Before the Pulpit: The Funky Love Songs of Chris Okotie
In January, my favorite podcast, Loose Talk, introduced me to Majek Fashek’s Spirit of Love album. I enjoyed it so much that I found myself diving into a rabbit hole of old Nigerian albums. This journey led me back to 1980, where I discovered the musical debut of a young law student, now Reverend, Chris Okotie.
At the time, Nigeria was transitioning from years of military rule to a short-lived democracy under Shehu Shagari. While Juju, Highlife, and Fela’s Afrobeat were growing in popularity, the youth gravitated towards American Funk and Disco.
Amid this vibrant scene, Chris Okotie poured his emotions into I Need Someone, a love-and-heartbreak record that captured the soul of 1980s Nigeria.
In I Need Someone, Okotie chronicles the journey of falling in love, facing heartbreak, and finding himself. The album’s lyrics are introspective and tinged with melancholy, layered over the upbeat rhythms of Boogie and Disco.
Though the production doesn’t carry the same weight as its American counterparts, Okotie’s folk and rock influences shine through, particularly in his vocal delivery. It’s a record that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Track Reviews
1. I Need Someone
The album kicks off with its title track, a funky, guitar-driven anthem reminiscent of a Quincy Jones production. Okotie boldly declares his need for a lover, setting the stage for a night at the disco. With its infectious groove and urgency, this track feels like an open invitation to approach your crush on the dance floor.
2. Carolina
One of the standout songs, Carolina, is both soulful and mysterious. Okotie channels his inner Bob Dylan, swapping harmonicas for lush guitar arrangements. Whether he’s singing about a woman or the city of North Carolina is unclear, but the longing in his voice is undeniable. The song’s simplicity and emotional depth make it sound like something Passenger might cover today.
3. Down Down Down
The party hits its peak with Down Down Down, a funky jam brimming with confidence and flirtation. Okotie zeroes in on his muse, whispering sweet promises:
“I’ll give you my time,
You’d give me your time,
That’s all I wanna do.”
The track’s addictive hook and relentless guitar riff feel like they belong on a Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. Young Okotie confesses that he wants to get down, and momentarily slows down the beat — bends into minor notes and kicks back into the groove, with a rockstar swagger.
4. You’re My Woman
All seems to be going well for Young Okotie. As the night progresses, He seals the deal with You’re My Woman, the most sexually charged track on the album. His delivery is raw and impassioned, capturing the intensity of young love in a crowded, sweaty dance hall. The energy is palpable, making this song a standout for its vulnerability and fervour.
5. Hello Angel
‘Hello, Angel’ could have easily been an ABBA record with its bright instrumentation and catchy writing. With catchy lyrics and lighthearted instrumentation, Hello Angel feels like the morning after a magical night and young Okotie wakes his lover up with:
Hello Angel,
With your lovely eyes, so mystic.
Hello Flower.
And they say Nigerian men are not romantic. There is a constant conversation going on between Okotie and the lead guitar. It sits in the pocket like an ever-trustworthy wingman adding flare to the composition.
6. Baby Don’t Cry
A gentle, sombre ballad, Baby Don’t Cry marks a turning point in the album. Okotie consoles his lover, promising to stay by her side despite an unspoken tragedy. The emotional weight is carried through a guitar solo that feels underutilized, leaving listeners wanting more.
7. Is It Wrong?
Is it wrong to hold on?
Is it wrong to be numb?
Is it wrong to trust her, I ask my own uncle.
In this introspective track, Okotie questions his trust in a lover who’s left him behind. The groove fades into the background, leaving a raw, stripped-down performance. In the throes of ‘breakfast’, this song is thick with guilt, regret and a million unanswered questions.
8. Am Going Now
The album’s closing track is the only one with Afrobeat influences, showcasing Okotie’s appreciation for indigenous sounds. In I’m Going Now, he declares his intent to move on, both musically and emotionally. It sounds suspiciously similar to Mr Eazi’s ‘Lagos Gyration’ Ft. Lady Donli.
In Conclusion
I Need Someone is a masterfully crafted album that blends Funk, Disco, and Folk into a deeply emotional narrative. In some ways, it can be categorised as a concept album. I believe Okotie was an RnB/Folk artiste who fell in love with the Funk and refused to look back.
Although forgotten, this album gives a clue to the deep history of Nigerian music. Who would have thought that this young, groovy loverboy would later answer the call of God and become a Reverend?
But that's a story for another day.
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