Recorded in Paris and New York under the production guidance of Pierre Jaubert ("Berjot"), the Lafayette Afro-Rock Band were a jazz-based super session group that created a heavy, dense, no compromise ghetto funk that has since been sampled by everyone from Public Enemy to Wreckz 'N' Effect. Soul Makossa was the debut release of the Lafayette Afro-Rock Band. At the time the band's popularity was primarily contained within Europe, but the album is now considered a raw funk gem by collectors everywhere.

Everyone was quick to recognize such an abundance of talent in one group. Such classics as "Hihache and "Voodounon" have secured the band's place in funk history.