Folk music in Nigeria traditionally has a function, and is not preformed for entertainment purposes. This means that pieces were made to be preformed in religious ceremonies or rituals, not for enjoyment. Although some people do play instruments for their own enjoyment, solo performances are rare. Nigerian Pop-music is made for entertainment purposes, and some pop-music from Nigeria has become widely popular.
Nigerian Folk Music:
Some instruments commonly used in Nigerian Folk Music Include:
The Zither Slit Drums Xylophones Flutes Lyres Udus Lutes
These instruments are used mainly in religious and ceremonial events, such as during egwugwu presentations where spirits are impersonated, or during sacrifices. In many tribes, drums are used to promote tension, and are used in a "dundun" style of music. This drumming style has actually influenced Nigerian Popular Music quite a bit.
Nigerian Popular Music:
Some Popular Artists include:
Wizkid Davido D'banj 2Face Idibia Don Jazzy Tiwa Savage Olamide Fela Kuti Ice Prince
These artists are all widely known in Nigeria, and some have even made it to be discovered in America as well. Wizkid, one of the most popular artists in Nigeria currently, won MTVMA's "Best African Act" award. Popular African Music uses percussion often, as it was influenced by traditional Nigerian Music with regards to drums. Following World War II, funk and Rock'n'Roll became quite popular due to its diffusion from America and the UK. In the 1980s Bob Marly was quite popular, and hip-hop gained influence during the late 1990s.