Nigerian music | World Music Central

The album cover for Africanism by The Last Poets features at its center a large African mask surrounded by collaged imagery of Black leaders, protest scenes, and cultural icons. Purples, oranges, and yellows are used, while geometric patterns and African motifs frame the artwork.

Album reviews

The Last Poets’ Africanism Spins Back On Vinyl

The Last Poets – Africanism (Africa Seven, 2024/2025 vinyl reissue) The Last Poets have reissued Africanism on vinyl. This formidable recording brings together spoken word…

The album cover for Journey Through Life by Femi Kuti is a collage of personal and historical photographs. It features Femi at various life stages, alongside images of his father Fela Kuti, family members, and musicians. Set against a bold green and yellow backdrop with traditional motifs.

Album reviews

Femi Kuti’s Next Act: Journey Through Life Balances Protest With Personal Insight

Tyler Bennet June 6, 2025 No Comments Afrobeat Femi Kuti Nigeria Nigerian music world music

Femi Kuti – Journey Through Life (Partisan Records, 2025) On his 2025 album Journey Through Life, Nigerian Afrobeat stalwart Femi Kuti turns inward, pairing his…

The album cover for Egwu Mmanwu Igbo: Music of Igbo Masquerade by Okwy Osadebe and Highlife Soundmakers International is an illustration. It prominently features Okwy Osadebe in traditional Igbo attire, adorned with red and green patterned fabric, gold jewelry, and a red cap. He gestures warmly, as if inviting the listener into the music. The background is an expressive mix of warm colors—orange, yellow, and black—depicting silhouetted musicians playing instruments like the saxophone, trumpet, guitar, and drums, emphasizing the highlife and Igbo masquerade music themes. The hand-drawn typography is bold, with a mix of yellow and red hues.

Album reviews

Highlife in Disguise: Okwy Osadebe Honors Igbo Masquerade Tradition

Tyler Bennet March 10, 2025 No Comments Highlife Nigerian music Okwy Osadebe Okwy Osadebe and Highlife SoundMakers world music

Okwy Osadebe and Highlife SoundMakers – Music for Igbo Masquerade (Odogwu Entertainment / Palenque Records, 2025) Okwy Osadebe and Highlife SoundMakers’ latest album, Music for…

Oriental Brothers International Band - Onye Rie Ibe Ya Erie cover artwork. A collage of photos of members of the band.

Album reviews

A Legendary Return: The Oriental Brothers and Their Effect on Afro-Colombian Music

Angel Romero November 18, 2024 No Comments Highlife Igbo Highlife Nigerian music The Oriental Brothers world music

Oriental Brothers International Band – Onye Rie Ibe Ya Erie (Palenque Records, 2024) Palenque Records is celebrating 50 Years of Igbo Highlife icons, Oriental Brothers…

Angélique Kidjo and Davido’s 'Joy cover artwork. Photos of the two artists.

Music videos

Angélique Kidjo and Davido’s ‘Joy’ Surges in Popularity, Celebrating African Music

World Music Central News Room October 2, 2024 No Comments Afrobeats Angelique Kidjo Beninese music Davido Nigerian music world music

Angélique Kidjo and Davido’s latest collaboration, “Joy,” has quickly gained momentum, amassing over 4 million streams and climbing to #7 on the Nigerian National Airplay…

Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band – Ṣonṣo cover artwork. A photo of the artist with dreadlocks.

Album reviews

The Joyful and Thought-Provoking Music of Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band

Dymond June 29, 2024 No Comments Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band Nigerian music world music

Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band – Ṣonṣo (EniObanke, 2024) Ṣonṣo, the 20th studio album by Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band, was…

Articles

Highlife, Ghana’s Musical Gift to the world

Douglas Sanders November 20, 2023 1 Comment Ghana Ghanaian music Highlife Igbo Highlife Nigerian music world fusion world music

Highlife is a West African music genre that originated in Ghana in the late 19th century. Subsequently, it extended its reach to western Nigeria and…

The Good Samaritans - No Food Without Taste If By Hunger

New Releases

Irresistible Edo-Funk from Benin City, Nigeria

Angel Romero May 24, 2023 No Comments Edo Funk Highlife Nigerian music The Good Samaritans world music

The Good Samaritans – No Food Without Taste If By Hunger (Analog Africa, 2023) The sirring highlife music known as Edo Funk from Benin City,…

Articles New Releases

No Reason To Be Careful What I Wished For

Tom Orr May 5, 2023 No Comments Annael Azzaf Bumaranga Caro Pierotto Fernanda Morgan Irene Ango Lamaa Laurent La Rocca Loic Emboule McKane Davis Minna LaFortune Nigerian music Ojo Avo Perscopi Invertit Rodrigo Simoes San Donero Shriving Drawers Sista MIKA Sonia Aimy Stephanie Osorio Tropical Jazz Trio world music

I now find myself, via my own intentions and the supplanting magic of the internet, the recipient of a good many singles. And the phrase…

Album reviews

Azuka Moweta and his Anioma Brothers Band present an enticing Mix of Ekobe music and Igbo Highlife

Angel Romero March 12, 2023 No Comments Azuka Moweta Highlife Igbo Highlife Nigerian music world music

Azuka Moweta and his Anioma Brothers Band – Nwanne Bu Ife (Palenque Records, 2023) Azuka Anthony Moweta, a Nigerian vocalist from Asaba in Delta state,…