Described by some as “the heart of African music” Nigeria and its largest city in Lagos is undoubtedly one of the continent’s thriving music metropolises.
Local musicians have engineered their own unique styles that typify Nigerian culture. Apala, Fuji, Juju, Highlife, Yo-pop and Afrobeat are just some of the sounds that permeate throughout this urban sprawl of more than 15 million inhabitants.
Nigerian music makers have even put their own spin on American hip-hop and Jamaican reggae. However it’s largely due to the jazz, highlife and funk rhythms of Afrobeat that have made Lagos famous for its musical tendencies.
In turn the man that made this genre preeminent, the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is hailed as a hero. While his music career is undeniably a huge part of his legacy, his human rights activism and political ideals are also at the centre of his legendry status.
This is all evidenced by a museum, music venue and festival in his honour, which is written about below.
But where does that leave the Lagos music scene now?
While Kuti is a major part of the city’s music history and although he continues to influence modern day musicians the strength of the local hip-hop community cannot be understated either.
While American hip-hop heavily influenced local rappers in the 80s and 90s today’s artists sound much more Nigerian.
With Zaria born rapper D’banj signed to Kanye West’s G.O.OD. Music label and the likes of IK Dairo, Sunny Ade and Kuti growing the world music brand in European and North American markets music has become an achievable dream for many Lagos and Nigerian citizens living in impoverishment.
You can experience the unique styles of Lagos and the hardworking musicians who represent them in the areas of Yaba, Surulere and Victoria island.
While for travellers music may only be an interest or form of entertainment for locals it’s a way of life and to witness that is something special.
Shop
Jazzhole, Awolowo Rd Ikoyi
Inspired by North American record shops this must-visit music destination has the best selection of Nigerian vinyl, CDs and DVDs in the city. While its main focus is in books the selection of food and drinks in the café will ensure that visitors will linger longer than your typical browse. What sets it apart from most record stores though is that it actively encourages visitors to take up DJ duties. As they say, “nothing is conventional here”.
Orpheus Music, 29 Association Avenue
A vital player in Lagos’ developing music scene this establishment is essential for young people interested in music. Orpheus Music is “committed to the development of beneficial music in homes, schools, churches and the wider environment”. While the selection of instruments for sale probably won’t interest travellers the publications and recorded music for sale will give tourists an insight into the local music scene. Orpheus Music is located in various locations across Nigeria.
Listen
The Felebration Festival
Initiated in 1989 as an event to pay homage to Lagos’ favourite son, Afrobeat music maker Fela Kuti, this festival has been held annually with the year 1999 being the only exception. Conceived by Kuti’s eldest daughter Yeni the event has developed into a weeklong celebration that attracts over 1000 Afrobeat fans to the Afrika Music Shrine every year. Held in October to coincide with Kuti’s birthday on the 15th musicians from around the world are booked to ‘felebrate’ not just the music legend, but the sounds that course throughout Lagos and Nigeria.
Music Festival Lagos
Held in April in 2013 for the first time this event attracted over 4000 punters to the Golden Tulip Festac Lagos Hotel with a host of Nigerian music icons making up the bill. The festival runs until the early hours of the morning with up and coming musicians also given a chance to play in front of a home crowd.
Atlantic Bar, Adeola Hopewell St Victoria Island
Situated on Victoria Island, an area which draws the local fashionistas, this music venue is revered for its atmosphere. And how could it not be? With quality music and live bands on Fridays and Saturdays the youth of Lagos turn this establishment into one hell of a party zone. The selection of bar snacks isn’t too shabby either.
See
The Kalakuta Republic Museum, 8 Gbemisola St
In 2012 the Lagos State Government turned the home of the late Afrobeat legend, human rights activist and political maverick, Fela Kuti, into a museum to “promote cultural heritage and mark the 74th birthday” of the multi instrumentalist. Inside the museum are Kuti’s dresses, shoes, albums, instruments and various other household goods, which tell the story of the musician’s life. To complete the picture of the impact that Kuti had the walls of the museum are adorned with paintings and plaques.
New Afrika Shrine, 1 Nerdc Rd Agidingbi Ikeja
This is yet another staple in honour of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and while the original building burnt down Kuti’s son Femi now runs this shrine-cum-music venue. With an entry fee you can see Femi playing the music that made his father famous on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays depending on if he’s in town or not. While this venue is essentially a huge shed it is the foremost place in Lagos to see the music that made the city famous.
Lagos Acts You Should Check Out
Bez – Soundcloud
This 29-year-old soul singer-songwriter has been one of the bright lights of the local music scene for the past few years. His 2011 debut album, Super Sun, only furthered this sentiment with five nominations at the 2012 Nigerian Music Awards. Listen to the singer’s magnificent vocals on ‘More You’ below.
Wizkid – Soundcloud
Often cited as one of the leading up and coming local hip-hop acts Wizkid like much of his celebrated contemporaries is drenched in auto tune and lewd rhymes. As ‘Drop’ below demonstrates this style of hip-hop may not be for everyone but it typifies the style of music that dominates Lagos.
Tiwa Savage – Soundcloud
Returning home after touring the world and providing backup vocals for big name acts like George Michael (at the ripe old age of 16), Mary J. Blige, Sting, 50 Cent and Destiny’s Child to name but a few, Savage released her debut album, Once Upon A Time, in 2013. Savage, who sings in English and Yoruba, is one of the leading Nigerian female artist.
