en:bio:daniel_ojoge

Daniel Ojoge

1909-1987

Daniel Ojoge (Daniel Ojoge Aleshinloye, 1909–1987) was one of the most important representatives of Juju music in the 1950s, originating from the tradition of Yoruba drumming in Nigeria in the 1920s, but influenced by Western church and pop music. After World War II, it gained overwhelming popularity in Nigeria until the 1990s. Ojoge played ukulele and banjo; other accompanying instruments for Juju were guitar and mandolin.

From palm wine music1) it took the finger-plucking guitar playing style, from church music, it derived its strophic form and harmonic schemes. … Juju also borrowed from Ashiko drumming. In its early years, Juju ensembles consisted of ukulele-banjo, guitar, tambourine, and a sekere2). During the 1930s and 1940s, there emerged more innovative and daring musicians who began to expand the ensemble through the addition of more instruments.3)

Videos


Obirin Odale / Duro Philip


Awolowo

References

  • Ogisi, Aboyowa Arugha: „The Origin and Development of Juju Music: 1900-1990.“ In: EJOTMAS: Ekpoma Journal of Theatre and Media Arts 3:1-2 (2010) S. 27–37

1)
Also known as Maringa; originated in West Africa, v.a. Sierra Leona and Liberia, mixing local music with Caribbean (Calypso) and playing on Portuguese guitars. Palm wine was often served at the music events.
2)
A kind of rattle in Yoruba music.
3)
Ogisi 2010:32