History Of Nigerian Music


Overview of some of the most prominent Nigerian music artists and a brief history of Nigerian music.

Nigerian music is diverse and has been influenced by various musical styles from around the world, including traditional African music, jazz, highlife, and reggae. The history of Nigerian music dates back to the early 20th century when traditional musicians began to incorporate Western instruments into their music.

In the 1960s, a new style of music emerged in Nigeria known as highlife, which blended traditional African rhythms with Western-style horns and guitars. Highlife became popular throughout Africa and was a major influence on the development of modern Nigerian music.

During the 1970s, Nigerian musicians began to incorporate funk, soul, and jazz into their music, creating a new genre known as Afrobeat. One of the pioneers of Afrobeat was Fela Kuti, who was known for his politically charged lyrics and high-energy performances.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Nigerian music continued to evolve with the emergence of new genres such as Juju, Fuji, and Apala. These styles were characterized by their use of traditional African rhythms and instruments, combined with modern electronic sounds.

In recent years, Nigerian music has gained international recognition, with artists such as Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Tiwa Savage becoming household names around the world. These artists have helped to popularize a new style of Nigerian music known as Afrobeats, which is a fusion of various African styles, hip-hop, and R&B.

Here are some of the most prominent Nigerian music artists and a brief overview of their history:

  1. Fela Kuti – A pioneer of Afrobeat music, Fela Kuti was a singer, composer, and activist. He was known for his politically charged lyrics and high-energy performances.
  2. King Sunny Ade – A prominent figure in the Juju music genre, King Sunny Ade has been active in the music industry for over 50 years. He has released over 70 albums and has won numerous awards for his contributions to Nigerian music.
  3. Ebenezer Obey – Another prominent figure in the Juju music genre, Ebenezer Obey has been active in the music industry for over 60 years. He has released over 100 albums and has won numerous awards for his contributions to Nigerian music.
  4. Wizkid – Born in 1990, Wizkid is one of the most popular Nigerian music artists of the 21st century. He has won numerous awards, including BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and MTV Africa Music Awards.
  5. Davido – Born in 1992, Davido is another popular Nigerian music artist. He has won numerous awards, including BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and MTV Africa Music Awards.
  6. Burna Boy – Born in 1991, Burna Boy is a singer and songwriter who has gained international recognition for his music. He has won numerous awards, including BET Awards, Grammy Awards, and MTV Africa Music Awards.
  7. Tiwa Savage – Born in 1980, Tiwa Savage is a singer and songwriter who has gained international recognition for her music. She has won numerous awards, including BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and MTV Africa Music Awards.

These are just a few of the many talented Nigerian music artists who have contributed to the rich history of Nigerian music.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *