Various Artists
Awon Ojise Olorun, Popular Music in Yorubaland 1931-1952 (Savannahphone AFCD 010, 2006)
This fascinating CD was extracted from the British Library archives. Awon Ojise Olorun explores some of the first recordings of Yoruba music. It includes sakara music of Yoruba Muslims, the guitarists of Lagos, and the origins of apala percussion groups.
The collection includes recordings by some of the most important musicians of the time: Rafiu Bankole, Abibus Oluwa, Lasisi Onipele, Akanbi Wright, Julius Araba, Lasisi Layemi, Raimi Dogo, Yesufu Olatunji, Aiyeke and his Orchestra, Aminu Olaribigbe, Alhaji Muniru Singers, Theophilus Iwalokun, Irewolede Denge, and Isamoto Alade.
The thick booklet features a historical introduction, lyrics, liner notes about the songs and a bibliography.
If you are intrigued by Nigerian music before the era of Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade, this collection will reveal the roots of modern Nigerian music.
Buy Awon Ojise Olorun, Popular Music in Yorubaland 1931-1952.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
