Various Artists - Nigeria 80 CD/2LP
RELEASES ON THE 11/9/26
Strut presents Nigeria 80, the next essential chapter in the legendary Nigeria 70 series, diving deep into the explosive sound world of 1980s Nigeria.
Following the global impact of 2001's "Nigeria 70", which helped introduce rare Nigerian recordings to international audiences, "Nigeria 80" continues the journey, unearthing a rich, restless, and wildly creative decade of music from Lagos to Enugu.
Despite economic instability and restrictive political conditions in the 1980's, Nigeria’s music industry flourished, driven by a growing network of independent labels such as Tabansi and Phonodisk, which championed local artists and expanded creative freedom. The 1980s also marked a significant rise in visibility for female artists, with trailblazers like Onyeka Onwenu helping to reshape the landscape and open doors for a new generation of performers, writers, and producers.
"Nigeria 80" showcases the extraordinary breadth of this era, with all tracks reissued here for the first time. The compilation brings together essential recordings from across Nigeria’s musical spectrum: highlife greats Victor Uwaifo and Nico Mbarga appear alongside Paulson Kalu, whose personal favourite Akugbue Nwa Ewu stands out as a prime example of the style. Prince David Bull’s Soko Soko (later reinterpreted in Starboy’s Afrobeats hit Soco) features as a key touchpoint between eras. Segun Adewale delivers a driving juju workout, while Lekan Animashaun, longtime bandleader of Africa 70, contributes a late-era Afrobeat classic produced in collaboration with Fela Kuti.
The compilation also highlights more experimental and hybrid sounds, from I.C. Rock’s proto–hip hop gem Advice to Evi-Edna Ogholi’s self-produced reggae statement The World. The set closes with Apama by Ibealaoke Chukwukeziri, the “Apama Boy” from Achi in eastern Nigeria, featuring hypnotic vocals and percussion from his Anaedeonu band.
Tracklist:
- CD -
1. Akugbue Nwa Ewu [Paulson Kalu & His Stars 25 International]
2. Ocheme Mia [Prince Nico Mbarga & His New Rocafil Jazz]
3. Ayubele [Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Titibitis]
4. We Have Got It [Mansour]
5. Advice / Oge Chi Kanma [I.C. Rock]
6. The World [Evi-Edna Ogholi]
7. Oko Mi Ye [Stella Monye]
8. Se Rere [Lekan Animashaun]
9. Apama [Ibealaoke Chukwukeziri & His "Anaedeonu"]
10. Yo-Pop Music [Segun Adewale & His Superstars International]
11. Soko Soko [Prince David Bull & His Professional Seagulls Dance Band]
- 2LP -
1. Akugbue Nwa Ewu [Paulson Kalu & His Stars 25 International]
2. Ocheme Mia [Prince Nico Mbarga & His New Rocafil Jazz]
3. Ayubele [Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Titibitis]
4. Advice / Oge Chi Kanma [I.C. Rock]
5. We Have Got It [Mansour]
6. The World [Evi-Edna Ogholi]
7. Soko Soko [Prince David Bull & His Professional Seagulls Dance Band]
8. Ije Love Pt. 2 [General Franco-Lee Ezute & His Harmony Kings International Band]
9. Yo-Pop Music [Segun Adewale & His Superstars International]
10. Se Rere [Lekan Animashaun]
11. Apama [Ibealaoke Chukwukeziri & His "Anaedeonu"]
About this product: this release is available on CD and 2LP formats.
The 2LP is pressed on black vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve.