One thing Nigerians are famous for, other than catching cruise and fighting hard for their rights, is their creative music, poineered by classic artistes.
Right now, we vibe to the addictive music of Davido, whine our waists to Tems, and do our legwork dance to Poco Lee. But before this new generation came about, we had legends who set the path for them.
These classical artistes may be out of the game now, but their music and influence live on.
Top 12 Nigerian classic artistes
One of the unique things about Nigerians is their ability to use their local language to compose songs. These classic artistes started with bands and mostly played at clubs or small events, using their music to speak about issues.
Most of these classic acts had fuji, juju, and afrobeat influences, but we are proud that they set the pace for this modern-day music we know and love.
Fela Kuti
You cannot say Nigerian music without Fela Kuti.
Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, popularly known as Fela, is the pioneer of Afrobeat music in Nigeria and one of the top Nigerian classic artistes. Before Davido started giving us jams, Fela was gingering the club with his exquisite music.
Other than being a musician, Fela was a human rights activist who used his music to publicly criticize the government.
To date, Fela is one of Africa’s most challenging and charismatic music performers. His son, Femi Kuti, also followed in his footsteps.
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King Sunny Ade
The great king!
Before Tems and Burna boy bagged Grammy nominations, Sunny Ade was the first African to be nominated for one.
This songwriter and multi-instrumentalist brought Afro-juju to the limelight, to the delights of our parents then. He formed the group African Beats, but he later changed the name to Golden Mercury. His music involved a lot of the Yoruba talking drum.
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Ebenezer Obey
Ebenezer Remilekun Aremu Olasupo was among the pioneer Juju musicians in Nigeria. Popularly nicknamed “Chief Commander”, he had a band called International Brothers. Just like Sunny Ade, this star also used more talking drums for the music.
Currently, he is a gospel artist. Indeed, what God cannot do does not exist!
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Sir Shina Peters
Oluwashina Akanbi Peter belonged to a group called international stars when he was younger. He has over 16 albums and his music took him around the world in the late ’80s to Europe and the United States.
His style was unique, a rhythmic collaboration of both Afrobeat and juju with the use of guitars and other local musical instruments. This man changed the music scene in Africa.
Ayinla Omowura
Waidi Ayinla Yusuf Gbogbolowo was a Nigerian Apala musician who started up in the early ‘50s. This legend was discovered by Adewole Alao Oniluola, who later became his drummer.
Some would say that he stood out by being an advocate for the people and singing songs that will challenge the government.
Omowura was also popular for his feuds with other musicians, including Haruna Ishola, whom he later acknowledged as his superior. He also feuded with Ayinde Barrister, Fatai Olowonyo, Yesufu Olatunji, and Dauda Epo Akara.
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Fatai Rolling Dollar
Prince Olayiwola Fatai Olagunju is a Juju and highlife musician. While others used talking drums, this man used the guitar, which became his trademark.
He formed a band group called African Rhythm Band in 1957, and together they produced one of his greatest hit tracks called “Won Kere Si Number Wa.” That lovely song our parents loved to sing!
Did you also know that he mentored the famous Ebenezer Obey?
Osita Osadebe
Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe was a singer-songwriter and record producer, known as the father of Igbo highlife music.
Can your fave ever?
Osadebe released the first album of his career in 1958 and later established his record label called “Polygram Records Nigeria.”
Nelly Uzonna Uchendu
Women are not exempted from this list, as they also set the pace for female musicians.
Uchendu rose to fame by modernizing traditional folklore and transforming it into pop and catchy songs. This beauty hailed from Enugu State.
“Waka” and “Love Nwantinti” were hit songs that made her famous. She may be the old Tiwa, who knows?
Chrissy Essien-Igbokwe
This lovely woman was the first female president of Nigeria’s Performing Musicians Association (PMAN). She was also the managing director of Soul train entertainment!
We love a woman who leads!
Nigeria’s Lady of Songs, she was popular for songs such as “Seun Rere,” “Tete Nula,” “Ife,” “Hear the Call,” and “Give me a Chance.”
Unfortunately, she died in 2011, but her legacy and music live on!
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Onyeka Onwenu
Onwenu was known as the Elegant Stallion in her time! She launched her career with the hit song “Endless Love”.
Her charm and number of songs immediately won the hearts of Nigerians.
Eedris Abdulkareem
Eedris was a political activist who never failed to let the government know what he thought about their policies! This man belonged to the group named “Remedies” along with popular musician, Tony Tetuila.
Eedris gave us our favorite jam back then,” Mr. Lecturer” a song that sensitized the public about immoral and dirty acts that transpire between lecturers and students in the university.
Sir Victor Uwaifo
Sir Victor Uwaifo is originally a University lecturer before he started giving us hits. He started the trend of highlife music in Nigeria.
Victor belonged to the band “Cool Cats” in 1954, which changed its name to All-stars in 1963.
What many people don’t know is that he was the first Honorable Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism in Nigeria.
Conclusion
We are aware that some of you don’t know these people. Most of them were even born before your parents were.
Put some respect on their name because, without their influence on music, your faves might not have been inspired to give you hits – back to back!
