As you’ve probably noticed by the main navigation link, the gallery of Nigerian Musicians/Producers/Artists has been up and running for a few months. We recently went through a round of reorganization, new additions and wanted to take this opportunity to call it out explicity.

You’ll find updates for Fela Kuti, Femi, Lágbájá, 2Face, Ruggedman, Sunny Ade, Majek Fashek, JJC and more…

So if you haven’t checked it lately, there’s lots to see!

Enjoy.

Gallery Index

Say the phrase “Sweet Mother” in Nigeria, and people instantly think Prince Nico Mbarga and:

Sweet Mother
I no go forget you
For the suffer wey you suffer for me…

The song is of course, the 1976 classic, “Sweet Mother,” by the Abakaliki-born Prince Nico Mbarga and Rocafil Jazz International. Reported as the biggest African hit of all time (within Africa), the album sold over 13 million copies.

Combining Congolese guitar rifs, highlife motifs and catchy, accessible (pidgin) lyrics, Mbarga’s sound saw incredible popularity both locally and internationally. Eventually relocating abroad, Mbarga spent a short stint in England before returning home and eventually moving away from the music industry by the early 90s.

Mbarga’s death in 1997 from a motorcycle accident spawned a revived interest in his music. Previously more challenging to acquire (because the age, format (LP/Tape) and limited distribution,) his work is as close as Amazon.com or Stern’s Music… or if you’re lucky, the African/Nigerian section of your local record store.

Prince Nico Mbarga - Sweet Mother

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Check out Prince Nico Mbarga in the Gallery

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While digging through some archived data, I came across this wallpaper, created some 7 years ago, it was pleasant suprise to see it again.

Inspired by the powerful image of Fela on stage, captured with fists clenched, and hands raised, this image is perhaps one of the most popular Fela images around today.

Hope you enjoy the wallpaper, consider it #1 of a series of Fela-inspired artwork to come.

Check out Fela Photos in the Gallery

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Anyone that watched the FIFA Youth World Championship final match between Nigeria and Argentina should have no doubt which team should have gone home with the cup.

Unbalanced officiating and lack of concentration led to 2 penalties even though Argentina never threatened. Nigeria was the clear controller of the match, with brilliant play from end to end. It was unfortunate to lose the way they did, but I’m still proud of our boys with no doubt in my mind that Nigeria are the best footballers in the world.

The 1999 song, “Fly Eagles” by Dr Alban praises the Eagles and their 1996 Olympic victory, and even calling out the names of the star players. (Kanu, West, Okocha, etc.) A fun song that gets the soccer juices flowing every time its played.

Dr Alban, a Swedish-based musician is probably known best for his early 90s dance hit, “It’s My Life” but also producers material for the Nigerian music scene with songs like, Carolina, Hello Africa, etc. More on Dr. Alban later.

p.s. If you missed the match, you’ll probably like to see Nigeria’s equalizing goal by Chinedu Ogbuke @ min ‘53.

Dr Alban - Fly Eagles

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Chinedu Ogbuke goal - Nigeria v. Arg., FIFA YWC final, 2005 1.5MB

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Check out Dr. Alban Photos in the Gallery

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