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12 Women In The 80s Who Changed Nigerian Music
It goes without saying that Nigerian music, also known as Naija music, has evolved and is now attracting massive global attention. Furthermore, Nigerian musicians are touring the world and winning awards at major international music festivals. Nigerian Music In The 80s
Indeed, Nigerian music, also recognized as Afrobeat, has spawned a new culture of entertainment, excitement, and enjoyment in a number of countries.
It is important to note, however, that this musical revolution has been a long time coming.
In the history of Nigerian music, some women played significant parts that has led to the growth of the music industry.
For example, in the 1980s, there were a number of talented female musicians who made significant contributions to the industry.
In this article, we will look at 12 female musical legends from the 1980s.
Nelly Uchendu
Nelly Uzonna Uchendu, from Enugu State, was a formidable force in the 1970s and 1980s. Uchendu rose to prominence by modernizing traditional folklore and transforming it into pop songs. “Waka” and “Love Nwantinti” were two hit songs that catapulted Uchendu to fame.
Martha Ulaeto
Martha Ulaeto, a Cross River native, was a well-known singer in Calabar and beyond.
Her songs were mostly disco and funk, and they elicited a lot of dance energy. Her songs include “1982,” “Ndito Isong Emana Nyin,” and “Love Is Best.”
Salawa Abeni
Salawa Abeni, who was born in Ijebu, Ogun State, has made significant waves in the Nigerian music industry. In commemoration of the assassination of the then-President of Nigeria, she released her debut album, “Late General Murtala Mohammed,” in 1976. More than a million copies of the album were sold.
Because of her importance in the music industry, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi, crowned Salawa “Queen of Waka Music” in 1992.
Dora Ifudu
Dora Ifudu used to co-host the Bar Beach Show on NTA Channel 10. She self-released her first album, “First Time Out,” in 1979. Epic Records immediately signed her and whisked her away to New York to record her follow-up album after hearing her debut.
Her album was mostly comprised of Afro Soul songs. “The Way We Are” was Theodora Ifudu’s hit song in the late 1980s, and it prompted many people to listen to and purchase her album.
Christy Essien-Igbokwe
Christy Essien-Igbokwe, affectionately known as “Nigeria’s Lady of Songs,” was known for songs such as “Seun Rere,” “Tete Nula,” “Ife,” “Hear the Call,” and “Give me a Chance.”
She was the first female president of Nigeria’s Performing Musicians Association (PMAN) and the chairwoman and managing director of Soul Train Entertainment.
Essien-Igbokwe died on June 30, 2011, at the age of 50.
Oby Onyioha
Oby Onyioha was born, raised, and educated in Aba, Abia. Despite the fact that her father was a clergyman, Oby’s biggest hit was the subtle suggestive song “I Want To Feel Your Love,” which was released in 1981.
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Veno Marioghae
Veno Marioghae wowed her Nigerian music industry fans, particularly with her hit song “Nigeria Go Survive.”
The song, which was released in 1986, was written to inspire Nigerians to persevere during a period of national economic downturn.
Veno’s other songs include “Thank You Jah” and “Siobon Nome.”
Uche Ibeto
In the late 1980s, Uche Ibeto was quite a sensation. She was also known as the Jigida Queen, after one of her most well-known songs, “Jigida.”
Uche’s dexterity and dance techniques on stage and in her music videos increased her popularity. Other songs by her include “Ndidi-Amaka,” “Nike Nike,” and others.
Stella Monye
Stella Monye is an Ibadan-born singer known for her conscious and activist themes in her songs. In the 1980s, the native of Agbor, Delta State, had nationwide hits with songs like “Elenuwa” and “Oko Mi Ye.”
Evi Edna Ogholi
In the late 1980s, Delta State-born Evi-Edna Ogholi was a trendsetter in the Nigerian music scene. Her musical genre was reggae, which was unusual for a Nigerian female musician at the time.
This earned her the title “Queen of Reggae.” “Happy birthday,” one of her most well-known songs, has remained a timeless birthday song.
Funmi Adams
Anyone who grew up in the 1980s will remember the songs “Nigeria, My Beloved Country,” “Ahayye Yaro,” “All We Need Is Love,” “Mama, Thank You for Your Love,” and “Omode o.”
All of these incredible songs were products of the talented Funmi Adams.
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Onyeka Onwenu
Onyeka Onwenu, also known as the Elegant Stallion, is an Imo state-born singer.
Onwenu launched her career with the hit album “Endless Love.” She also has a number of hit songs that have won the hearts of many people. Among them are “One Love,” “Bia Nulu,” “Alleluya,” “Iyogogo,” and others.
