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.

Joni Haastrup - Wake Up Your Mind

Joni Haastrup, Wake Up Your Mind, is his unique solo studio album recorded in London in 1978. Joni Haastrup is known as Soul Brother Number One in Nigeria since he sung for Orlando Julius Ekemode and his Modern Aces’ Super Afro Soul's album recorded in 1966. In 1971, Ginger Baker (ex-Cream drummer) replaced Steve Winwood by Joni Haastrup on UK for Ginger Baker's Air Force UK Tour, and Salt. Back in Nigeria, he formed MonoMono. Give The Beggar A Chance, MonoMono first album has been released recently on Soundway Records.

World-Jazz-Rock-Fusion. Miles Davis interest for Santana, Sly Stone and Jimi Hendrix sounds was spread enough during his "Call It Anything" performance at 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. Early 70s, african musicians were received by british rock scene. Demon Fuzz was invited for British Festival such like Coldhams Common August (1970) or Hollywood Festival (1970), and Jade Warrior recorded with Osibisa in 1971...