Product Details

• Format: Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Shanachie
• VHS Release Date: April 16, 1995
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301311833
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #439,917 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This engaging documentary focuses on the musical heritage and diversity of modern Nigeria and its astounding diversity. There's the blind traditional minstrel who wanders the bustling streets of Lagos with a small drum. In striking contrast, we move to the urbane, Yoruba-derived juju grooves by bandleader King Sunny Ade. The brilliant composer I.K. Dario and the Lijadu twins beautifully blend European and indigenous instruments and vocals. The folkloric melodies of the Hausa people of the northern Sahara provide the scintillating soundtrack to their boxing matches and fishing rituals. But the powerful and provocative musician and social critic Fela steals the show. Surrounded by his alluring wives, he explains and demonstrates how he ingeniously weaves politics and social commentary with ancient and modern Afro-beats, creating a timeless and timely sound Nigeria can be proud of. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Overview of the Nigerian Scene at the End of the 1970s, January 3, 2001

By 

Michael Sean (Seattle, WA - US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Konkombe - The Nigerian Pop Music Scene (DVD)

From filmmaker Jeremy Marre's 14-part series of world music documentaries, "Beats of the Heart," this installment focuses on the various styles that make up the Nigerian pop scene. Produced in 1980, it features vintage live performances and interviews with several African artists. King Sunny Adé had yet to release "Juju Music," the smash album that would make him an international success, but he was already a superstar in his homeland. We see him playing live at a house party for the King of Lagos. One of the originators of the juju sound, I.K. Dairo, is also featured in a look at his pioneering work in both African music and worship. There's an interesting peek into the recording studio with the Lijadu Sisters as they work on tracks for their album. The twins give the perspective of female artists in the music business, and they talk about the hardships of working for the British-owned Decca record label. Fellow Decca artist and Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti is briefly shown, surrounded by his 27 wives, as he discusses his role as an African musician. We hear a snippet of his "Shuffering and Shmiling," but there is no live footage (see Shanachie's "Fela Live" DVD for that). Veteran African artist Sonny Okosun is interviewed, and we see him working on material for his "Power to the People" record as well as performing it live at a free concert. At only an hour long and over two decades old, this program serves as a dated but still intriguing snapshot of Nigerian music. For anyone venturing into the world of African rhythms, it will provide a good introduction to the spectrum of styles (highlife, juju, Afropop, etc.) as well as some vintage footage of a few of the greats. The DVD has chapter stops, but no extra features over the VHS edition. The disc is presented in full frame as it was originally filmed for TV.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great music, July 31, 2002

By 

outsider01 (San Francisco, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Konkombe - The Nigerian Pop Music Scene (DVD)

King Sunny Ade playing for royalty. Fela Kuti at home discussing Nigeria's political situation amid his many wives. Sonny Okosun decked out like a mod doing doughnuts on a motorcycle. Amazing.

A snapshot of Nigeria in the 70's. Nigerian pop stars as well as an introduction to lesser known, equally great musicians.

One of the best documentaries I have seen. Do yourself a favor and buy this DVD.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely worth watching, July 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Konkombe - The Nigerian Pop Music Scene [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video is indeed worth checking out. You get a nice look at the backstreets of Lagos, Nigeria, and then travel up into the rural north of Muslim Nigeria. From a blind urban folk minstrel to earthy electric guitar dance music, to traditional village music, this video will transport you to a time and place you may have never imagined. I've enjoyed this video many times over the years.