The Blossoming of the Nigerian Music Industry

Music has always been a part of our lives. After the Nation gained Independence on October 1st 1960, our Founding Fathers were busy charting courses that would lead to the advancement of the Nation in all sectors. Apart from movies which had been popular even from the Colonial era, music also brought succour to Nigerians. Popular artistes back in the days include but not limited to Late Bobby Benson, Osita Osadebe, Ebenezer Obey, Victor Olayia, I.k. Dairo, Sunny Okosun, Nico Mbanga, king Sunny Ade, Oliver de Coque, Victor Uwaifo, Onyeka Owenu, Christy Essien Igbokwe, Stella Monye, Chris Okotie.

The genre of music differed from one artiste to the other.Local hit songs recorded back in the days include but not limited to :
Nico Mbanga (Sweet Mother), Osita Osadebe (Osondi Owendi), Oliver de Coque (Boni boni identity), Mandy Brown (Taxi driver), Onyeka Owenu (One Love), Lorine Okotie (His love is that medicine), Charly boy (Before Before) Chris Okotie (ABC), Evy Edna Ogoli( Happy Birthday), Felyx and Mozes( Free), Felix Liberty (Ifeoma), Stella Monye (Nigeria go survive), Peterside Otong (where are the prophets), Ifeanyi Oyeabo (when the going is good and smooth), Mandators ( Rat race), Majek Fashek ( send down the rain), Esse Agesse (Fine pepper soup), Danny Wison (Mr Raggamofin) , Blacky( Rosy ), Raskimonu (Aromba stylee), Baba Fryo (dem go dey pose), Alex Zitto (Tickle me), Junior and Pretty(Monica).

Fuji, Afrojuju (with modified versions) were deployed by those who sang in their mother tongues such as Shina Peters, Adewale Ayuba, Pasuma wonder, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Kollington Ayinla.

Despite the array of artistes that have flooded the airwaves (TV and Radio) Nigerians back in the days were more inclined in to listening to foreign songs, especially those from the USA. The songs were played at the few concerts and enjoyed massive air play. The duo of Junior (late) and Pretty kicked the hit rap “Monica’ in vernacular which began to stir up rap in that direction. “The Remedies in the mid 90’s made a great impact, followed by the Plantation Boiz (Tu face, Faze, Blackface).

The solo career embarked upon by Tu Face Idibia with the hit song “African Queen” opened more International doors to Nigerian artistes. Prestigious Award platforms (local and International) such as MAMA, KORA, NMVA,SMVA, HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS, highly powered Corporate influence, Music events, Reality TV music shows (Idol West Africa, Nokia First Chance, Project Fame West Africa), massive radio airplay, great musical videos, music programmes on TV ( MTV Base, Sound City, Hip TV, Monster Muzik, Nigezie, Da New life beat, Prime Time Africa, Jimmy’s jump off, Video Wheels, Entertainment Plus, Music Africa) and of course fame and fortune have acted as catalysts in conferring the Music Industry with the foremost position in the Entertainment Industry.

New Generation artistes who have recorded hit songs include:
Tu Face Idibia (African queen), Style plus (Olufumi), D’Banj (koko),
P-Square (Busy body, do me), Paul Play ( Moserire, Angel of my life), 9ice(Kongoaso), Sasha( Adara), Naeto C (kini big deal), Asa( Jailer), T.Y. Bello (Green land), Infinity( Olorioko), Sammie Okposo(Oruko Jesu), Faze (kolomental), Roof Top Mcs (Lagimo), Olu maintain( Yahooze), Bracket (yori yori), Mid night crew(Igwe) and others.

The Nigerian Music Industry has come a long way and is poised to take the Global market by storm.

Source:www.articlesbase.com/music