Classical Music In Nigeria

Classical music In Nigeria a colonial gift from the colonial masters, the British in their attempt to entrench their own European cultural music built mission schools and designed the curriculum of the schools in line with their objectives.

This exposed Nigerian converts to western classical music repertoire and classical music instruments such as the harmonium, organ, and piano.

Classical music in Nigeria cannot be discussed without the names of legends who achieved exceptional feats, likes of Revd. Josiah Ransome Kuti (Fela’s grandfather), Fela Sowande, and Ayo Bankole.



Revd. Josiah was an accomplished musician who played the piano with great composure and displayed astute mastery on the harmonium he composed the egba national anthem ‘lori oke ati petele’ a song that reminds the egbas of the proud exploits of their ancestors.



Fela Sowande consistently fought against what he called musical colonialism of the African culture by promoting the use of identifiable African musical traits and characteristics without compromising on ecstatic standards.

Fela Sowande is undoubtedly the father of modern Nigerian Art Music and perhaps the most distinguished and internationally known African composer his works mark the beginning of an era of modern Nigerian Art Music

Nigerians began writing compositions of their own as far back as 1910; and one of the first to lead the way was Revd. Josiah Ransome Kuti, Fela’s grandfather who in fact added “Ransome” to this family name upon baptism in the Christian faith.

Classical music has continued to develop in Nigeria through the various universities with music departments organizing and nurturing choirs drawn from their immediate backgrounds and communities