Nigerian country music compilation released

The album comes at a time when the genre has receded from Nigerian radio. But it thrives still, as it exists as a cult genre, supported by a group of fans and music makers around the country.

"Country music is big in Africa," declares a release accompanying the first volume of the new record, which is available in vinyl. "Yes, we realise how absurd that probably sounds to most ears, but it's really true: American country & western records have been tremendously popular and deeply beloved across the continent for almost a century.

"The people of the West African nation of Nigeria have long been not only voracious consumers of country music, but fairly enthusiastic performers of it as well. Cowboy songs have remained a consistent part of most bands' live repertoire, but relatively few artists have dedicated themselves to actually recording country music.

"They did exist, though; mostly in the1970s and '80s, but they were rarely heard outside the country, and in the intervening years, most of their output has fallen through the cracks of posterity, forgotten even by ardent music fans at home. Until now. Like Nashville In Naija: Nigeria's Romance With Country Music, Yesterday and Today collects some of the best country recordings as a loving tribute to Nigeria's cowboy troubadours of yore."

Like Nashville In Naija: Nigeria's Romance With Country Music, Yesterday and Today features music by Ogak Jay, who spoke to Music in Africa last year about country music.

To buy the album, click here.