THE NIGERIAN FILM INDUSTRY

The Nigerian Film Industry, as acknowledged by UNESCO is the fastest growing Film Industry in the world. The sub-sector is a vibrant, dynamic and thriving element of the Creative Industry that has become a significant cultural and economic force in Africa and has gained international recognition for its unique storytelling and production quality. The Nigerian Film Industry otherwise known as Nollywood is the second largest Film Industry in the world in terms of output, producing over Two Thousand, Five Hundred (2,500) films annually.

The Film Industry has emerged as a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its diverse narratives, Creative and cultural richness which has continued to play a significant role in promoting and showcasing our African culture, heritage, traditions, and societal values to the international community. Some of the outstanding qualities of Nigerian films that has made it enviable among nations includes; educational value and cultural exchange, unique visual style and production techniques, accessibility and availability, emotional connection and shared humanity as well as strong female characters and empowering narratives, and cultural display tool amongst others.

Over the years, the Nigerian Film Industry has been a major contributor to the Nigerian economy, creating employment opportunities as well as generating revenue through film production, distribution and exhibition. It is pertinent to note that the Film Industry holds immense potential for socio-economic growth and development, innovation in infrastructural development and with the priority being given to the Creative Economy sector by the present Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Industry will continue to make significant contributions to the Art, Culture and the Creative Economy of Nigeria.

There is no doubt that the Industry has continued to evolve and adapt to changing trends in technology and audience preferences through its co-production with other international Film Industries which is being facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and Creative Economy through signed Memorandum of Understanding on Film Co-production with other nations in order to enlarge its scope and build capacity/capability of the stakeholders. This collaboration with international partners and exploration of co-production opportunities is expected to enhance global reach and have a positive impact on Nigerian films.

In addition to the above, it is imperative to note that the Nigerian Film Industry which has been privately funded for several decades has witnessed a lot of challenges such as piracy, limited funding, talent development, infrastructure deficit, regulation, distribution e.t.c which has impacted on its level of growth, development and production and if not addressed, will continue to cause set back to the Industry in particular and the Nigerian economy in general.

To this end, the Federal Government has initiated the following programmes and intervention to stimulate growth and youth development through the sub-sector:

• CBN Creative Initiative Funding;
• Bank of Industry (Nollyfund);
• Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (IDiCE) etc.

 Nevertheless, with the set target for the Creative sector by the present Administration to generate over $100,000,000,000.00 (One Hundred Billion Dollars) revenue for the Federal Government, there is need for strategic investments in infrastructure, training programmes for filmmakers as well as policies that will support the growth of the Industry.

THE NIGERIA MUSIC INDUSTRY

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is home to a diverse array of musical styles and traditions ranging from traditional folk music to modern genres that blend African rhythms with Western influences.

With hundreds of ethnic groups across the country, Nigerian music has evolved to reflect the country’s history, culture, and social dynamics. While little is known about Nigeria’s music history before European contact, ancient bronze carvings from the 16th and 17th centuries have been discovered depicting musicians and their instruments, giving us a glimpse into the country’s musical past.

TRADITIONAL NIGERIAN MUSIC

Traditional Nigerian music has a rich history that dates back centuries and is closely linked to the cultural and social practices of the country’s different ethnic groups. From the rhythmic beats of juju and afrobeat to the soulful melodies of highlife and fuji, traditional Nigerian music offers a diverse and vibrant soundscape that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the most prominent types of traditional Nigerian music include:

YORUBA MUSIC

The Yoruba people, mainly located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, have a rich musical tradition that includes genres such as sakara, apala, and juju. The music employs complex rhythms and harmonies and is played on a variety of instruments such as the talking drum, bata drum, agidigbo, and sekere.

Yoruba tunes are now a huge part of modern Nigerian music. This is because they were influenced by European, Islamic and Brazilian forms early on. These influences stemmed from the importation of brass instruments, sheet music, Islamic percussion, and styles brought by Brazilian merchants.

These multicultural traditions were brought together and became the root of Nigerian popular music in which modern Yoruba artists now rap and sing in their native language.

IGBO MUSIC

The Igbo people, who are primarily found in the southeastern part of Nigeria, have a diverse musical heritage that includes genres such as highlife, igba, and ekwe. Igbo music typically features call-and-response singing, with a lead vocalist supported by a chorus, and is played on instruments such as the ogene, udu , and ekwe.

It is no secret that this type of music has had a major influence on modern Nigerian jams too!

HAUSA MUSIC

The music of the Hausa people, primarily located in the northern region of Nigeria, includes genres such as kalangu, wasan, and shantu. Their music was influenced by Islam since the 14th century. Hausa music is known for its strong tradition of praise song vocals and intricate percussion instrument which features the use of the kora, goje, and duma.

NIGERIAN MUSIC IN THE 1970s

In the 1970s, Nigeria saw the emergence of several popular music genres, including Afrobeat, juju music, and apala music.

Fela Kuti, blended highlife, jazz, and funk and featured lengthy songs that covered a range of genres. Kuti’s music also addressed societal concerns, such as government corruption, which was unusual for popular Nigerian music at the time.

Kuti’s band, Koola Lobos made the Afrobeat music genre so widely recognized throughout Africa. Along with Afrobeat, other genres like highlife, jazz, R&B and reggae, flourished during this period and this led to the emergence of many talented musicians.

NIGERIAN MUSIC IN THE 1980s-1990s

In the 1980s and 1990s, Nigerian music saw the rise of new wave music, which incorporated electronic instruments into the traditional sound. This was a time when cultural production flourished alongside a new genre of music emerged that was heavily influenced by American rap and hip-hop music.

Young and energetic Nigerian musicians picked up this new genre of music and came together to form collectives and boy bands, such as Remedies, Boulevard, Twinax, Def-O-Clan, Trybesmen, 419 Squad, and Plantashun Boys.

Female musicians like Queen Change, Azeezat, and Funmi Olayode also began to make a name for themselves in the music industry. Overall, the 1980s and 1990s marked an exciting time for Nigerian music and set a stepping stone for modern Nigerian music.

Nigerian music has seen a global rise in popularity in the 21st century, with Afrobeats emerging as a dominant genre. This period saw the end of boy bands and the wave of individual artists who with their range of genres blended created unique sounds pushing Nigerian music to the world.

Musicians like Tuface Timaya, D’Banj, Wizkid and Davido Don Jazzy, MI Abaga, Burnaboy Ice Prince, and Jesse Jagz, 9ice and other musicians in this era became popular and also female musicians such as Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Niniola, Waje, Omawummi, Teni, and Simi have also emerged as major players in the industry, contributing to the diverse and vibrant music scene in Nigeria. Many of the thriving Musicians ghave gone ahead to be nominated for the prestigious grammy awards with Burnaboy bagging the awards in 2021.

In conclusion, Nigerian music has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries, with traditional music styles varying by ethnic group and region. The music industry has evolved, influenced by different cultures and social dynamics, resulting in a vibrant and unique music scene that has had a significant impact on African music.

From Fela Kuti and Afrobeat to the emergence of Afrobeats in the 21st century, Nigerian music has continued to innovate and push boundaries while staying true to its cultural roots. Also, the global popularity of Nigerian music has also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration, with Nigerian artists collaborating with international artists to create exciting new sounds and expand the reach of Nigerian music beyond Africa.

Overall, Nigerian music is a vital part of African and global culture, representing the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Nigeria while contributing to the global music scene. Its continued growth and evolution ensure that Nigerian music will remain a force to be reckoned with in the music industry for years to come.