ABSTRACT
Yoruba popular musicians have often drawn upon the traditions of their natal communities to create distinctive “sounds,” intended to give them a competitive edge in the marketplace. Performances of most genres of Yoruba popular music occur at elaborate parties; after rites of passage, such as namings, weddings, and funerals, and at urban nightspots. Performing styles associated with Islam and Christianity have strongly influenced Yoruba popular music. The Yotuba adopted waka music from the Hausa, probably in the early 1800s. A genre of music for social dancing and praising, sakara is performed and patronized mostly by Muslims. Musicians such as Dele Ojo, who had apprenticed with Victor Ọlaiya, forged hybrid juju –highlife styles. The rhythms of eaily juju were strongly influenced by , a dance drumming style, performed mainly by Christian boys’ clubs. Many early juju band leaders began their careers as musicians.
