The final movement of a composition by Fela Sowande gained international recognition as the recurring theme for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation program Gilmour's Albums. Born in Abeokuta, Nigeria, in 1905, Sowande established himself as a central figure in modern art music, bridging the gap between traditional Yoruba melodies and the structures of European classical orchestration.
Early Musical Foundations
Sowande received his initial musical training at the CMS Grammar School and King's College in Lagos. His father, a priest, and Dr. T. K. Ekundayo Phillips provided the primary impetus for his development as a chorister. Under Phillips, he engaged with the works of Bach and Rheinberger, while simultaneously participating in the introduction of Yoruba choral music into church settings. He eventually achieved the Fellowship Diploma from the Royal College of Organists.
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In 1934, Sowande relocated to London to expand his formal training. He balanced classical study with popular performance, appearing as a solo pianist for Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and collaborating with Fats Waller. His professional portfolio included roles as a theatre organist for the BBC and a choirmaster at Kingsway Hall. During the Second World War, he served as a musical advisor and lecturer for the BBC Africa Service. By 1943, he had earned the Limpus, Harding and Read Prizes, further solidifying his status as a fellow of both the Royal College of Organists and Trinity College of Music.
Return to Nigeria and International Academe
Sowande returned to Nigeria in the 1950s, where he served as the musical director of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service. He was appointed MBE in the 1955 Queen's Birthday Honours for his contributions. In 1960, he participated as one of the six judges responsible for selecting the Nigerian National Anthem. Later, in 1962, he received a Rockefeller Foundation fellowship to study in the United States. He eventually held faculty positions at Howard University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Kent State University, residing in Ravenna, Ohio, until his death in 1987.
Stylistic Evolution and Composition
The compositions of Sowande, including organ works such as Obangiji and Yorùbá Lament, synthesized Anglican church traditions with Yoruba pentatonic scales. His orchestral output, such as Six Sketches for Full Orchestra and A Folk Symphony, utilized African rhythmic structures. Beyond his instrumental pieces, he produced a vast body of secular and sacred choral music, often arranging traditional folk songs for modern settings. Many of these works remain central to the study of Nigerian art music, a field focusing on the fusion of local traditions with western instrumental arrangements.
Fast facts
- Born: 1905, Abeokuta, Nigeria
- Died: 1987, Ravenna, Ohio
- Education: King's College, Lagos; University of London
- Major Appointments: Musical Director, Nigerian Broadcasting Service
- Professional Titles: Composer, Organist, Academic Musician, Chieftaincy title: Bariyo of Lagos
- Key Prizes: Limpus, Harding and Read Prizes
- Notable Recognition: Appointed MBE in 1955
- Buried: Randolph Township, Ohio
Questions readers ask
What is Fela Sowande's legacy in music?
He is recognized as a pioneer of modern Nigerian art music, having successfully integrated Yoruba pentatonic melodies with European classical and Anglican church forms.
Did Sowande teach in the United States?
Yes, he held academic positions at Howard University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Kent State University.
Achievements
- Instruments: organ
