The reggae revolution in Nigeria wasn’t just about the music; it became a powerful voice for the people during a time of great struggle. In the 1980s and 1990s, Nigeria was in the throes of military dictatorships with the consequent human rights abuses, fear, intimidation, and lack of freedom that made life incredibly difficult for many citizens. The absence of democratic rule left the population frustrated and angry over rampant corruption, poverty, and abuse of power. In the face of these challenges, reggae music emerged as a way for ordinary people to express their struggles and dreams for a better future.
Reggae in Nigeria became a form of protest, a musical outlet where the everyday person could voice their frustrations and hopes. Although other genres eventually gained prominence, the legacy of the reggae artists from that era still resonates today, inspiring anyone who believes in justice, unity, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Through reggae, people found strength and hope, believing they could make a difference. The music united them during tough times, becoming more than just a genre; it was a movement celebrating resilience and the spirit of the Nigerian people.
Renowned Nigerian reggae musicians of that era include Majek Fashek, Ras Kimono, Sonny Okosun, Orits Wiliki, The Mandators, Maxwell Udoh, Andy Shoreman, Evi Edna Ogholi, Wale Man, Isaac Black, Daniel Wilson, among others. These artists were instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s reggae scene with their socially conscious and uplifting messages.
Majek Fashek
Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, was one of the most iconic reggae musicians to emerge from Africa. Born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Majek Fashek’s career took off in the 1980s with the release of his groundbreaking hit “Send Down the Rain”. This song became a cultural phenomenon, earning him the nickname “The Rainmaker” after it seemed to cause rain whenever he performed it. His music had a deep connection to African spirituality and Rastafarianism. His hit song “Send Down the Rain” was seen by many as a prayer for blessings and relief, carrying a powerful spiritual message about the need for renewal and healing in both the land and the people. Majek often talked about his connection to God and how his music was inspired by the divine, using his songs to call for spiritual awakening and justice.
Majek’s 1989 album “Prisoner of Conscience” was both a critical and commercial success, coming at a time many Nigerians were facing political oppression and social difficulties. He gained international recognition by signing with Interscope Records. His other songs include “Spirit of Love” (1991), “Religion Na Politics” (1991), “Love and Affection” (2008), and “Kpangolo” (1997).
However, despite his early success, Majek Fashek struggled with personal challenges, particularly with substance abuse, which affected his career in later years. He made several attempts to revive his career and remained a beloved figure in Nigeria’s music setting until he died in 2020. His legacy as one of Africa’s greatest reggae musicians remains.
Ras Kimono
Oseloke Augustine Onwubuya, popularly known as Ras Kimono, was a native of Onicha Olona, Delta State. Born on May 9, 1958 in Ekeleke Elumelu, Delta State, Ras Kimono began his career as a student at Gbenoba Secondary School in Agbor before joining the Jastix Reggae Ital band, alongside Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy Jegg, and Black Rice Osagie. His music was deeply shaped by the poverty, inequality, and hardship he experienced during his early years.
Ras Kimono gained significant fame in the late 1980s with his debut album, “Under Pressure”, in which he addressed issues like corruption, inequality, and oppression in Nigeria and Africa at large. His songs, such as “Under Pressure”, “Rumba Style”, and “What’s Gwan”, were entertaining and enlightening. He was seen as a voice for the oppressed, using reggae to advocate for justice and peace. He believed that through faith and unity, the people could overcome the oppression they were facing.
For Ras Kimono, reggae was a tool for not only protesting injustice but also for calling people back to their spiritual roots, emphasizing a connection to God and African identity. His influence helped shape the reggae music setting in Nigeria and secured his legacy as one of the pioneers of the genre in the country. His other songs include “Rastafari Chant”, “Natty Get Jail”, and “Slavery Days”.
Kimono was both a voice and a champion for the people, in word and action. Despite the fame he achieved, he never distanced himself from the struggles of the oppressed, choosing to stay close to them to understand their tribulations firsthand. In many interviews, he said Jehovah and the suffering of the common man were his primary musical inspirations.
“I live where the people live so I can witness their tribulations—the suffering and humiliation—so we can put it into our music and reveal it,” he once said.
Kimono wasn’t just a conscious reggae artist who talked the talk; he genuinely believed in and lived by what he preached. He once remarked, “If I don’t expose hardship and injustice, who will do it for the people?”
Ras Kimono who passed on in 2018, now resting among Jah’s soldiers in Zion, was a passionate advocate for the masses, using reggae music as a weapon in his lifelong fight for equal rights and justice. His music and impact remain a strong part of Nigeria’s cultural and musical history.
Sonny Okosun
Another legend was Sonny Okosun, a Nigerian musician who became famous for his unique blend of reggae, Afrobeat, and highlife. Born in 1947 in Enugu, but hailing from Edo State, he was the leader of the band “Ozzidi”. Okosun used his music as a platform for activism, addressing issues of oppression, African unity, and the fight against apartheid.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Okosun emerged as one of the leading voices in African music. His hit song “Fire in Soweto” (1977) was a rallying cry against apartheid in South Africa and gained international recognition. Through songs like “Papa’s Land” and “Which Way Nigeria?”, Okosun not only celebrated Africa but also called for social justice, peace, and progress across the continent. His other songs include “Mother and Child”, “Holy War”, and “No More War”.
Though he wasn’t exclusively a reggae artist, Okosun’s music was heavily influenced by reggae’s political and spiritual themes. Okosun was also a devout Christian, and in the later years of his career, he shifted towards gospel music.
Sonny Okosun passed on in 2008, but his music continues to inspire, particularly his work that championed the fight for African liberation and unity.
Evi Edna Ogholi
Evi Edna Ogholi, known as the “Queen of Nigerian Reggae”, was born July 6, 1966. She made her mark onto the music scene in the late 1980s and became one of the first female reggae artists to gain popularity in Nigeria. Her unique sound combined reggae beats with her beautiful voice which made her a standout artist.
Evi Edna’s songs spread messages of love, peace, and hope. One of her biggest hits, “Happy Birthday”, is still a favourite birthday song for many Nigerians today. Other songs, like “Ririovara” and “Oghene Me”, also touched on important social issues, promoting unity and togetherness.
As a devout Christian, Evi Edna Ogholi’s faith inspired her music, though her style was different from some reggae artists who followed Rastafarian beliefs. Instead, her songs carried gentle messages about love and kindness, which connected with people during a time when Nigeria was facing many challenges in the 1980s and 1990s.
Even though she took a break from the spotlight for a while, Evi Edna’s contributions to Nigerian reggae are still remembered and celebrated. Today, her music continues to inspire fans and reminds people of the power of love and unity.
Orits Wiliki
Orits Wiliki is one of Nigeria’s reggae pioneers known for using his music to speak out against social injustice and inequality. Born in the Niger Delta, Orits Wiliki, who is still very much alive, grew up seeing the struggles of everyday Nigerians, which deeply influenced his music. Songs like “Heart of Stone” tackled issues like corruption and oppression while spreading messages of hope and unity, along with a strong belief in one God (referred to as Jah in Rastafarian culture). Similarly, songs like “Tribulation” and “Fire in the Wire” reflect his belief in the spiritual struggle between good and evil and the need for moral righteousness. Other songs include “10 Commandments”, “Wha’ Dis Wha’ Dat”, and “Mubalamumbe”.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Wiliki was a key figure in the Nigerian reggae scene. He not only created powerful music but also mentored younger artists, ensuring that reggae’s legacy lives on. Even as music trends shifts, Orits Wiliki stays true to his roots, remaining a respected voice in the industry for his commitment to social change and his timeless sound.
