In an era where Nigerian music has achieved global recognition, a new book titled Legends of Nigerian Music: A Journey through the Genres, shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked trailblazers who paved the way.
Written by historian Olanrewaju Gbekeloluwa, this groundbreaking book is the first to provide an in-depth look at Nigeria’s musical pioneers across a range of genres, from Juju and Apala to Highlife, Fuji, Waka, Afrobeat, and Gospel.
Gbekeloluwa, driven by a desire to fill the gap in Nigeria’s historical record, embarked on a mission to document the stories of the nation’s music legends, some of whom have remained unknown to newer generations of fans.
“While Nigerian music now thrives internationally, many fans today are unaware of the legends who laid the groundwork for its success,” he said.
Volume 1 opens with the story of Juju legend I.K. Dairo, famously known as Baba Aladura, who pioneered Ashiko music. Dairo, the first Nigerian musician to receive the…