Nigeria in Africa is unrivaled in terms of artistic and musical output. There are a lot of artistic happenings, but most of the singers tailor their music for the domestic audiences. Today, there are musicians like Kanye West or Beyonce, who are the international megastars. You can download Naija MP3 music online and enjoy its uniqueness.

Traditional Music Instruments

  • Yoruba people are popular for their intricate drumming traditions. The two common percussions widely followed today are bata and dundun along with other drumming instruments like koso, abinti,sakara, agogo and shekere.
  • Igbo groups perform many musical styles, but common instrument they use is called ikoro (slit gong) and udu (pot drum).
  • String instruments like molo (3 stringed) and kontigi (boat shaped) are used by the Hausa community of North Nigeria. Other instruments include the Jew’s harp, kakaki (long bass trumpet), flute, and kananngo (drum).
  • Delta region is famous for using xylophone and large resonant drums at their lush sounding vocal music events.

Types of Music

  • Juju – Juju music was introduced in early 1920’s by Nigeria’s first music stars Yoruba’s Irewolede Denge and Tunde King. Since then the world has listened to several juju artists including J.O. Araba, C.A. Balogun, I.K. Dairo, Sunney Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and Shina Peters.
  • Highlife Nigeria style – In 1950’s Highlife style was just dancehall music, but the modern way of living inspired this name because stars like Bobby Benson, Dr. Victor Olaiya and Cardinal Rex Lawson were in constant demand.

This style was inspired from American Jazz and Ghanian style. It was fuelled greatly by wind and brass instruments. Nigerian highlife musicians list include Stephen Osita Osadebe, Sunny Neji and Onyeka Onwenu.

  • Traditional pop & Apala – The traditional pop is performed in popular format. Apala is a traditional form adapted by major pop singers like Ayinia Omowura, Haruna Ishola and Musellu Ishola.
  • Fuji fever – In Islamic communities the traditional music style were or ajisaari was evolved as the fuji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister gave the music this name ‘Fuji’. Wasiu Ayinde Barrister has emerged as a clear leader, innovator, and singer of fuji style.
  • Waka – Waka music originates vocally and is supported by Yoruba talking drums & hand. The acknowledged queen of waka style is Salawa Abeni.
  • Fela Kuti & Afro-beat – This unique style was created by the largest Nigerian musical personality Fela Anikulapo Kuti. He combined Jazz, traditional music, and funk. Nigeria takes pride in dozens of Afro-beat albums like Afro-beat jazz, Afro- beat rap, Afro-beat straight, Afro soul and more.
  • Hiphop, reggae, rap – Bob Marley and Majek Fashek conquered the world with Reggae style. Hiphop gained popularity in 1990’s and in 1997 two hip-hop styled songs ‘Sakomo’ and ‘Judile’ becamse overnight hits. In the past, Nigerian rap was reggae style with heavy Jamaican influence, but modern rap is aimed towards the international audiences, but clearly based on Nigerian culture.

Today, there are Nigerian music stars rising rapidly. They are highly influential and each one is bring their personal unique sound. The renowned rapidly rising musical stars include Youssou N’dour, P-square, D’banj, Koffi Olomide, Salif Keita, Fally Ipupa, 2 Face Idibia, Hugh Masekela, Banky W, and Jose Chameleone.