The Music of Nigeria in 1950s, 60s and 70s

Following the World War II, Nigerian music began to take on modern instruments and patterns, including electric instruments imported from the United States and Europe. Rock n roll and later funk became most renowned in Nigeria and elements of these genres were added to juju by musicians like Ik Dairo.  Meanwhile, the highlife had been gradually achieving in fame among the Igbo tribes, and their distinctive method soon found a national spectator. In the same time, apala’s Haruna Ishola who became one of the country’s biggest musicians. In the early to mid-70s, the three of biggest popular names in the term of Nigerian music history were at their top known as Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey, while the end of that year saw start of Yo-pop and Nigerian reggae.

Though the renowned methods such as highlife and juju were at the top of the Nigerian chart in 1960s, the folk music remained extensive. Traditional musicians include the Hausa Dan Maraya who was so popular that he was brought to the battlefield during 1967 Nigerian Civil War to boost the morale of the federal troops.