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. Afrika toured extensively around Australia for seven years from 1973 - 79.  As indicated by the personnel listing, it was very much a family affair, featuring several members of the Azzopardi clan. Joe and Marz Azzopardi had been members of Sydney band Bullett in 1971 who recorded on RCA.

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. 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