Strut presents Nigeria 80, the next essential chapter in the legendary Nigeria 70 series, diving deep into the explosive sound world of 1980s Nigeria.

Following the global impact of 2001's Nigeria 70, which helped introduce rare Nigerian recordings to international audiences, Nigeria 80continues the journey, unearthing a rich, restless, and wildly creative decade of music from Lagos to Enugu. Despite economic instability and restrictive political conditions in the 1980's, Nigeria’s music industry flourished, driven by a growing network of independent labels such as Tabansi and Phonodisk, which championed local artists and expanded creative freedom. The 1980s also marked a significant rise in visibility for female artists, with trailblazers like Onyeka Onwenu helping to reshape the landscape and open doors for a new generation of performers, writers, and producers.

Nigeria 80 showcases the extraordinary breadth of this era, with tracks reissued here for the first time. The compilation brings together essential recordings from across Nigeria’s musical spectrum: highlife greatsVictor Uwaifo and Nico Mbarga appear alongside Paulson Kalu, whose personal favourite “Akugbue Nwa Ewu” stands out as a prime example of the style. PrinceDavid Bul’s “Soko Soko” (later reinterpreted in Starboy’s Afrobeats hit “Soco”) features as a key touchpoint between eras. Segun Adewale delivers a driving juju workout, while Lekan Animashaun, longtime bandleader of Africa 70, contributes a late-era Afrobeat classic produced in collaboration with Fela Kuti.

The compilation also highlights more experimental and hybrid sounds, from I.C. Rock’s proto–hip hop gem “Advice” to Evi-Edna Ogholi’s self-produced reggae statement “The World”. The set closes with “Apama” by Ibealaoke Chukwukeziri, the “Apama Boy” from Achi in eastern Nigeria, featuring hypnotic vocals and percussion from his Anaedeonu band. Nigeria 80 is available as a 2LP housed in a gatefold sleeve or CD digipak, which includes a 16-page booklet with artist photos and liner notes by Francis Gooding. Compiled by Duncan Brooker. Audio restoration by See Why Audio. Mastered by The Carvery.

TRACKLIST:

LP

A1. Akugbue Nwa Ewu – Paulson Kalu & His Stars 25 International

A2. Ocheme Mia – Prince Nico Mbarga & His New Rocafil Jazz

A3. Ayubele – Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Titibitis

B1. Advice / Oge Chi Kanma – I.C. Rock

B2. We Have Got It – Mansour

B3. The World – Evi-Edna Ogholi

C1. Soko Soko – Prince David Bul & His Professional Seaguls DanceBand

C2. Ije Love Pt. 2 – General Franco-Lee Ezute & His Harmony KingsInternational Band

C3. Yo-Pop Music – Segun Adewale & His Superstars International

D1. Se Rere – Lekan Animashaun

D2. Apama – Ibealaoke Chukwukeziri & HisAnaedeonu Band

CD

1. Akugbue Nwa Ewu – Paulson Kalu & HisStars 25 International

2. Ocheme Mia – Prince Nico Mbarga & HisNew Rocafil Jazz

3. Ayubele – Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Titibitis

4. Eyi Yato – Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey & His Inter ReformersBand

5. We Have Got It – Mansour

6. Advice / Oge Chi Kanma – I.C. Rock

7. The World – Evi-Edna Ogholi

8. Oke Mi Ye – Stela Monye

9. Se Rere – Lekan Animashaun

10. Apama – Ibealaoke Chukwukeziri & His Anaedeonu Band

11. Yo-Pop Music – Segun Adewale & His Superstars International

12. Soko Soko – Prince David Bul & His Professional Seaguls DanceBand

13. Ije Love Pt. 2 – General Franco-Lee Ezute & His Harmony KingsInternational Band