About

The original band consisted of five members, three from South Africa and two from Nigeria: drummer Louis Moholo, trumpeter/flautist Mongezi Feza, alto saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, tenor saxophonist Bizo Mngqikana, and guitarist/bassist Fred Coker — the latter, according to Rob Fitzpatrick in The Guardian, "helped guide Assagai into position as the only real West African competition to the super-star firepower of Ghana's Osibisa" before Coker left Assagai to replace Spartacus R in Osibisa. Canterbury scene keyboardist Alan Gowen and King Crimson percussionist Jamie Muir were also briefly members (1971-72). - Wiki

Assagai were one of the few (if any other) black bands signed to the Vertigo label. The band's sound was a mixture of psychedelic rock, Nigerian afro beat, and funk. Their self-titled debut is most widely known for  the track "Telephone Girl"  which is an infectious uptempo dance floor funk cut.  The beginning beat also served as an inspiration to hip hop producers like DJ Premiere.  Other tracks like the afro burners "Cocoa" and "Irin Ajolania" show they are no one trick pony, either.  – Soul Strut