Gods Gift Ebun Oluwa by Rick Asikpo: A Funky Soul Time Capsule from 1982 Nigeria
Alright, let’s talk about Gods Gift Ebun Oluwa, the kinda hidden gem dropped by Rick Asikpo back in '82. This album is a wild mix of funk, soul, and boogie vibes that feels like it was born to make people move. Released under Crosswaves in Nigeria, this record doesn’t just sit there—it jumps, grooves, and sings right into your ears with all its heart. And yeah, Rick Asikpo? He didn’t just phone it in; he wore multiple hats here—composer, arranger, producer, guitarist, pianist, vocalist, mixer… you name it. Dude basically became a one-man bandwagon!
Now, let’s get real for a sec. You might think, “Oh, another old-school African funk project,” but nah, this one hits different. Tracks like See The Light and Ebun Oluwa stick out not because they’re flashy or overly polished, but because they feel raw yet smooth at the same time. Like butter melting on hot jollof rice.
Track Spotlight: See The Light
First up, See The Light. Man, this track grabs you by the collar and pulls you straight onto the dancefloor. Jojo Kuoh’s drums slap hard (like, really hard), while Nkono Teles lays down some electric piano magic that makes you wanna close your eyes and sway. Rick’s voice floats over everything like honey dripping off a spoon—sweet but not too sweet. What I love most? That bassline. Basil Barap deserves flowers for how tight and funky it is. Honestly, every time I hear this song, I’m transported to an imaginary Lagos club where everyone's dressed to kill and dancing like nobody’s watching. It’s pure energy wrapped in melody.
Another Banger: Ebun Oluwa
Then there’s Ebun Oluwa. If See The Light is the life of the party, this one’s more like a late-night convo under the stars. The percussion gives it a heartbeat, steady and hypnotic, while Rick’s layered vocals create this dreamy vibe. There’s something spiritual about it—not preachy, just... soulful. Teddy Esong and co.’s backing vocals add layers that give me goosebumps every single time. It’s the kind of song you play when you need a moment to breathe but still want to feel alive.
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What stands out overall is how personal this album feels. Rick wasn’t trying to chase trends—he poured his whole self into this thing. From the tight guitar riffs to the lush synths, each note screams passion and purpose. Even the credits read like a family affair, with Emmanuel, Goddy U Konu, and Kayode Salami engineering sounds that hold up decades later.
But here’s the kicker—the unexpected twist. Listening to Gods Gift Ebun Oluwa today feels almost rebellious. In a world obsessed with TikTok beats and algorithm-friendly tunes, this album reminds us what music can be: human, imperfect, and deeply connected to the soul. It’s like finding an old photograph tucked inside a dusty book—you didn’t know you needed it until you saw it, and now you can’t stop staring.
So yeah, if you haven’t heard this masterpiece yet, do yourself a favor. Hit play, crank up the volume, and let Rick Asikpo take you on a journey through time, rhythm, and emotion. Oh, and maybe grab a friend—they’ll thank you later. Or maybe they won’t, but who cares? Music like this isn’t meant to be kept secret anyway.
