Strut Records releases Nigeria 70 box set reissue

In a social media post, the UK-based record label wrote: “We’re back in the office, shaking off the holiday dust and ready to embrace 2020. We've got a packed year coming up, kicking off with some classic Afrobeat, highlife and juju on a limited new 9 LP Nigeria 70 box.

The box set comprises four volumes and a 24-page, 12-inch booklet of previously unpublished interviews with artists and figures from Nigeria’s 1970s music scene. It also includes seven collector prints of original 1970s Nigerian album sleeves, a download option and an audio documentary narrated by Wunmi.

First released in 2001, Nigeria 70 was the pioneer compilation of its kind to explore in-depth the rich music scene of Lagos. It is curated by Duncan Brooker, Quinton Scott and Kayode Samuel, with artist interviews by Sue Bowerman.

With Fela Kuti and his life story already known in the West, the compilation focuses on other great musicians and bandleaders in 1970s Nigeria, including Joni Haastrup, Lijadu Sisters, Peter King, Segun Bucknor, Bala Miller, Laolu Akins, King Sunny Adé, Tunji Oyelana and others. Three further volumes followed, exploring the origins of Afrobeat, juju, funk and soul.

“The Nigeria 70 compilation album is one of the greatest achievements in my musical career,” Kayode Samuel said. “I came to Nigeria in 2000 for the first time after 20 years in London where I met Quinton Scott who was just setting up Strut Records. We were able to interview King Sunny Adé, Ebenezer Obey, the late Elder Rhodes and Segun Bucknor, Tunde Kuboye and so on. It was a fantastic experience, and to think that the album is still relevant today speak volumes.”

This box set is the definitive collection for Nigerian music lovers. The booklet that comes with it includes unseen photos from the original Nigeria 70 research trip to Lagos in 2000 along with transcripts of all of the interviews with artists, producers and industry figures, many of whom have passed away.

Contributors include Harry Mosco (The Funkees), Tunde Kuboye (Afro Collection), Ginger Baker, Benson Idonije, Elder Steve Rhodes and Ray Njoku (Arc Studios). The exclusive prints include original sleeve artwork from Segun Bucknor, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Bala Miller and Sahara All Stars Jos.

Pre-orders of the Nigeria 70 reissue can be placed here.