Artist page

The Lafayette Afro-Rock Band was formed in Long Island, NY, but in 1971, they relocated to France, believing that America was already saturated with funk acts. After the frontman returned to the U.S., the remaining members renamed themselves and became the house session band at producer Jean-Pierre Jaubert's Parisound studio. They regularly performed live in the Barbès district of Paris, which had a significant African immigrant population. The band's driving funk began to incorporate African rhythms and textures. Following their 1973 debut LP, Jaubert changed the group's name to the Lafayette Afro Rock Band. In 1974, they released their second album, "Soul Makossa" (issued in the U.S. as "African Rock"), which featured the oft-covered and much-sampled track "Hihache." Their follow-up album included the song "Darkest Light," known for its desolate saxophone intro that was later sampled by Public Enemy for "Show 'Em Whatcha Got." With their 1976 release, the group reverted to the Ice moniker. In 1978, they returned to America, where they disbanded shortly after. While relatively unknown in their native U.S., the Lafayette Afro-Rock Band was one of the premier funk outfits of the 1970s and became a significant source of samples and breaks for various artists.

For any edit requests, please reach out to info@rovr.live