Producer Don Jazzy, DJ Jimmy Jatt discuss evolution of Nigerian music

 Don Jazzy, DJ Jimmy Jatt

Don Jazzy, DJ Jimmy Jatt  and Dr Sid discuss in the Boiler room the evolution of Nigerian music  over
the past two decades, the current musical climate in Nigeria, and how the term "Afrobeats" can be problematic.

DJ Jimmy Jatt talked about how music was sold on tapes from the back of a truck, Don Jazzy explained how listening to ‘Junior and Pretty’ then signed to Storm records, and Kennis music groups Plantashun boiz and The Remedies influenced and shaped his decision to pursue music as a career.

He narrated how he was opportuned to travel to the United Kingdom, how he got to meet with Nigerian band JJC and 419 squad, D’banj and Dr Sid, and eventually go on to record D’banj’s first album back in Nigeria.

They debate on the genre Afrobeat and if modern day Nigerian artistes are truly practicing Afrobeat as they claim.

“ I think it’s limiting when we begin to generalize our music under Afrobeat,” DJ Jimmy Jatt said, believing that would help Nigerian artistes  not be limited in the universal space and contest for nomination in categories like R&B  and Hip hop for music awards on a worldwide scale.

They also referenced ‘Oliver twist’ by D’banj as being instrumental to Nigerian music world acceptance. Dr Sid to wrap things up talked about how the music from Africa is the new sound to be reckoned with.

Watch the intriguing interview here