The Hygrades are were a Nigerian funk outfit in the 70s headed by Goddy Oku. His instrument of choice is the guitar, and with his guitar he creates magic!
There’s only 4 releases on discogs, all 45s, which gives some indication of how had it can be to find old African tunes. The Nigerian scene also withered away due to new synth music and social problems.
Luckily, “Rough Rider” is on the compilation The World Ends: Afro Rock & Psychedelia In 1970s Nigeria (Part 1).
“Rough Rider” is a confident strut through Lagos, which showcases Oku’s psychedelic guitar playing alongside an outrageously groovy bassline, a sharp drum break, and a steady flowing riff from another guitar.
It’s a nice piece of Afro-rock that stands out as a good blend of Western inspired Psychedelic Rock and the funk styles prevalent in Nigeria at the time.
The song was released in 1971 on HMV’s label.
So funky!