The Hygrades came together in Enugu in the early 1970s, led by producer and guitarist Goddy Oku and featuring Stoneface Iwuagwu, Chuba and Drago Uboma, Elvis Ato Arinze, Frank Fyne, Justus Nnakwe, and Kevin Njoku. Together, they carved out a sound that moved between Psychedelic Rock, Highlife and Funk, releasing a run of sharp, affecting singles like Keep On Moving, Rough Rider, and In the Jungle.

Oku brought a distinct sonic precision to the group. His Blues-inflected solos on the singles gave the band’s music an edge that lingered.