About The Band

For the better part of 2 decades, NAJITE & OLOKUN PROPHECY ["N.O.P."] has kept authentic afrobeat and African jazz alive from its home base in Los Angeles.

Led by Nigerian master percussionist Najite Agindotan, this roaring ensemble embraces the restless genius of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the harmonic innovation of Horace Tapscott and the rhythmic soul of the African Diaspora.

Many of Southern California's best instrumentalists have lent their talent to N.O.P. over the years--Phil Ranelin, Nate Morgan, Bobby Bryant, Jerri Jheto--and the current band represents a cross-generational accumulation of their spirit and wisdom.

From saxophonist Jim Thompson (currently with Bobby Womack's band) to bass player Brafo Agindotan (Najite's eminently talented son) to Kpakpo Addo (who cut his chops with the legendary Uhuru Band of Ghana), the members of N.O.P. share a belief in music's ability to unify all people.

The music, N.O.P.'s tool of communication, is at once mythological and urgently realistic. "Africa Before Invasion," an album title track, looks to the "Kings and Queens" of the past, when "We were self-sufficient/We didn't have to steal from each other."

"A O Ri E O" addresses more recent history: the wars in Congo, Biafra, Angola and Burundi. But the music's infectious joy stands defiant in the face of the sobering lyrics. And it is this joyful defiance that best defines the message of N.O.P. Despite all obstacles, the human spirit will not only persevere, it will celebrate.

The Age of Goodness is upon us and Najite & Olokun Prophecy invites us to join them in welcoming a new day.