OUR OWN MUSIC
Music according to the dictionary is
referred to as sounds, usually produced by instrument or voices that are
arranged or played in order to create an effect. The dictionary meaning does
not consider the listener in this above definition. Therefore music according
to Festus is defined “as sounds, usually produced by instrument or voices that
are arranged or played in order to have a pleasing effect on the listener”.
Good music is joy to the soul. This above definition is a straight forward
meaning of Nigerian music.
Nigerian music has always been at the
forefront since the days when our musical instruments only composed of gangan
and other traditional instruments. Music legends such as Fela kuti, King sunny
Ade, I K Dairo, the great Olisadebe with his beautifully composed songs, and
indeed many more which I may not remember at the moment are the pioneers of the
Nigerian music which has grown into such a giant industry today. From Apala to Juju,
Fuji, High-life, and now hip-hop (with naija flavour) brings nothing but joy to
the soul of the listener.
Today, Nigeria can boast of lots and
lots of talented artistes who can hold their ground anywhere in the world with
their music. Indeed the likes of Psquare, 2face, Dbanj, M. I, Asa and others
are definitely making it big with a lot of their hits. Nigerian artistes’ fan
base in some countries outside Nigeria even dwarfs that in Nigeria. It is
therefore not a new thing when you see Nigerian artistes scoop international
awards one after another and also get signed to international record labels.
Just like NOLLYWOOD, the world’s
third biggest movie industry, Nigerian music is also doing great. Seeing all
these, we can only be proud of ourselves as a nation. At least the world knows
us for other things apart from bribery and corruption which has almost eaten
all the flesh on our body. So, I say kudos to our torch bearers, both
established and upcoming. More power to your elbows.
nicely written
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