Fela Sowande and the Art Music of Nigeria

Donald Macleod explores the development of Nigerian art music through the lives and work of some of its most influential composers. Joined by Alexander Douglas, he traces the emergence of a musical tradition shaped by European missionary education, church music and indigenous cultural practices, beginning with Fela Sowande’s pioneering synthesis of Yoruba and Western traditions. From Sowande's early years in Lagos and London to the work of later figures including Ayo Bankole, Akin Euba, Samuel Akpabot and Nkeiru Okoye, the podcast follows a continuing conversation about identity, heritage and musical innovation. Along the way, we hear how generations of composers drew on local traditions while creating new forms of concert music, and how their legacy continues to evolve today.

Fela Sowande: High Life Joshua Uzoigwe: Talking Drums Fela Sowande: Go Down Moses Josiah Ransome-Kuti: Obángíjì Iwo Lo to Sìn Fela Sowande: African Suite Fela Sowande: 2 Preludes on Yoruba Sacred Folk Melodies – No. 1 K’A Mura Fela Sowande: Yoruba Lament Fela Sowande: Night and Day Fela Sowande: Sunset Fela Sowande: Obangiji Ayo Bankole: Egun Variations in G major Ayo Bankole: Variations for Little Ayo Ayo Bankole: Nigerian Suite Ayo Bankole: Three Yoruba Songs Ayo Bankole: Ya Orule Ayo Bankole: Piano Sonata No. 2 in C major “The Passion” Akin Euba: Three Yoruba Songs Without Words Akin Euba: Scenes from Traditional Life Akin Euba: Six Yoruba Folk Songs Akin Euba: Study in African Jazz 3 Akin Euba: Igba Kerin Akin Euba: Igba Kinni Akin Euba: Wakar Duru Joshua Uzoigwe: Nigerian Dance No. 1 Samuel Akpabot: Scenes from Nigeria – Pastorale Samuel Akpabot: Three Nigerian Dances Nkeiru Okoye: African Sketches Nkeiru Okoye: Breaking Bread Nkeiru Okoye: Songs of Harriet Tubman – I Am Harriet Tubman, Free Woman

Presented by Donald Macleod with Alexander Douglas Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Fela Sowande and the Art Music of Nigeria https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002y62n.

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z.