Search - I.K. Dairo & his Blue Spots :: Juju Master

The roots of Nigerian Juju music

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 12/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This fellow was one of the architects of the West African Juju style, which was later championed by folks like Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade... but here is where it started, with the vigorous, exhuberant early '60s singles of one of Nigeria's great modern musicians. Notable innovations: the use of the accordion as a lead instrument, and the rough beginnings of the lushly melodic "juju" guitar style. Besides, when Original Music label founder John Storm Roberts says in the liner notes that Dairo's song "Omo Lanke" (track 22) is the song that turned him on to African pop, well... let me tell you, I'd sit up and take notice. A great collection which doesn't skimp on either song quality or quantity. Out of print, but well worth looking for."