Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1905

Death

:

1987

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

 

Orchestral

 

Fela Sowande was a Nigerian composer, organist, and pianist who was born on May 29, 1905, in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He was the son of a Yoruba chief and was raised in a musical family. His father was a drummer, and his mother was a singer. Sowande began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Sowande received his early education in Nigeria and later went to London to study music at the Royal Academy of Music. He studied composition, piano, and organ and graduated with honors in 1933. While in London, Sowande became interested in African music and began incorporating African rhythms and melodies into his compositions. After completing his studies, Sowande returned to Nigeria and became the first African to be appointed as a music director at a British colonial school. He also worked as an organist and pianist at various churches in Nigeria. Sowande's compositions were influenced by his African heritage and his classical training. He wrote music for the piano, organ, choir, and orchestra. One of Sowande's most famous works is his African Suite for orchestra, which was first performed in 1934. The suite consists of four movements, each based on a different African folk melody. The suite was well-received and helped to establish Sowande as a composer. Sowande also wrote music for the piano, including his African Suite for piano, which was first performed in 1943. The suite consists of six movements, each based on a different African folk melody. Sowande's piano music is characterized by its use of African rhythms and melodies, as well as its classical structure. In addition to his compositions, Sowande was also a respected organist. He played the organ at various churches in Nigeria and was known for his improvisational skills. Sowande's organ music is characterized by its use of African rhythms and melodies, as well as its classical structure. Sowande was also a music educator and wrote several books on African music. His book, "African Music: A People's Art," was published in 1957 and is still considered a seminal work on African music. Sowande believed that African music was an important part of African culture and should be studied and preserved. Sowande's contributions to African music were recognized by the Nigerian government, and he was awarded the Order of the Niger in 1963. He continued to compose and perform music until his death on March 13, 1987. In conclusion, Fela Sowande was a Nigerian composer, organist, and pianist who was known for his use of African rhythms and melodies in his compositions. He studied music in London and returned to Nigeria to become a music director and organist. Sowande's compositions, including his African Suite for orchestra and African Suite for piano, are still performed today. He was also a respected music educator and wrote several books on African music. Sowande's contributions to African music have had a lasting impact and continue to be celebrated today.

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