Living the Highlife

Various Artists

Miliki Music: Society Sounds of 60's Lagos (Mulatta Records, 2008)

One of the greatest effects of the Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon is that it generated interest in veteran musicians from many cultures and brought some of them back from retirement. Producer Olakunle Tejuoso and his label, Jazzhole Records, pays a well deserved tribute to the musicians who had an essential role in the development of Nigerian music on Miliki Music. Now in their 70s and 80s, these musicians were once at the cutting edge of Nigerian music, specially Palm Wine and Highlife music.

Miliki Music: Society Sounds of 60's Lagos unites two of the leading veteran musicians of the era: singer and percussionist Kokoro (Benjamin Aderaunmu) and guitarist and singer Fatai Rolling Dollars (Fatai Olagunjo) together with t wo younger musicians, guitarist Biodun Ayinde Bakare (the son of Juju and Highlife pioneer Ayinde Bakare) and keyboardist Duro Ikujenyo. (who was Fela Kuti's keyboardist).

Don't expect the high intensity Afrobeat sounds of Fela Kuti and his followers. This music predates Kuti's era and, even though there are some energetic dance pieces, the rich sound is rather laid back.

With Miliki Music: Society Sounds of 60's Lagos you can revisit one of the most exciting periods in last century's Nigerian music.

Buy the CD:

• In North America: Miliki Music: Society Sounds of 60's Lagos