Ever wondered why people say music is a drug that heals the soul, and some can’t literally go a day without listening to one or two songs, well this is because music is actually a force of nature and it can be a driving force of change.
The genre emerged in the early 20th century, and quickly became popular throughout the country. It blended traditional West African music with Western influences, creating a sound that was uniquely Nigerian. So, highlife music originated in Nigeria in the early 1900s. It blended traditional West African instruments, like the kora and balafon, with Western instruments, like the guitar and piano. The result was a sound that was both familiar and new.
The impact of highlife music on Nigerian culture was that it quickly became popular throughout the country, and even spread to other parts of Africa. It was a unifying force, bringing people together through the shared love of music.
The emergence of Afrobeat music in the 1960s.
Afrobeat was heavily influenced by highlife, but it also incorporated elements of jazz and funk. It was pioneered by the legendary Fela Kuti, who is often considered the father of Afrobeat.
Fela Kuti was a truly revolutionary figure in Nigerian music. He was not only a talented musician, but also a political activist and a voice for the oppressed. He used his music to speak out against corruption and injustice, and he became a symbol of hope for many Nigerians. His music became hugely popular, and his influence is still felt in Nigerian music today.
Some of Fela Kuti’s most iconic songs, one of his most famous tracks is “Zombie,” which is a scathing critique of the Nigerian military. It became an anthem of resistance, and it remains a powerful reminder of the power of music to inspire change. “Zombie” was released in 1977, and it quickly became a hit. The song is about the dehumanizing effects of military rule, and the way that soldiers were used as mindless tools of oppression.
Fela Kuti used the metaphor of zombies to represent the mindless, soulless way that soldiers were forced to carry out orders. He also used the song to criticize the Nigerian government, which he saw as corrupt and tyrannical. The song was deeply controversial, and it even led to Fela Kuti being arrested and beaten. But despite this, the song only grew in popularity and significance.
It is truly remarkable how much of an impact “Zombie” had on Nigerian society. It was a truly groundbreaking song that paved the way for future generations of musicians to use their music as a tool for change. And it’s also a testament to Fela Kuti’s courage and vision.
A few examples of the positive impact of music on Nigerians.
First, music can help to boost self-esteem and confidence.
Second, music can help to promote creativity and expression.
Third, music can be a source of hope and inspiration in difficult times.
Another positive impact of music on Nigerians is its ability to promote social cohesion and a sense of community. Music can bring people together and create a sense of shared identity. Additionally, music can help to bridge cultural divides and foster understanding.
According to a recent study, about 95% of young people in Nigeria listen to music on a regular basis. In addition, music streaming services have seen tremendous growth in the country, with the number of users increasing by over 200% in the past few years. So, it’s clear that music is very popular among young people in Nigeria.
One person who has been greatly impacted by music in Nigeria is Asa. Asa is a Nigerian singer-songwriter who has gained worldwide acclaim for her unique blend of soul, pop, and folk music. In her own words, music has been a source of comfort and inspiration for her, helping her to overcome challenges and achieve her dreams.
Music plays a big role in how she understand language and communication. Songs help her learn new words and phrases, and they give her a better understanding of human emotions.
In recent times, music has become even more accessible and popular than ever before. With the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, people can discover and listen to more music than ever before. This has had a huge impact on the music industry, as well as on popular culture in general.
Music is now an even more powerful tool for connecting people, expressing emotions, and telling stories. It’s also become a more important part of how people experience the world around them.
– Abdulazeez Zubeyidat Onize
Department of mass communication
Prince Abubakar Audu University.
