Yoruba Islamic singers are musicians from the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria who use music to express their Islamic faith. Yoruba Islamic music is a unique blend of traditional Yoruba rhythms and Islamic themes and lyrics. These singers use their music to educate, inspire, and entertain their listeners while spreading the message of Islam.
The Yoruba people are known for their deep appreciation of music, and this is evident in their Islamic music. Yoruba Islamic music has a rich history dating back several centuries, with the first recorded Islamic song in Yoruba language dating back to the 1800s. Over the years, this genre has evolved to become a significant part of the Nigerian music industry.
Yoruba Islamic singers use music to spread messages of peace, love, and unity in Islam. They sing about the teachings of the Quran, the importance of prayer, and the need to live a righteous life. Their music often contains messages that encourage people to be kind, compassionate, and just.
One of the most popular Yoruba Islamic singers is Alhaja Aminat Ajao Obirere. She is known for her powerful voice and her ability to blend Yoruba culture and Islamic themes seamlessly. Her music is enjoyed by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and she has won several awards for her contributions to Islamic music.
Another popular Yoruba Islamic singer is Alhaji Qamardeen Ayeloyun. He is known for his unique style of music that combines Islamic themes with traditional Yoruba music. His music is widely listened to and has won him numerous awards both in Nigeria and internationally.
In conclusion, Yoruba Islamic singers play an essential role in spreading the message of Islam through music. Their music has a unique sound that is loved by many, and they use their platform to inspire, educate, and entertain their listeners. The contributions of these singers to the Nigerian music industry cannot be overlooked, and their impact on Islamic music in Nigeria will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Here are the top Ten Yoruba Islamic singers in Nigeria :
1. Aminat Ajao
Alhaja Aminat Ajao Obirere known shortly as Aminat Ajao is a Yoruba Islamic singer, songwriter and teacher was born on 13th May and hails from Ilorin, Kwara state.
She is known to be one of the most influential Yoruba Islamic female musician in Nigeria.
2. Abdulateef Kehinde Oriyomi
Abdulateef Kehinde Oriyomi is a popular yoruba Islamic singer, who switched from Fuji music to Yoruba Islamic music in the past decade, and has contributed dearly in the growth of Yoruba Islamic music industry.
He is know for his hit track “Kadara” which is from the album “Agbega”.
3. Awiye Agba
Awiye Agba is a fast rising Yoruba Islamic artist, he was born in the 1990’s. He is known for his angelic and soft voice, and so far undeniably has influenced the Islamic society through his spirit-filled songs.
4.Yusuf Olatunji
Yusuf Olatunji known as Baba Legba or Baba L’Egbaa. Formerly known as Joseph Olatunji, Yusuf Olatunji was born a christian in 1905 in a village called Gbegbinlawo in Ogun State, in the south-western part of Nigeria. He hailed from Iseyin in Oyo State, his conversion to islam boosted his Yoruba Islamic music.
He started his career in 1937 with his first record label and he joined Abibu Oluwa Band in 1927. He died on December 15, 1978 aged 74, but is recognised as one of the greatest of all time in the Yoruba Islamic music industry.
5. Salawa Abeni
Salawa Abeni born 5 May 1961, is a Yoruba Islamic singer, she hails from Ijebu Waterside, in Ogun State.
She began her career in Waka music, an Islamic-influenced, traditional Yoruba music style, under the record label Leader Records, and became the first female artist to sell over a million copies in Nigeria.
She was crowned “Queen of Waka Music” by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in 1992.
6. Saoti Arewa
Saoti Arewa whose real name is Abdul-Salam Azeez Abiodun was born in April 1st, 1970.
He is regarded as a pioneer of Islamic Music. After his first breakthrough in music in 1993, Saoti Arewa went on to release over 10 studio albums.
He often used his music as a tool to elaborate on issues of broken home, neglect of parental care, especially in the Islamic home. He was blessed in the art of praising elite individuals.
7. Alh Basit Aponle Anobi
Katibi Abdul Basit Olanrewaju popularly knows as Aponle Anobi, he hails from Katibi,Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.
He is a renowned cleric and Islamic singer, and has been influential in the society through his spirit-filled songs.
8. Alhaji Ibraheem Labaika
Ibraheem Labaika a Yoruba Islamic singer, was born in 1980, he hails from Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
He is popular for his angelic voice and inspirational lyrics.
9. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister
Sikiru Ololade Ayinde Balogun (MFR), better known by his stage name Ayinde Barrister is a Nigerian-born Yoruba singer-songwriter, song producer and music performer.
He was born on 9 February 1948, to the family of Salawu Balogun.
He was blessed in the art of praising enigmatic and has released over 70 studio albums.
10. Alhaji Shefiu Alao
Shefiu Alao Adekunle popularly known as Baba Oko is a popular yoruba singer and song writer, born on March 24th, 1967 in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
He started the Fuji Bazooka Band in the early 80s, which was later re-branded to Fuji Candozo in 1986. The popular Fuji Cardozo is the first Fuji music band in Ogun state.
Although he is a Fuji artist, he has contributed fully to the growth of yoruba Islamic music in the south western part of Nigeria, and has been awarded with many accolades in his career.
