This compilation is more than a selection of songs from Willy Nfor’s solo career in Nigeria—it’s the story of a
man’s determination to live his dreams. Known as Willy Ngeh Nfor, he was a founding member of the Mighty
Flames. One morning, Willy and his bandmates packed their instruments, grabbed a few clothes, and headed
from Cameroon to Nigeria. Crossing the border on foot, they made their way to Onitsha.
“We left Cameroon with no contacts in Nigeria—it was an adventure. We’d heard about the FESTAC Arts
Festival and felt we had to be part of it. Our first band in Nigeria was Pentagon Funk Band, sponsored by the
5th Brigade in Port Harcourt. Later, we moved to Onitsha and signed with Right Time Stores, recording Sweet
Love (RTLPS 011) as The Mighty Flames. The sessions were at Decca Studios in Lagos, with a 16-track analog
system. It was intense—no room for mistakes. We rehearsed endlessly before recording each take.” (Vincent
Ekedi, Drummer, Mighty Flames)
Willy’s journey was shaped by his resilience and talent. Losing his mother early and facing family struggles,
music became his escape. Inspired by funk and jazz-rock greats like Bootsy Collins, Jaco Pastorius, and
Stanley Clarke, he honed his skills on bass and composition, playing with local bands alongside musicians like
Vincent Ekedi. Together, they refined their grooves, dreaming of brighter futures.
After his time in Nigeria, Willy moved to Paris, becoming a session bassist for legends such as Manu Dibango,
Mory Kanté, Tony Allen, Akendengue, Ray Lema, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Kanté Manfila. Touring extensively, he
lived the “Star Life” (Star Life, Cornerstone Records, Feel So Fine, 1981), playing funk grooves with giants in
grand venues, fulfilling his dream of the spotlight. [info sheet from distr.]