Global Music Traditions (Episode 2)

Global Music Traditions (Episode 2):

Indigenous Nigerian Music: Where It All Began

There are 4 certified spaces where you can find Nigerians: 1. In a comment section strong and active against any slander of Nigeria by non-Nigerians (they rise to the occasion like it’s a part of our National pledge to be sworn to protect our image).  2. Bantering and making light of our country’s situations (Are you even Nigerian if you don’t laugh about your problems?) 3. Locked in a Jollof war with Ghana and other West African states (We don’t care who did it first, we just know we do it better, shikena!) and lastly, 4. Dominating the entertainment industry with ease and Finesse. Nigeria we hail thee!

In recent years, Nigeria has become an indomitable, force in every corner of the world and every field of the world. In the Olympics, you’ll find us there, Paralympics, we’re active too, tech, fashion, cooking and smashing Guinness world records, modeling, visual arts, we are everywhere. In the good, the bad, and the ugly, we are there and in the world of entertainment. We dominate

Our music has been put high up on the global map with no intention of coming down. In movies, clubs, and restaurants, Nigerian music is everywhere. This towering giant of Africa now dominates the global stage like we were born for it. From selling out 02’s to getting nominated and even winning Grammys, it’s undeniable that Greatness lives in our DNA. From locally appreciated to Globally recognized. But where did it all begin?  

Afrobeats are soaring high, up above and beyond, but before the CRV Honda, there was the Beetle Car. Before Pure Bliss, there was Jack and Jill. In other words, before Afrobeats there was the indigenous music of the Nigerian people.

There’s a legacy of history packed into this large continent. We are rich in cultures, as we span over 350 Tribes and 250 ethnic groups. The evolution of Nigerian music has truly come a long way and even now, newer genres keep emerging every day. Yet what we all know as Afro-beats or Afro-pop, all gained meaning from the music of their predecessors. Today we will be highlighting some of the many kinds of music we had and the ones that paved the way for the modern music we have today!

History of Nigerian Music:

Like in most parts of the world, Nigerian music rose from a need for functional purposes, either to signify rites and rituals, weddings, funerals, send a message, etc Music had a purpose and was used to flourish an event. Every word with meaning is uttered through sound.

Music also had a distinct significance to each of the major tribes. For the Northerners, who are quite frankly the Agriculture hub of the nation, when farming on each other’s land, they expected the host of the land to provide musicians, because the work songs helped to keep the rhythm of work at a favorable pace and was also just interesting to hear, you just know they were tearing it up with those fisherman tunes.

For the Yorubas who are considered the festive tribe and party animals, music was more of a social venture often played at different formal events. For the Igbos music was used for an array of things, from celebrations to sports activities, and during leisure hours.

The idea of musical composition was never central or strictly defined. While the Hwana (a language often found in the region of Adamawa) people believe that music was taught by the people’s ancestors, the Tiv gave credit to and named composers for all their songs.

The most notable and official beginning to Nigerian music, however, can be dated as far back as the 1920’s. Josiah Jesse Ransome-Kuti, the grandfather of Fela Kuti (who would later become a revolutionary in Nigerian music), is categorized as the first Nigerian to ever release a recorded album after recording several Yoruba hymns in a Phonograph.

MUSIC IN NIGERIA:

YORUBA MUSIC: Yoruba music is traditionally Spiritual and is usually devoted to a higher being. It is centered on Folklore and basic natural instruments like clapping are utilized. Here are some major types of Yoruba music that stunned the world!

Juju:  And no not the Juju that reminds us of Kanayo— Jùjú is a musical genre that blends spirituality with hardcore grooves. Imagine getting a sermon and a dance party all at once; that’s the vibe of the music. The arrival of the guitar led to the rise of the Juju Music style in Lagos. It was seen as a re-interpretation of the Asiko (Ashiko) music, which was quite similar to Sakara, but was a Christian version of it with Sierra Leonean origins and was played in towns like Abeokuta and Ibadan in the 1920s. Juju combined both Christian singing (still drawing from the roots of hymns) with Yoruba vocals and percussion. It came along the timelines of palm-wine music, using instruments like the Banjo or guitar, a gourd shaker, and most importantly a tambourine. The Common musicians associated with this period are Tunde Nightingale, Ayinde Bakare, IK Dairo Moses, and Olaiya (Baba Sala). Later on in the 1940s to 50s other musicians emerged with more innovative styles under Juju, adding more instruments like the electric guitar, accordion, and Gongon. The likes of King Sunny Ade were seen as the pioneers of this style of Juju, leading him to be the first Nigerian to gain a Grammy nomination for his album, Synaro System.

Sakara Music: Sakara music also took rise in the 1930s. It was mostly in the form of praise songs and used only traditional Yoruba instruments like the Goje violin and a Sakara drum. The music has an eerie and philosophical aura to it, often solemn and melancholic imitating a passionate cry through music, making every line feel like a prayer to one’s maker. The earliest performer of the Sakara music in Lagos was Abibu Oluwa in the 1930s. It left its mark and a considerable influence on other genres such as Juju music, Fuji, and Nigerian Hip-hop.

Apala Music: Apala music was developed during Nigeria’s history as a colony under the British Empire. It is argued to have originated from Ede, Osun State, and evolved from Islamic practices and Traditional Yoruba music. It emerged in the late 1930s and began as a style of waking worshippers after fasting, during the  Ramadan period. Later on, it gathered influence from the Cuban music style, leading it to be more refined and attracting a larger audience. Haruna Ishola and Ayinla Omowura, are credited to be pioneers of the sound.

Fuji music:

Fuji music is one of the most popular Yoruba music styles ever and it emerged in the 1960s. An interesting fact about it, is that it was named after a Japanese stratovolcano mountain called Mount Fuji, by Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, who was also the pioneer of the ‘Were’ music style. It evolved from the improvisation of Were music and uses a call-and-response style where the lead vocalist is responded to by the backing vocals. Fuji is well known for its upbeat nature and its influence extends as far as contemporary music and Nigerian Hip-hop

Waka: No doubt, religion and music go hand in hand for the Nigerian people. ‘Waka’ music is a popular Islamic Yoruba music genre that was popularized by Alhaja Batile Alake, who took the genre into the sphere of mainstream Nigerian Music and became the first Waka singer to record an album. It gained more popularity in the 90s, with the likes of El-Hadj Wasiu Kayode Sideeq and his wife Hajia Hafsat Sideeq.  So, if you thought the word ‘Waka’ was only about trekking long distances, or swearing for somebody, think again. Waka music has been taking believers on a spiritual journey long before anyone thought of hiking, but I can’t say the same for swearing.

Afro Beat: Afrobeat was like the rebellious sibling in the family of Nigerian music. It dyed its hair purple, blasted funk, and demanded a revolution. Fela Kuti? He was the cool uncle leading the charge—both musically and politically. The entry of Afrobeat signified a revolution on all fronts. It was the start of a long-lasting genre that would later act as a benchmark and make room for more creativity and subgenres. It was a modern style of music that infused American Blues, Jazz, Highlife, and funk with Yoruba music developed in the 60s. Fela’s ‘Kalakuta Republic’ was seen as the home for the development of Afrobeat, making it a home to many free-thinking youths. For Fela, music had a duty to satire the nation and the well-being of the people. His music always made a mockery of the government and rich shady businessmen with the solitary aim of fighting for a better country. This revolutionary nature caused him to quickly become an icon of the people. Music became an expression, an art form.

Igbo music:

Igbo music is widely known for its upbeat rhythms, and its music relies heavily on drums and percussion instruments to match the vibe. It is always brimming with life and a vicious energy and it’s no wonder why market sellers use it to start their day. Some of them are:  

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Ekpili: Ekpili, also known as Ekpiri/Egwu Ekpili is a folk style of music in the South Eastern part of Nigeria. It is characterized by the musical instrument, ‘Ubo’; a thumb piano or guitar, and is often played with a raffle. Some argue that the Ekpili can be dated as far back as the 19^th century

Ogene: This style of music was inspired by the Ogene instrument, a large metal bell made by the Igbos. Its unique rhythm is driven by a set of gongs, flutes drums, and patterns and its beats are often very energetic and vibrant. It flows in an improvisational way, in such that it requires proficiency and skill to handle well. The music always touches on issues of social concern, religion, folklore, and politics

Odumodu: Many of us were likely unaware that before the artiste, there was the music style. Well the Odumodu, is a folk style of music that is sung among the Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia, etc people of Abia State. Its primary purpose is to entertain guests, tell fun stories, uplift spirits, and just swell the heads of distinguished men and women listening. It is often played in live or recorded form at festive events like the Ekpe/Okonko (masquerade festival), the Ichi Echichi (coronation ceremony), and many more. It has a syncopated rhythm, inculcating in Traditional Igbo percussions with chants and harmonized choruses.

Igbo Highlife: Igbo High-life is a contemporary genre of highlife and traditional Igbo music. Its rareness comes from its use of guitars and a wonderful blend of horns and vocal rhythms. The lyrics are often sung in Igbo with a mix of pidgin and English. A powerful, influential composer and performer of this genre is Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, who had an impressive career of over 40 years. A popular song of his, known across all sides of the nation, is his 1984 hit “Osondi Owendi”, a total bop! By 2004 onwards, a contemporary form of Highlife was developed by the likes of Flavour, J- J-Martins, and Bracket.

HAUSA: The Hausas are known for the introduction of Afro-pop culture. Their  Traditional music is divided into two categories, rural folk music and Urban Court Music.

Other Nigerian music genres include Yo-pop: Popularized in the 1980s by Segun Adewale, influenced by juju music and replaced by Afro-pop

Afro Juju: Combination of Afrobeat and Fuji and succeeded Afropop. It was spear-headed by Shina Peters.

Naija Hip-hop.

Traditional Nigerian Instruments

From sharing information to joining celebrations. Here are a few major  Nigerian instruments from different tribes:

HAUSA:

Goje, pentatonic scale, percussion instruments; Talking drum, tambora drum. Kakaki

Kakaki: Kakaki, an elongated state trumpet,  is the most impressive of the Hausa instruments. The trumpets are usually more than two meters long and can be easily broken down into three portable parts for easy transportation. It originally belonged to the Songhai people but was taken by rising Hausa states in a bid to prove military power.

IGBO

Obo, slit drums, udus, lutes, xylophone

Slit drums: The Ufie, also known as Slit drums belongs to the more traditional side of Igbo culture. It is considered as a courtly music instrument and It was used to wake up a dignitary like a Chief to communicate important information to him. Including what and when he would eat!

YORUBA

Gudugudu (kettle drums), Dundun

Dundun hourglass tension drums, also known as, gangan (Talking drums): This drum is said to have originated from the old Oyo Empire. This drum is particularly special to the Yoruba tribe and is well known for mimicking the tonality of the Yoruba people. The drum is considered to speak its language. It is played with a large wooden drumstick and its pitch is obtained from the squeezing of the drum’s strings. When squeezed tightly, it produces a higher-pitched sound and when held loosely, it produces a lower-pitched sound

In conclusion, ancient Nigerian music stands as a powerful testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and the depth of its traditions. Rooted in storytelling, spiritual rituals, and community life, the music of early Nigeria was much more than entertainment—it was a vital part of communication and cultural identity. From the rhythmic beats of the talking drum to the haunting melodies of the flutes in religious ceremonies, these sounds have shaped the evolution of modern Nigerian music and continue to influence contemporary artists. As we celebrate the global rise of Afrobeats and other modern genres, it’s essential to remember the deep historical roots that have carried the soul of Nigerian music through the ages. Ancient Nigerian music remains a living legacy, bridging the past and present, reminding us of the power music holds in preserving culture and uniting people across generations.

         So, whether you’re vibing to Afrobeats in traffic or using the talking drum to drop a beat at the next family gathering, just remember—you’re part of a legacy that’s been making the world dance ever since!

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