Soul Jazz Records to release Nigerian apala compilation

Apala: Apala Groups in Nigeria 1967-70 is the first-ever collection of apala music to be released outside of Nigeria. The genre is one of several musical styles that became popular in Nigeria in the 20th century. It is a percussion-based idiom that employs melodious vocals, the agidigbo (thumb piano), shekere (shaker), agogo (bells) and talking drums.

Groups of singers called ‘Oni were’ (women included) would perform apala songs to entertain Yoruba Muslims during the mornings of the month of Ramadan, a practice that continues today. Apala is also the forerunner of Fuji, sakara and waka and its origins can be traced to the 1930s when it served as a form of cultural resistance to the colonisers, as it used no western instrumentation.

Haruna Ishola and Ayinla Omowura are considered the main proponents of apala, with artists such as Adebukonla Ajao, Adeleke Aremu, Ayisatu Alabi, Rapheal Ajide and RA Tikalosoro popularising the genre between the 1950s and late 1970s.

The collection focuses on Ishola who released his debut album in 1948 and took apala around the world by performing in the UK, West Germany, France, Sweden and Italy. His son, Musiliu Ishola, brought apala to younger audiences in the 2000s, giving new life to the genre.

Tracklist: 

1. Haruna Ishola and His Apala Group – 'Ewure Ile Komoyi Ode'
2. Adebukonla Ajao and Her Group – 'Aboyin Ile'
3. Rapheal Ajide and His Apala Group – 'Adura Fun Osiwowo'
4. Haruna Ishola and His Apala Group – 'Orin To Mo Gbon Wa'
5. R.A. Tikalosoro and His Group – 'Agilinti Lomu'
6. Adebukonla Ajao and Her Group – 'A.B.D. Alawiye'
7. Haruna Ishola and His Apala Group – 'Asa Ko Gbodo Wole Gbeiyele'
8. Adeleke Aremu & His Group – 'Egbe Arowolo'
9. Haruna Ishola and His Apala Group – 'Rufai Baolgun'
10. R.A. Tikalosoro and His Group – 'Kiniun Kuro Leran Amu Sere'
11. Haruna Ishola and His Apala Group – 'S. Aka'
12. Adebukonla Ajao and Her Group – 'Lekele Bale'
13. Kasumu Adio and His Apala Group – 'Odale Ore'
14. Ayisatu Alabi and Her Group – 'Oko Lolomo'
15. Jimoh Agbejo Bo Ogun and His Group – 'Oriki Ibeji'
16. Ayisatu Alabi and Her Group – 'Omo Olobi'
17. Rapheal Ajide and His Apala Group – 'Orin Aje'
18. Adebukonla Ajao and Her Group – 'Sunday Babayemi'

Pre-order Apala: Apala Groups in Nigeria 1967-70 here.