The Next Case of the Gha-Nigerian Vibe

This week we go back to those two West African countries colonized by the British Empire:  Ghana and Nigeria. I've been holding some new material for the show from this region; it's time to share!

Although not direct neighbors, these two countries share a great deal in common:  beyond the English language bond, these two countries have traditionally shared musical cultures as well. Most scholars seem to credit Ghana with originating the High Life genre, but it is clear that Nigeria picked up the trend very quickly. Initially a music style that was highly derivative of Western jazz, High Life evolved in the 1960s into a distinctively African sound, with a relaxed tempo and psychedelic touches. In Nigeria during the 1970s the High Life sound would further evolve into JuJu music, as played by King Sunny Ade. Today we will hear lots of cosmic-mellow-madness High LIfe from the 60s and 70s.

Due to familiarity with English language, the music scene in Ghana and Nigeria was more influenced by English and American music trends (relative to other West African countries). We will also hear some late 60s pop sounds from Ghana and Nigeria that reflect influences of rock, soul, and funk.

As many of you will know, another big African music genre was born in this region.  Fela Kuti traveled to London and America, and returned with a further evolution of High Life... this time it morphed into Afrobeat. Afrobeat put a Western drum kit under the music with a steady 4/4 anchor. We will hear just a bit of Afrobeat as we close out today's set.