Strut presents Nigeria 80, the next essential chapter in the legendary Nigeria 70 series, diving deep into the explosive sound world of 1980s Nigeria.
Following the global impact of 2001’s Nigeria 70, which introduced rare Nigerian recordings to international audiences, Nigeria 80 continues the journey, exploring a rich, restless and wildly creative decade of music from Lagos to Enugu. Despite economic instability and restrictive political conditions, Nigeria’s music industry flourished throughout the 1980s, driven by a growing network of independent labels such as Tabansi and Phonodisk, which championed local artists and encouraged greater creative freedom. The decade also saw the rise of influential female artists, with trailblazers like Onyeka Onwenu helping to reshape the musical landscape and inspire a new generation of performers, writers and producers.
All tracks on Nigeria 80 are reissued here for the first time, showcasing the remarkable breadth of Nigerian music during the decade. The compilation features highlife legends Victor Uwaifo and Nico Mbarga alongside Paulson Kalu, whose personal favourite, “Akugbue Nwa Ewu,” stands as a prime example of the genre. Prince David Bull’s “Soko Soko”, later reinterpreted in Starboy’s Afrobeats hit “Soco,” provides a fascinating link between generations. Segun Adewale delivers a driving juju workout, while Lekan Animashaun, longtime bandleader of Africa 70, contributes a late-era Afrobeat classic produced in collaboration with Fela Kuti.
The collection also explores the more experimental side of the period, from I.C. Rock’s proto-hip hop gem “Advice” to Evi-Edna Ogholi’s self-produced reggae statement “The World.” The compilation closes with “Apama” by Ibealaoke Chukwukeziri, the “Apama Boy” from Achi in eastern Nigeria, featuring hypnotic vocals and percussion from his Anaedeonu band.
Nigeria 80 is available as a Strut Exclusive Edition 2LP including an exclusive 12″ insert, as a standard black vinyl 2LP housed in a gatefold sleeve, or as a CD digipak featuring a 16-page booklet with artist photos and liner notes by Francis Gooding. Compiled by Duncan Brooker, with audio restoration by See Why Audio and mastering by The Carvery.
