Menu

Popular World Music Shahriari

Juju

"In Nigeria, juju in its early years comprised only a few musicians playing a lute, such as a banjo typically played by the lead vocalist, a tambourine (known as juju), and a rattle (shekere). The percussionists often sang their vocal responses in partial harmony, usually parallel thirds, an influence of Christian hymnody. Because juju musicians often performed for local celebrations and important ritual events, Yoruba poetry figured prominently in the lyrical content.

As with many other traditions around the world, World War II and its aftermath greatly expanded the cross-cultural influences in juju music. Electric guitars and amplification systems appeared more regularly, which allowed musicians to add more instrumentalists without the worry of drowning out the vocalists. The Yoruba hourglass pressure drum, known as dundun, was commonly featured in later juju ensembles, as was an increasing number of traditional drums and other percussion"