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The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music. Little of the country's music history prior to European contact has been preserved, although bronze carvings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries have been found depicting musicians and their instruments. The country's most internationally renowned genres are Indigenous, Apala, Aurrebbe music, Rara music, Were music, Ogene, Fuji, Jùjú, Afrobeat, Afrobeats, Igbo highlife, Afro-juju, Waka, Igbo rap, Gospel,Nigerian pop and Yo-pop. Styles of folk music are related to the over 250 ethnic groups in the country, each with their own techniques, instruments, and songs. The largest ethnic groups are the Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Traditional music from Nigeria and throughout Africa is often functional; in other words, it is performed to mark a ritual such as the wedding or funeral and not to achieve artistic goals. Although some Nigerians, especially children and the elderly, play instruments for their own amusement, solo performance is otherwise rare. Music is closely linked to agriculture, and there are restrictions on, for example, which instruments can be played during different parts of the planting season.
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Ikwokirikwo (Ikwokilikwo) is a high-tempo style of Igbo highlife music influenced by Ogene, which gives the style its fast-paced signature. The style emerged in the early 1970s. It was popularized by the Oriental Brothers and later by Kabaka Guitar Band. It was pioneered by Oliver De Coque and Prince Nico Mbarga.
References
- ↑ Prince Nico Mbarga: Profile
- ↑ Tribute to Nico Mbarga of Sweet Mother, ModernGhana.com 11 February 2008
- ↑ Kent, Sami (June 25, 2017). "His Biggest Hit Sold More Copies Than Any of the Beatles'. So Why Haven't You Heard of Him?". Narratively. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ↑ "Music Extra: Sweet Mother". BBC. 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ↑ Sweet Mother is Africa's anthem, BBC, 31 December 2004
