Ayo Bankole (1935-1976), an important figure in modern African art music, was tragically murdered at the age of 41.
Composition History
Ayo Bankole's 'Àdúrà fún Àláfíà' (A Prayer for Peace) was composed during the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War of 1967-70.
Composer Biography
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799), was the most significant classical musician of African heritage in the 18th century, serving as Music Director to Marie Antoinette and also excelling as a champion boxer and swordsman.
Composer Biography
Olatunji Akin Euba (1935-2020) was a distinguished Nigerian composer, musicologist, and pianist known for his extensive writings on African folk music as a source for art music.
Performer Biography
Soprano Omo Bello, a French-Nigerian artist, was nominated for the 'Victoires de la musique classique' (French Grammys) in 2014 and won first prize at the Paris International Opera Competition.
Cultural Impact
Fred Onovwerosuoke, a Nigerian-American composer, is internationally known for his chant 'Bolingo', which was featured in the 2006 Robert De Niro film 'The Good Shepherd'.
Historical Context
This album principally features art songs by African composers from the last 100 years, focusing on two major ethnic groups from Nigeria: the Yoruba and Igbo peoples.
