Nigeria’s musical landscape is currently dominated by countless genres, each with traceable origins. Afro-Adura, highlife, and Afrobeats all have well-documented histories. But what about Afro Rock? What is its history in Nigeria, and why is it not widely known?
In the late sixties, Nigeria quickly went from a newly independent nation to the brink of civil war. Long-standing friction between major ethnic groups resurfaced, upending the country’s already unstable balance, including its music scene. The lively tempos of highlife gradually took a backseat to the Western imports of soul and rock & roll, the lengthy percussive tunes of Afrobeat and the electric fuzz of Afro-Rock.
In January 1970, the Nigeria-Biafra conflict ended, and many of the musical acts of the time responded to its aftermath by performing brash, dense music featuring complicated guitar riffs and socially charged lyrics. Bands like Ofege, The Funkees, Magnificent Zenians, and Blo became synonymous with the phrase ‘psych-rock.’ Even the Lijadu Sisters, known for experimenting with various genres, utilised this diverse sound in their music. But for musical acts from the East, this was personal.
The Fractions, which eventually disbanded, and The Hykkers, which continued after the war, were originally Lagos-based groups that left for Biafra when the war began. Though their music shared a similar sound, it also incorporated lyrics and rhythms that reflected their indigeneity, especially as they were recruited to boost morale for the Biafran government and people.
Yet, with the rise of Afrobeat, the Evangelical movement, and the resulting association with demonism, Nigeria’s rock scene declined, leading bands to break up or relocate to the West. However, thanks to rediscovery and re-releases, there is a renewed interest in the genre, especially among Nigerian youth, just like in the past.
Musical acts like ClayRocksU, Tayo Creed, and The Isomers continue this resurgence, showcasing a contemporary evolution of the genre. This revival reflects changing times, but we must not forget that the genre’s origins are deeply intertwined with a part of history many were forced to disregard.