You’ve probably heard of Nigerian songs, like a wave they peaked and disappeared like the wind, never to be heard again. This is a general trend across several of the releases ongoing in Nigeria. Once a particular joint spins on multiple TV and radio stations, it gradually fades out before eventually becoming a song that is heard only on rare occasions. That’s a succinct definition of club banger, but when it comes to a classic joint, it’s meant to last a lifetime or “maybe” be passed on to the next generation for our kids and their grandkids to enjoy.
Such songs, although they were produced just a few decades ago, adorn our stereos like new songs just coming out of the studio. So if you are in Nigeria and can’t find an “evergreen” Nigerian song then here are 10 such songs in Nigeria that you should sing along to if you consider yourself a real Nigerian:
1. African Queen by 2face Idibia – 2004
This may be the newest classic, but trust me when I say our great-grandchildren will still be touching this song twenty decades from now. In fact, this song is more popular than 2face itself and the market just can’t get enough of it. He has managed to win several awards and secure him international recognition. Also, it was used as the soundtrack for the “Phat Girlz” comedy film and even to this day, several radio stations play this song more than most of the new Idibia releases.
2. Now or Ever by Sonny Okusun – 1986
This is a song that will bring back memories to any adult who heard the song in the 80’s and early 90’s. It was released in 1986 after the single “Which Way Nigeria” and has been circulating on several radio stations since. It even earned Sonny Okusun international recognition and everyone who remembers him will be reminded of this great single despite the time frame.
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3. Wonder Wonder by Femi Kuti – 1995
Femi Kuti is one of the most revered Afro-pop artists and at the forefront of his classics stands the single ‘Wonder Wonder’ released in 1995. This is the same song that put Femi Kuti on the map and a high note also played a big part in launching his music career. Wonder Wonder is definitely one of Femi Kuti’s songs that will stay green forever while being sung by several generations in hundred years.
4. The Way Forward by King Sunny Ade & various artists – 1994
In 1994, King Sunny Ade brought 32 Nigerians together. Artists and actors recorded a song against ethnic violence entitled “The Way Forward” which became an automatic hit and an evergreen classic. The song has been sung in multiple languages - Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba and several other Nigerian languages. The message revolved around urging Nigerians to stop fighting each other and instead celebrate their independence together.
5. Joromy by Sir Victor Uwaifo – 1969
Born in Nigeria in 1941, Uwaifo is a Nigerian writer, sculptor and musician whose “Joromy” hit single is a major classic currently receiving major airplay on several African stereos and radio stations. It’s a song that earned Uwaifo his legendary status when he could play the guitar with both hands, feet and tongue – something that was very strange in the 1960s. The song brought him his first gold record and considerable international recognition and is still considered a great classic that sounds fresh in every ear.
6. Seun Rere by Christie Igbokwe Essien – 1981
Christie Igbokwe Essien is one of the most respected music pioneers in Nigeria who actually played an important role in bringing Nigerian music to where it is now. She is known for her “evergreen” classic Seun Rere, which sounds new to everyone’s ears despite being recorded over 30 years ago. Recorded by Lemmy Jackson, this track is considered one of the Nigerian classics, lasting for over a thousand and one years.
7. Iyogogo by Onyeka Onwenu – 1992
From their fourth album – “One Love”, Iyogogobecame the favorite haunt of most Onyeka fans. In fact, the entire album had a strong impact on Nigerian lives as it preached a message of love and peace and the Iyogogo single became an instant international hit. And apparently everyone who hears the Iyogogo song automatically becomes Onyeka’s fan, despite the time it was released.
8. Sweet Mother of Prince Nico Mbarga – 1976
Prince Nico Mbarga recorded Sweet Mother in 1976, the song sold over 13 million copies on its release and is considered the greatest African song of all time worldwide. Although Prince Mbarga only had this song as his only major hit, it actually earned him a lot of respect while also giving him international recognition. Despite his death as a result of a tragic motorcycle accident on June 24, 1997, he is still known for this classic that will never fade among the hordes of his fans in the near future.
9. Water No Get Enemy by Fela Kuti – 1975
From the Expensive Shit album, the single Water-No-Get-Enemy is a great classic, sung by several Fela Kuti fans to this day. It is a classic song that is more philosophical than political as it metaphorically explains the natural flow of water in relation to the harmonious interplay of humans. It’s a song that was way ahead of its time and that’s definitely one of the reasons why this song is still considered a great classic several decades later.
10. Afro Juju by Shina Peters – 1989
Shina Peters and the “International Stars” Band is a household name that will never fade for the next thousand years. He has 16 acclaimed albums with Afro Juju Series 1 album being the most popular by most of his current fans. He is credited as the creator of the music genre Afro Juju, and most of the songs on the album Afro Juju Series 1 are considered classics by those who have heard the album.