Nigerian Music: The Toast of Good Music
By Ubong Usoro
Nigerians are renowned for their creativity, excitement, and easy-going lifestyle, expressing their emotions through songs and melodies. The Nigerian music industry has broken barriers, captivating the world without needing a visa.
A Rich Cultural Heritage
Before colonialism, music was integral to Nigerian culture, used in rituals, ceremonies, peer groups, and informal education. The African educational system heavily relied on music, with distinct sounds from various regions:
- Yoruba: Bembe drums
- Hausa: Kakaki (long trumpet)
- Eastern Nigeria: Ogene (iron bell)
The Evolution of Nigerian Music
Colonialism relegated Nigerian music to local spaces, but the early 1900s saw a shift:
- Baba Tunde King fused local and Brazilian techniques, birthing Juju sound
- King Sunny Ade led the electro music movement in the 1960s and 1970s
- Highlife era emerged in the 1980s, influenced by Ghana
Legendary musicians like Victor Olaiya, Stephen Osita Osadebe, Oliver De Coque, Sonny Okosun, Victor Uwaifo, and Orlando “Dr. Ganja” Owoh paved the way.
Women in Nigerian Music
Women like Maud Meyer, Yinka Davis, and Onyenka Onwenu contributed to the industry’s growth.
Afrobeat Renaissance
Fela Kuti’s experimentation with jazz, highlife, and fuji sounds in the 1980s and 1990s laid the groundwork for today’s popularity.
Modern Nigerian Music
Artists like 2 Face, Psquares, Dbanj, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Davido lead the mainstream:
- Themes: love, wealth, partying, and societal vices
- Collaborations with international artists like Snoop Dogg, Drake, and Ed Sheeran
Global Recognition
Afrobeats is now global pop music. Nigerian artists have mastered branding, connecting fans to their journey.
The Future
Nigerian music has transcended borders, blending local identity with international influences. Artists like Yemi Alade (“Mama Africa”) have successfully merged African culture with mainstream pop.
Today, Nigerian music is a symbol of national pride, played from Soweto to New York.
Share your thoughts: What’s your favorite Nigerian music genre or artist?
