Song of the Day: Marijata “No Condition Is Permanent”

Founded by Kofi Addison (guitar), Bob Fiscian (organ) and Nat Osmansu (guitar), the Ghanaian afro funk band, Marijata released three records during their brief existence. The height of their musical output came with their 1976 LP, This Is Marijata. The record became a classic of the afro funk genre and has been long sought after by collectors and aficionados of African music and afro pop.

“No Condition Is Permanent” is a standout cut from the LP and is an absolute epic. It is built around a rapid-fire organ vamp, fuzzy guitars shouted vocals and horn stabs. The song is absolutely scintillating and reveals why the band is so well-loved by fans of the genre. They manage to rival even the great Fela Kuti with their ferocity!

As with many afro funk and african pop acts, not a lot is known about what happened to Marijata. The group were apparently also known as The Sweet Beans and initially came to prominence as the backing band for fellow Ghanaian singer, Pat Thomas. The three principal members each have a number of session credits from throughout the Ghanaian music scene.