About this episode

Donald Macleod explores the development of Nigerian art music through influential composers and their cultural impact.

Donald Macleod explores the development of Nigerian art music through the lives and work of some of its most influential composers. Joined by Alexander Douglas, he traces the emergence of a musical tradition shaped by European missionary education, church music and indigenous cultural practices, beginning with Fela Sowande’s pioneering synthesis of Yoruba and Western traditions. From Sowande's early years in Lagos and London to the work of later figures including Ayo Bankole, Akin Euba, Samuel Akpabot and Nkeiru Okoye, the podcast follows a continuing conversation about identity, heritage and musical innovation. Along the way, we hear how generations of composers drew on local traditions while creating new forms of concert music, and how their legacy continues to evolve today. Fela Sowande: High Life Joshua Uzoigwe: Talking Drums Fela Sowande: Go Down Moses Josiah Ransome-Kuti: Obángíjì Iwo Lo to Sìn Fela Sowande: African Suite Fela Sowande: 2 Preludes on Yoruba Sacred Folk Melodies – No. 1 K’A Mura Fela Sowande: Yoruba Lament Fela Sowande: Night and Day Fela Sowande: Sunset Fela Sowande: Obangiji Ayo Bankole: Egun Variations in G major Ayo Bankole: Variations for Little Ayo Ayo…

People in this episode

Host: Donald Macleod

Guest: Alexander Douglas

Topics covered

• Nigerian art music
• influential composers
• musical tradition
• identity and heritage
• musical innovation

Keywords

• Fela Sowande
• Nigerian music
• Yoruba traditions
• art music
• musical heritage
• composers
• cultural practices

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: High Life, Talking Drums, Go Down Moses, Obángíjì Iwo Lo to Sìn, African Suite, 2 Preludes on Yoruba Sacred Folk Melodies – No. 1 K’A Mura, Yoruba Lament, Night and Day, Sunset, Obangiji

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