The Chakachas - Chakachas [Original 1972 Psych Funk Soul from Belgium] - LP Album - 1st Pressing - 1972/1972

Best known for their near-pornographic funk classic “Jungle Fever” the Chakachas were actually a group of Belgian-based studio musicians. Led by Gaston Boogaerts, who served as the group’s arranger, the Chakachas first appeared during the early ’60s, recording a playful mixture of Latin music, jazz, and European-style exotica. By the time Polydor released the Jungle Fever album in the U.S. in 1972, they’d updated that foundation with a heavier funk groove.

Los Chakachas, they were formed by bandleader Gaston Bogaert, ex-Los Juano Boengs and The Continentals, percussion (conga and tumba); Kari Kenton, vocals and maracas; Vic Ingeveldt (a Dutchman from Liege), saxophone; Charlie Lots, trumpet; Christian Marc, piano; Henri Breyre, guitar and backing vocals; and Bill Raymond, bass guitar. All were native to Schaarbeek (a district of Brussels), or nearby Charleroi, Willebroek and Liege.