Marijata

Formed in the mid-1970s in Ghana, West Africa, Marijata was an African avant-garde funk trio composed of members Nat Osmansu (guitar), Bob Fiscian (organ), and Kofi ‘Electric’ Addison (drums). Initially formed as a part of the larger Sweet Beans Band, the trio’s rootsy brand of funk music earned the band a record deal and they released This Is Marijata, their debut album, in 1976. The album’s raw power made it one of the most sought-after African funk releases of its time. That same year, the band traveled to Nigeria to record the album Pat Thomas Introduces Marijata (1976) featuring Ghanaian highlife singer Pat Thomas. In 1977, they joined together again for the album Pat Thomas and Marijata. No further recordings by the band were released but Kofi Addison ended up working with several artists after Marijata broke up including Paul Simon.