Music is more than just a collection of sounds; it is a vessel for emotion, culture, and connection. In Nigeria, music is a way of life that taps into its streams of endless rhythm and melody. These indigenous sounds from way, way back, are raw, refreshing and therapeutic – as captured in poems by Palmwine Sounds in his intellectual pulp – Music and Life.
“Music and Life” by Palmwine Sounds comes forward as a poetic tribute to the beats that define not just a genre but a way of living. Amplified by Palmwine Publishing, this book is a sonic journey that reminds us of the unspoken yet powerful influence that music has over life itself.
Palmwine sounds use this eclectic writing to blend pictures and storytelling from the yesteryears, celebrating the diverse sounds of Nigeria, from the soul-stirring tunes of Highlife to the pulsating Afrobeat rhythms. The work also pays homage to the music that has shaped the nation’s cultural identity, embracing traditional instruments and beats that move both body and soul. As the poems within the book suggest, these melodies don’t just play for enjoyment but weaves through the very narrative of Nigeria’s history and societal evolution.
Here some poetic excerpts from the book:
Sounds of the Drums
Drums that communicate with the ancestors.
Drums that speak.
Drums that give us percussion.
Drums that make the guitar man jive.
Drums that make us do the fire dance.
Percussion
The heartbeat rhythm.
The ogene fighting the wind.
The shakers keeping us in rhythm.
The flute dancing with the wind.
The udu holding the rhythm.
The ekwe tapping the wind.
The Black President
All hail the black president.
The King of Afrobeat.
Inspiration burning down his lips.
Horns introduced by keyboard play.
His genre praising him worldwide.
Palmwine Sounds uses the full effect of imaginative poetry to capture the music scene in Nigeria and how it has evolved.
The journey begins at the Palm-wine bar, where the past and present collide in harmonious fusion. Names like Saint Augustine and Chief Oliver De Coque lead us into a nostalgic world where strings and voices sang the stories of a generation. The lively descriptions of orchestras, from Celestine Ukwu to Osita, transport us back to a time when melodies weren’t just for entertainment but carried messages of joy, heartbreak, and wisdom.
It’s not just about nostalgia, though. The book brings to life the broader spectrum of African sound, highlighting artists like Ras Kimono, Majek Fashek, and Victor Uwaifo, each of whom brought their own flavor to the evolving musical landscape. Each chapter feels like a festival of sound, a carnival where genres meet and fuse, much like the multicultural nation it represents.
Palmwine Sounds doesn’t shy away from the powerful, revolutionary spirit of Nigerian music either. Fela Kuti’s legendary status is rightfully acknowledged; his Afrobeat described as not just music but an anthem for societal change. The way “Music and Life” wraps his story feels like a reminder that sound can be a form of protest, a call to action, and a healer for a generation seeking meaning amidst chaos.
Another fascinating aspect of “Music and Life” is its tribute to lesser-known but equally significant musicians who shaped Nigeria’s sound. For instance, Osita Osadebe’s influence on Highlife, or the unique blends brought by Sir Shina Peters and his Afro-Juju, show that Nigeria’s music scene isn’t monolithic. It’s a mosaic of genres, instruments, and dialects, each contributing to the larger narrative of the nation’s culture.
This intellectual piece also pops into traditional instruments like the udu and ekwe is particularly noteworthy. These instruments, which are often overlooked in modern music, are depicted as the backbone of rhythm, adding layers of depth and meaning to every beat. The percussion isn’t just noise but communication, a dialogue between the present and the ancestors. This connection between the spiritual and the musical is one of the strongest thematic elements in the poetic work.
But what really brings the book to life is its poetic descriptions of live performances. Readers are transported to the front row of concerts, where drummers pound their beats like a heartbeat, and crowds lose themselves in the music. The vibrancy of the live scene is palpable, from King Sunny Ade’s electrifying shows to Tony Allen’s masterful drumming. These are not mere performances; they are cultural phenomena that unite people across tribes, languages, and social classes.
While “Music and Life” is undeniably a celebration of Nigeria’s past, it is also a reflection of its future. The newer generation of artists, from Wizkid to Burna Boy, are portrayed as torchbearers of this rich musical legacy. They are shown to not only build on the foundations laid by their predecessors but also push the boundaries of what African music can be on the global stage.
The visual aspect of the book, illustrated by Kehinde Omotosho, further amplifies its richness. The illustrations serve as a vibrant backdrop to the words, offering a visual rhythm that complements the poetry. Each stroke of the brush seems to mirror the beats of the drum, creating a sensory experience that transcends the page.
Ultimately, “Music and Life” by Palmwine Sounds is a love letter to the sounds that define Nigeria. It is a reminder that music is not just entertainment; it is history, identity, and life itself. Through its vivid storytelling and lyrical prose, the book invites readers to feel the rhythm in their own lives, to let the beats guide them through the highs and lows, just as it has done for generations of Nigerians.
“Music and Life” is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the rhythm of Nigeria, one beat at a time. This collection is endorsed by the likes of Dele Sosimi, The renowned Weird MC, Lemi Ghariokwu and Kola Ogunkoya.
Palmwine Sounds is the compiler of E Be
Things and Naija Nah Ur Mate.
Publications by Palmwine Publishing
Limited Nigeria.
*Article put together by Broadcast journalist and poet, Fortune Omosola.