Every countries music is unique and each country has its own style of music that people love. If you ask me which country makes the best music, I will say it's Nigeria not because I'm from Nigeria but because of some reason based on my own experience and opinion.
When it comes to music, whether it is gospel or circular music, Nigeria is doing it best and the world is noticing it. When we talk about gospel music, Nigeria has some of the most spirit filled and powerful singers you can ever hear. These artists don’t just sing, they minister and the songs they minister are full of praise and worship that you can sing, dance and vibe with it.
I was scrolling to the social media about two three months ago and I saw an Indian evangelist, don't really know his name name, he was singing "my daddy my daddy your baby is singing" by Lawrence in the church and all the people presence in the church where singing the song and worshipping. Aside that I've also heard many gospel song even the Yoruba native song and Igbo native song, ministered by people in the US, India and many other countries of the world. Even though they could not speak the language very well or pronounce the words property, they sing and vibe with it because of the love they had for the music. Many of the gospel artist in Nigeria are invited out to go and minister in different countries because of how good their gospel songs are.
Recently, in 2023, Apostle Joshua Selman hosted a program in UK along side pastor Nathaniel Bassey. One of the largest indoor Arena in Europe of praise, worship and word. They led the crowd in praise and worship and many people attended and loved it, a capacity of over 21,000 sitting. People were touched by the word and songs ministered.
That aside, when it comes to circular music, Nigeria is leading too. Nigeria songs are talked about everyday. The circular music is just everywhere now. Afrobeats which started in Nigeria is now played all around the world. It has become so popular that international artists want to feature Nigerian musicians on their tracks. People from different countries are dancing to the songs and even learning the dances steps.
I will never forget, the first time I knew Nigeria music is very popular was when I saw and heard the song "personally" by the then P-square, featured in the movie "karate kid". The song was played on the television in China. Also the movie "coming to America 2" featured one of Nigeria known artist Davido who performed his song at the ending part of the movie. I was like wow, so our music can be this good and can go this far
People love the Nigeria music. From the beats to the voices, there is something special about it. Even if you don’t understand the words, the rhythm can still make you move your body.
The way Nigerian musicians mix sounds this days is amazing. There's a unique blend of traditional sounds with modern genres that Nigerians musicians usually mixed during most of their songs. Mixing local drums, African rhythms and native language chants with modern styles like hip hop, R&B, dancehall and pop. This mix creates amazing sound that you can’t find anywhere else. You hear a talking drum with auto-tuned vocals or a local flute playing over a fast beat. It just gives you this sense of vibe that you can't resist sometimes. Many of the artists in Nigeria are not just popular in Nigeria. They are performing in big cities and countries like London, New York and Paris and they have won big international awards and filled up stadiums with thousands of fans.
There is different styles of music that you can find in Nigeria. There is the afrobeat, afropop, highlife, fuji, juju, gospel, hip hop, and many others. Every part of Nigeria has its own style of music. When you go to the western part of Nigeria, the Yoruba people are known for fuji and juju, at the southern part, you will find the Igbo people who love highlife and gospel, and the Hausa people at the north have their own sweet traditional tunes. This mix in styles has made Nigeria music unique.
Nigerian music is more than just the sound. It is a feeling you get when you listen to it. Sometimes I listened to those music and It gives me joy. Whether it is gospel songs or Afrobeats, the feeling is just there. So, if anyone asks me again which country does the best music, I will proudly say Nigeria. They have the talent, the sound and the style. The musicians are global stars with great songs and the music industry that keeps growing.
Thank you for reading @joshel...