Artist Profile: Segun Bucknor
Eight years after his passing, Segun Bucknor remains one of Nigeria’s most overlooked musical talents. Born in Lagos in 1946, Bucknor’s early love for music began in school choirs and bands. He later moved to New York, where artists like Ray Charles and James Brown had a lasting effect on his style.
By the time he returned to Nigeria, Bucknor had played in two bands, including the Hot Four. In 1970, the Hot Four evolved into Segun Bucknor and the Assembly, marking a shift in musical direction. The band released politically charged tracks like Adebo and Son of January 15, blending funk, soul, highlife, jazz, and afrobeat.
Despite his talent, Bucknor’s rise was overshadowed by the dominance of Fela Kuti and the political nature of his own music. Singing in both Yoruba and English, he remained committed to telling Nigeria’s story through sound. Collaborations with legends like Roy Chicago and BLO further affirmed his role as an instrumentalist and composer.
Bucknor passed away in 2017 due to health complications. His legacy, however, persists through his bold lyrics, genre-blending compositions, and a body of work that continues to challenge authority.