Nigerian Music in the Mainstream: Why Representation Matters

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Nigerian music has become a global phenomenon, with its catchy rhythms, soulful vocals, and unique blend of traditional and modern sounds captivating audiences around the world. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the increasing presence of Nigerian music in mainstream movies. While most people prefer to listen to them while playing on 22bet.com.gh, others prefer seeing them represented on the silver screen.

 

How This Music Became A Part Of The Mainstream

Nigerian music has long been a part of the country’s cultural identity, with genres like juju, highlife, and Afrobeat having deep roots in the country’s history. In recent years, however, Nigerian music has undergone a transformation, with new styles like Afrobeats and Afro-fusion gaining popularity both in Nigeria and abroad.

 

The rise of Nigerian music to global prominence can be attributed to a number of factors. For one, the internet and social media have made it easier for Nigerian artists to reach a wider audience. The popularity of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music has also made it easier for fans around the world to discover and enjoy Nigerian music.

 

But perhaps the biggest factor driving the rise of Nigerian music is its unique blend of traditional and modern influences. Nigerian artists draw on a wide range of musical traditions, from Yoruba drumming to American hip-hop, to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh.

 

Movies That Feature Nigerian Music

Nigeria is known for its vibrant music industry that has produced a wealth of talent over the years. From Afrobeat to Highlife, Nigerian music has become a staple in the global music scene, with a growing number of mainstream movies incorporating the sounds of Nigeria into their soundtracks. This unique sound has made Nigerian music a popular choice for movie soundtracks in recent years.

 

Black Panther

Black Panther was a cultural phenomenon that swept the world in 2018. The movie’s soundtrack, produced by Kendrick Lamar, was a masterpiece that blended African rhythms and American hip-hop. One of the standout tracks was “Redemption,” which featured superstar Burna Boy. Burna Boy’s smooth vocals and Afrofusion sound were the perfect addition to the track, which was one of the most popular on the album. The movie’s use of Nigerian music was seen as a nod to the character’s African roots and helped to further popularize it.

 

Queen of Katwe

Queen of Katwe is a 2016 biographical drama film that tells the story of a young Ugandan girl who becomes a chess champion. The movie’s soundtrack features a mix of African music, with a particular focus on Nigerian music. The track “Mbube” by WizKid was one of the standout tracks. The song is a blend of traditional African music and modern Afrobeat and perfectly captures the spirit of the movie.

 

The Lion King

The Lion King is a classic Disney animated movie that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. The 2019 live-action remake of the movie featured a soundtrack that included some of the biggest names in African music. The track “Brown Skin Girl” by Beyoncé, which featured Nigerian singer WizKid, was one of the most popular tracks on the album. The song celebrates black women and their beauty, and WizKid’s contribution added a uniquely Nigerian flavor to the track.

 

Half of a Yellow Sun

Half of a Yellow Sun is a 2013 drama film that tells the story of two sisters in Nigeria during the 1960s, a time of political turmoil in the country. The movie’s soundtrack features a mix of Nigerian music, with a focus on the traditional Highlife music genre. The track “Ololufe Mi” by Nigerian artist Tosin Martins was one of the standout tracks. The song’s catchy rhythm and lyrics perfectly capture the love story at the heart of the movie.

 

The Wedding Party

The Wedding Party is a 2016 romantic comedy that tells the story of a couple’s wedding day in Lagos, Nigeria. The movie’s soundtrack features a mix of Nigerian music, with a focus on the popular Afrobeats genre. The track “Kolewerk” by Koker was one of the most popular songs on the album. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm perfectly capture the celebratory spirit of the movie.

 

Coming 2 America

Coming 2 America is a 2021 comedy film that serves as a sequel to the 1988 classic movie Coming to America. The movie’s soundtrack features a mix of African music, with a focus on Nigerian music. The track “Owo Ni Koko” by Larry Gaaga, featuring Davido, was one of the standout tracks on the album. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm perfectly capture the celebratory spirit of the movie.

 

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a 2019 biographical drama film that tells the story of a young Malawian boy who builds a windmill to save his village from famine. The movie’s soundtrack features a mix of African music, with a focus on the traditional Highlife music genre. The track “Ngozi” by Nigerian artist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was one of the most memorable ones featured in the movie.