Rediscovering the Pioneering Sound of The Lijadu Sisters: A Legacy of Revolutionary Afrobeat
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The Lijadu Sisters, Taiwo and Kehinde, are a remarkable duo whose contributions to Afrobeat have left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Born in Jos, Nigeria, in 1948, the twin sisters were steeped in a rich cultural heritage that profoundly influenced their music. Their upbringing in a musical household, coupled with their familial ties to legendary figures like Fela Kuti and Wole Soyinka, laid the foundation for their groundbreaking work in the Nigerian music scene of the 1970s. The sisters’ journey from backing vocalists to leading icons of Afrobeat is a testament to their talent and determination, creating music that was not only innovative but also deeply rooted in the socio-political consciousness of their time.
In the late 1970s, the Lijadu Sisters released a series of albums that defined their unique sound—a fusion of Afrobeat, pop, reggae, and psychedelic funk. Their 1979 album Horizon Unlimited stands out as a bold and revolutionary statement. Produced by Biddy Wright and released on Decca’s Afrodisia label, this album, along with its predecessors Danger (1976), Mother Africa (1977), and Sunshine (1978), showcased the sisters’ ability to blend traditional African rhythms with modern pop forms, all while infusing their music with messages of empowerment and resistance. Their seamless incorporation of synthesizers and modern production techniques into Afrobeat grooves helped to expand the genre’s boundaries and earned them a devoted following both in Nigeria and internationally.
Despite their success, the Lijadu Sisters faced numerous challenges, particularly as they sought to maintain their artistic integrity in the face of industry pressures. Their relocation to Brooklyn in the 1980s marked a turning point, as they increasingly focused on their Yoruba heritage and spiritual practices. Unfortunately, Kehinde’s severe spinal injury in 1996 brought an abrupt halt to their musical activities, forcing the sisters into a long period of seclusion. During this time, their influence persisted, with their tracks resurfacing in compilations and being sampled by artists like Nas, even as they retreated from the public eye.
The resurgence of interest in the Lijadu Sisters’ music in the 2010s, particularly through reissues by Knitting Factory Records, brought their pioneering work back into the spotlight. These reissues not only introduced their timeless sound to new generations of listeners but also cemented their place as trailblazers in the Afrobeat genre. The passing of Kehinde Lijadu in 2019 marked the end of an era, but her legacy, along with Taiwo’s, continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. The Lijadu Sisters’ music remains a powerful testament to their revolutionary spirit and their enduring impact on the global music scene.
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