The South-Western part of Nigeria has been playing an integral part in the Nigerian music ecosystem. This has been going on for more than fifty years, while other parts of the country have played an important role, the part played by South Western can’t be ignored.
Fuji music, one of the most indigenous genres in Nigeria, has its South West Nigeria land. Highlife music, an offshoot of Palm Wine music also has its South Western version. Although High Life music has its roots in Ghana and Liberia, there is also the Nigeria version which is equally split between East and Western Nigeria.
Juju music which was made popular by King Sunny Ade and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey also had its roots in the South Western part of the country. The list goes on.
In the last two decades, the South West continued to make its mark in the Afrobeats journey, the superstars in the music industry seem to have come from this region, even some of them left their abode for Lagos State, a city regarded as the economical and entertainment capital of the country.
In the late 2000s, Danny Young, an Akure-raised artiste left the city for Lagos. In his quest to make it in the music industry, he had to leave his parent’s house in Akure for Lagos. By the early 2010s, he was already a known figure in the music industry.
In 2016, Superwozzy, the then Akure-based rapper became a viral sensation when he released his Panda cover “Akobi Dagrin,” while he paid tribute to the late rapper, he also showed the listeners why he should be taken seriously.
In 2011, Olamide, the Lagos State-raised rapper announced himself to the Nigerian music space with his hit track “Eni duro,” the video which was directed by DJ Tee found the YBNL boss changing into different attire. With over six studio albums released so far, the rapper has already registered his name in a history book.
Abeokuta raised Kizz Daniel became a sonic sensation in 2016 with the release of his debut track “Woju,” with financial support from his then-label boss, G-Worldwide. Close to a decade later, the singer continues to dominate the airwave with his music.
Songwriter, producer and performer, Sola Shittu better known as Oshara has continued to raise the flag of Ekiti State high with his music. With over a decade and a half of experience in the music industry, the Ikere-Ekiti-born singer continues to wax stronger in his sonic composition, stage performance and social services.
His skills and talent have not gone unnoticed as he has shared the stage with music legends like King Sunny Ade, Sinach, Nathaniel Bassey, Adekunle Gold, Eldrees Abdulkareem, Alibaba, Gbenga Adeyinka, Alabi Pasuma, Sola Allyson, Adewale Ayuba and many others.
Before he made headway in the music industry, Oshara already tried his hand in art-related exploits like acting, standup comedy, events anchor and others.
Oshara is also the brain behind Greenwave Productions, a full-fledged audiovisual production outfit.
In the early 2000s, Olumide Edwards Adegbulu (Olu), Tolu Ogunniyi (Tolu), and Adeboye Bammeke (Big Bamo) formed a music ensemble which they called “Maintain,” while they were studying at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Long before the group disbanded, they dominated the airwave with tunes like “I Catch Cold,” “Domitila,” “Alo,” and others. Before the group disbanded in 2004, they released a total of six albums.
Decades into decades, South West continues to wax stronger in its contribution to the Nigerian music industry, would other regions catch up? Only time will tell.