Wake Up You! (Part 2)

26/04/2016An NPR Interview With Uchenna Ikonne On 1970s Nigerian Rock
 

Los Angeles-based Now Again Records recently released the first volume of its ambitious investigation into the Nigerian rock scene of the 1970s, a two-album/two-book project entitled "Wake Up You! The Rise And Fall of Nigerian Rock, 1972-1977" and authored by music producer/historian Uchenna Ikonne.

In an interview with NPR radio Ikonne proceeds to offer some background insight, including the role of the notorious Fela Kuti in the short-lived movement.

"When rock 'n' roll first came about, it seemed kind of ridiculous to most people. It seemed like these young Africans were awkwardly aping foreign artists, who were White, who were themselves copying Black Americans."

Listen to the full 7-minute interview via the player above!

AUTHOR: Lev Nordstrom