Assagai was a short-lived but influential Afro-rock band made up of five musicians — three from South Africa and two from Nigeria. Active in London in the early 1970s, the group recorded and released two albums, both in 1971.

To this day, Assagai is considered the only African band ever signed to the legendary British Vertigo label — a label otherwise known for progressive rock, jazz-rock, and psychedelic sounds.

Their self-titled debut on Vertigo is an Afrobeat classic: raw, hypnotic, and driven by rhythm — highly sought after by both collectors and DJs alike. In addition to their powerful original compositions, the album surprises with a one-of-a-kind cover version of Hey Jude — The Beatles reimagined in Afrobeat style. Far more than just a curiosity in the Vertigo catalog.