The Juju music genre is a syncretic brand of Nigerian popular music which originated from the South-Western part of Nigeria in the early twentieth century. The genre is widely known and appreciated for its boisterous delivery in Yoruba language. The performance of the genre is accompanied by traditional instruments and foreign appropriations. The genre’s popularity has spurred diverse scholarly inquiry on the subject. However, little attention has been given to the innovative application of disjointed melodies in the performance of interludes within the genre, as observed in the music of Ebenezer Obey, a major proponent of juju music. This study investigates rationale behind the incorporation of countercultural melodies in juju music and its remarkable reception by fans. Additionally, this study seeks to identify the band men who originated this concept and to clarify the processes involved in its conception and integration into juju music performance. This qualitative research draws on cultural studies, ethnomusicology, and post-colonial theory, using primary and secondary sources to gather data. The study employs content and thematic analyses to examine two popular compositions by Obey: "Oro Oluwa Ede" and "Awon Eniyan Buburu". The study’s findings suggest that despite occasional incongruities in the interludes’ melodic structure in relation to the genre, the overall sonic fusion in Obey’s juju music performances is rooted in implicit socio-cultural and countercultural sensitivities. This hybridization shapes Obey’s unique juju music sound, appealing to diverse audiences. This study contributes to literature on Nigerian popular music and the innovative compositional techniques in juju music performance.

Authors:
Elileojo Laura Etemah, University of Groningen, Netherlands

About the Presenter(s)
Elileojo Laura Etemah is a PhD candidate at the University of Groningen. Her research interests lie within music and media. She is currently working on the European Research Council (ERC)-funded project based on the Platformisation of Nigerian music.

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