ekemode & his Modern Aces' Super Afro Soul 1966 which is consider as a formative afro-beat records. Joni is known to be the Afro-Funk Father, his nickname "Number One Soul Brother". Last Soundway Records releases focused on Joni Haastrup early 70s career, deeply rooted with Afro-Beat international spread. After Blind Faith demise, Ginger Baker wanted to create a big band, while Steve Windwood wanted to reform Traffic. Early 1970, Ginger Baker's Air Force was founded, with former musician of Traffic, Graham Bond, Moody's Blues, Blind Faith, Donovan, Jeanette Jacobs (ex-The Cake and vocal on Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland), and Remi Kabaka on drums. The band was essentialy touring in the UK. Still in 1970, Ginger Baker went to Ghana and Nigeria, where he met Fela Kuti, Joni Haastrup among others. Remi Kabaka give him the idea to build a recording studio here. Soon after, Joni Haastrup toured with Ginger Baker's Air Force UK Tour in 1971 replacing Steve Winwood on guitar and keyboards. Four members of MonoMono also played with Ginger Baker's Salt band. In the vain of the Osibisa's success, written in London, Haastrup returned to Nigeria to set up MonoMono and recorded Give The Beggar A Chance. One year later was released Aiye-Keta Third World project with Steve Winwood and Remi Kabaka. Released in 1974, The Dawn Of Awareness is blend of Afro-Funk, Psych and fuzz effects.