As part of a new segment, we will be releasing a series of posts throughout the year, each tracing the evolution of Nigerian music from the 1960s to the present. Each segment will explore each decade’s lyrical compositions and experimentations, dominant genres, and celebrated artists who helped shape the sound of their time. We begin our discussion with post-colonial Nigeria, from the optimism of independence in 1960 to the post-civil war era of 1970. How did this period lay the groundwork for the Nigerian music we enjoy today?

Challenges in Researching Nigeria’s Music Legacy

Only a few collections specifically chronicle music year by year for the decade in question, so research had to be done individually on popular artists of the time. Apologies in advance if your favorite artist isn’t mentioned. That being said, one of the albums I found is Nigerian Freedom Sounds by Soul Jazz Records, a collection of works from 1960 featuring a diverse range of artists, including I.K. Dairo, E.C. Arinze, and Sammy Akpabot. This helped narrow down our focus to a few artists, whom we will discuss momentarily.  

The Sound of Independence: 1960s Airways

Post-independence Nigerian music took on a sound that might surprise those expecting a heavy dominance of Western influences. Instead, Nigerians blended foreign elements with their rich, cultural heritage, to create a unique musical identity. Western instruments were played alongside traditional ones like the talking drums and the Udu, producing music that was distinctively Nigerian. Simple, repetitive lyrics, infectious choruses, and a fast-paced rhythm characterised songs from this era. 

The 1960s was also a golden era for bands in the Nigerian music scene. Every performer had their own ensemble of backup singers, instrumentalists, and sometimes dancers. The 60s truly seemed like a celebratory and vibrant time for Nigerian music.

Pioneers of the 60s: Shaping Nigeria’s Musical Identity

I.K Diaro

Isaiah Kehinde Dairo, born in 1930 in Kwara State, Nigeria, is widely regarded as a pioneer of juju music. Though he started his career in the mid-50s,  it was in the early 1960s that his career truly flourished. With his band, The Blue Spot, Dairo earned praise for his innovative approach to juju music, blending traditional Yoruba sounds with Western instruments such as the guitar and accordion. This fusion created a rich blend of rhythm and beats that retained the originality of juju music while introducing new elements. Dairo was also celebrated for his ability to sing in multiple Nigerian languages.

E.C Arinze

Eleazar Chukwuemeka Arinze was a prolific trumpeter and one of the pioneers of highlife music in the mid-1960s, helping to shape the genre into the recognizable sound we know today. In the 60s, he performed at packed nightclubs, including the famous Kakadu in Lagos. However, with the outbreak of the civil war in 1967, like many Igbo Nigerians, E.C. Arinze relocated to the east. The civil war marked a pivotal moment that would be a turning point in the evolution of Nigerian music. Genres like highlife, once at the height of national recognition, experienced a setback in mainstream popularity and instead, flourished in eastern Nigeria.

Victor Uwaifo

Fondly known as Guitar Boy, Victor Uwaifo consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional music throughout his career, experimenting with sounds to create entirely new genres. This is evident in his Akwete music,  which brought him widespread recognition, as well as Shadow, which he described as a blend of Akwete and twist, and Ekkassa, a traditional Benin sound, that he elevated by fusing it with highlife, rock, and soul music. His life and career are marked by numerous accolades, including the Member Order of the Niger in 1983, along with a host of other awards and honors.

Osita Osadebe

Stephen Osita Osadebe, famously known as “The Doctor of Hypertension,” began his musical journey in the mid-1950s. Although he was already renowned in the early stages of his career, the world would still bear witness to his amazing talent in the 80s. A masterful guitarist and gifted storyteller, Osadebe developed a distinctive twist on highlife music, carving out a style uniquely his own. He also placed his Igbo heritage and moral values at the forefront of his music, this is unmistakably reflected in the culturally rich lyrics of his songs.

The Lijadu Sisters

Breaking away from the dominant juju, highlife, and apala sounds of the time, the Lijadu sisters; Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu, were an Afropop duo who began their careers in the mid-60s but only soared to stardom in the early 70s. Their music, heavily influenced by jazz, rock, and funk, stood out for its distinctive sound. Singers, performers, and songwriters in their own rights, were known for their bold, sometimes political lyrics. The sisters confidently carved out a unique space for themselves in a heavily male-dominated industry. 

Haruna Ishola

Haruna Ishola, a leading figure in Apala music was credited with popularizing the genre and was highly active during the 1960s and is . He added a distinctive touch to the traditional Yoruba sound by blending his signature local instruments—the Shekere, Agogo bells, talking drums, and Agidibo—with Western instruments, creating a unique fusion that resonated with his broad audience.

Rex Lawson

Cardinal Rex Lawson was a master trumpeter and a towering figure in the highlife music scene. He made an indelible mark on Nigerian music despite his untimely death at age 33 in 1971.  During his career, he recorded hundreds of songs, and his influence on the evolution of Nigerian music remains relevant even today. Decades later, his works continue to inspire generations of musicians.  Many of his tunes may sound familiar to contemporary listeners, a testament to his lasting influence on the Nigerian music industry. Lawson, known for his versatility, sang in multiple Nigerian languages and frequently infused his tracks with captivating alto saxophone solos.

A Playlist From the 6os

Joromi – Victor Uwaifo

Okpaku Elieli – Osita Osadebe

Omo Jaiye Jaiye – Haruna Ishola

Ibinabo – Rex Lawson

Guitar Boy – Victor Uwaifo

Salome – I.K Dairo

Ije Enu – Celestine Ukwu

Yellow Sisi – Rex Lawson

Punctuality – Haruna Ishola

Iya Mi Jowo – Lijadu Sisters

Sawale – Rex Lawson

Conclusion

While this list is far from exhaustive, I hope it has sparked your curiosity in the rich musical history of Nigeria. Perhaps you will dive deeper and discover your very own favorite 60s playlist. As mentioned earlier, this is just the beginning of many segments on the evolution of Nigerian music. I truly hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.