The Lijadu Sisters – Urede

"In Nigeria’s male-dominated music scene, the Lijadu Sisters were among the first — and fiercest — popular female artists, groundbreaking not only for their music (a mélange that included folky apala, funky Afrobeat and slinky disco) but also their feminism." —The New York Times

Excitement: This was a hard record to find an original copy. Having never been available for streaming or reissued, Urede is probably the most elusive and least known of The Lijadu Sisters 5 albums. -Numero Group

After decades of mystery and anticipation, The Lijadu Sisters' ultra-rare 1974 album Urede, is finally resurfacing. A true gem that has eluded even the most dedicated collectors, this album offers a long-awaited opportunity to experience the very beginning of the sister's recorded musical journey - an electrifying fusion of Afropop, Funk, and Jazz that began to define their legendary sound.

The Lijadu Sisters, consisting of twin sisters Yeye Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu, are iconic figures in the world of Afrobeat, emerging from Nigeria's vibrant music scene in the 1970s. Born in 1948 in Jos and raised in Ibadan, their journey into music was inspired by a combination of Yoruba cultural traditions and a rich tapestry of global sounds. Their music, a unique blend of Afrobeat, funk, reggae, rock, disco, and soul, mirrors Nigeria's post-independence cultural renaissance. Their second cousin, the legendary Fela Kuti, also thrived during this era, underscoring the familial and cultural influences that shaped their sound.

The sisters' musical journey began with their mother's encouragement, leading them to write songs that resonated with themes of empowerment, societal issues, and personal experiences. Their first album, Urede, released in 1974, set the stage for their innovative approach to music. The 1976 release of Danger marked a significant milestone, with the title track becoming an impromptu hit born out of a spontaneous jam session during a power outage. This album, along with others like Mother Africa, Sunshine, and Horizon Unlimited, showcased their ability to blend vibrant harmonies with intricate rhythms, often leading with traditional Yoruba drums. Their songs addressed a wide range of topics, from love and personal struggles to political corruption and social justice.

The Lijadu Sisters' music was deeply rooted in Yoruba cultural traditions, often reflecting the role of the Ibeji, or sacred twins, in their society. Their work was a testament to their resilience in a male-dominated industry, pushing boundaries and challenging norms. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including a debilitating accident that affected Kehinde in the 1980s, the sisters' legacy endured. In 2019, Kehinde passed away, but Yeye Taiwo continues to carry their musical torch. The Lijadu Sisters' body of work remains a powerful and timeless testament to their impact on Afrobeat and global music, guided by their mother's enduring advice: “Sing about things that are happening in real time to people in the real world. There’s anger, there’s happiness, there’s marriage, there’s love. Babies come, people die, angels descend, disasters strike. Sing about those things. Those things are still happening because this is life. Do your part to make things better.” Their music continues to inspire and captivate new generations of listeners around the world.

The Lijadu Sisters - Urede

Label: EMI – NEMI (LP) 0060 / Numero Group
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Visit: https://thelijadusisters.bandcamp.com/
Country: Nigeria
Released: 1974 / Reissue 2025
Style: Afrobeat, Apala, Funk
Source: Digital

1. Kehinde L'o Gba Taiwo 4:43
2. Araiye Mojuba 6:25
3. Fasiribo (Apala) 6:15
4. Urede (Extract From A Story) 6:50

Credits
Composed By, Written-By – Lijadu Sisters

Engineer – Emmanuel Odenusi