AFRIKA

Formed in 1973 Afrika was a nine-piece band heavily influenced by Earth Wind and Fire, Aretha Franklin, The Commodores Parliament and other great funk bands of the era. The first lineup was Joe and Marz Azzopardi who had been members of Sydney band Bullett in 1971 that recorded on RCA. Their sisters Rita and Mary plus Terry Stacey (ex-69ers, Wildwood) and Steve Heard (ex-Wildwood). The band went through a few lineup changes over the years. They released their first single ''Fais-Do'' on the Sunshine label in 1974 under the name Africa. If this was a typo error, it is unknown. Their second single ''Running From Your Love'' and their self-titled debut album was released on the Axent label in 1979 but the group split the following year. Afrika toured extensively around Australia for seven years from 1973 - 79. Mary Azzopardi went on to considerable success in later years, working with Danny D'Costa and performing on recordings by The Rockmelons, Ian Moss, Margaret Urlich and Mondo Rock, The Angels, Billy Field, Dragon, Sunnyboys, Ana Christensen, Icehouse and Daryl Braithwaite.

Members

Joe Azzopardi (guitar/vocals), Marz Azzopardi (drums/percussion/vocals), Mary Azzopardi (vocals/saxophone), Rita Azzopardi (vocals/saxophone), Tony Azzopardi (percussion), Doug Charleston (bass), Warren Clark (trumpet), Steve Heard (keyboards), Chalky White (keyboards), Kevin Somerville (keyboards), Terry Stacey (bass), Jim Nejaim (bass)

SINGLES 
''Fais-Do / Never Die'' 1974 Sunshine
''Running From Your Love / Sticking With You'' 1979 Axent

ALBUMS
'Afrika' 1979 Axent