Traditional & modern music
Greetings everyone!
Sometime last year, I stumbled on a post on X where it was stated that as one grows older, they'll naturally find themselves loving the kind of music their parents love or used to love. When I saw that, I smiled because it felt as though the post was directly referring to me.
Over the years, I have found myself developing a deep interest in the music that my dad loves and always plays at home — traditional music, commonly referred to as highlife music. These kinds of songs are often produced in a traditional manner, with 100% originality compared to what we have in our modern age. What do I mean by this?
I’m not disputing the fact that the kinds of music we have today are good and, with the help of technology, are perfectly crafted. However, those traditional songs of the past allowed one to really feel the drum beats, the saxophone sounds, the guitar twists — and imagine so vividly, applauding the genius behind the art.
Take, for instance, the song “Agaraka na zo ani” by the late Chief Stephen Osadebe. Each time I come across this song, I can’t help but appreciate the artistry in it. The alignment of all the elements feels almost unreal. I’ve imagined over and over again how the instrumentalists managed to 'cook up' such a beat.
If you check the comment section of this song wherever it’s posted, you’ll see people appreciating the craftsmanship — even those who don’t understand the lyrics, since it’s done in the Igbo language. I, too, cannot fully understand the language, but the sheer beauty of the musical art makes me love the song deeply. Way back when we were growing up, my dad loved playing this song on repeat through the VCD music system.
Back then, very close to our compound, there was a musician in the next compound. Whenever they were doing their rehearsals, it used to be so captivating and ear-tingling. It felt like experiencing a live show because the sound quality was that good. The beats from the drums — especially the local ones made of animal skin — the hollow instruments, the guitar sounds, and many others… it was pure magic. Whenever those songs played, anyone who truly loved and appreciated the art of music would instantly get up and start dancing.
Okay, what about this modern type of music?
Honestly, I love the kind of modern music we have in Africa — especially in Nigeria — which is known as Afrobeats. This genre has evolved a lot, and right now, it seems to be at its peak in terms of beauty, largely due to the kind of technology we now have that makes music production easier and more refined.
Sometimes, I come across songs and just feel like meeting the producers in person to spray them money for having the brilliant idea to use technology in organizing and producing such beautiful music.
I love the old songs more, but I also love the new ones.
Just take a look at “Laho” by Shallipopi.
Of a truth traditional music is very sweet but as for me i can't say because i grew up then i will leave modern time to old time again the way music is been advance through technology now is not chiLd play now technology has transformed modern music that even if you hear a voice of some one you see changes like is not his voice so modern music is the perfect way of music