Continuing last week's exploration of disco on the European continent, we turn to one of its most shining examples in Africa: Nigeria's nightlife during the 1980s. In this decade, the country experienced a handful of watershed moments: an oil boom, the return of democracy after years of military dictatorship, and a lot of money flooding into the country. Creative industries — music in particular — responded in kind, and suddenly Nigeria was the right place to be at the right time for musicians all over Africa. This moment was inaugurated by the decline of the 'afro' aesthetic and its spiritual leader, Fela Kuti. Labels were in search of a new sound and artists a new relationship between politics and music. The resultant Boogie and Disco-inspired era that dominated Lagos nightlife was a lot about pared-down personality and musical texture. The sounds of the period capture a snapshot of Nigerian city life at the time: sexy, prosperous, and cosmopolitan.
