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Is it something in the water? I am trying to figure out why Nigeria has lately produced a slew of quality neo-soul type singers. (Incidentally, most of them are in the Nigerian diaspora).
I’ve posted a few on this blog before: Bantu, Asha, Siji and Ayo, among others.
Recently I also discovered the music of Nneka. Go sample her music at her MySpace page.
A few things stand out about the new generation of Nigerian Afrobeat singers: they all acknowledge the impact of Fela Kuti’s music and they’re comfortable with mixing genres. Although I am classing them neo-soul, that term does not capture their individual styles which incorporates Afrobeat, of course, reggae, folk, rock, as well as a range of genres.
Here, here and here are also some links to interviews with Nneka on her influences and her music.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
More than the water, i think Keziah Jones is responsible for this generation of Euro-based world travelled soulsters. Or more precisely his “Black Orpheus” project (2003, I think) which spoke the naija diaspora as beautiful and smart and reconnected the continents more powerfully than any sound since Fela’s. Check it.
I forgot about Keziah. Have a few songs of his on my iPod.