Description
The earliest manifestation of the saxophone in the Nigerian popular music scene dates back to the 1950s. It came with the introduction of highlife music to the Nigerian entertainment arena by musicians from Ghana. It thereafter became more popular through the Afro beat of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, in which it was used for solo rendition in almost speech-song style. The saxophone has then continued to find its way into virtually every Nigerian music genres, serving as solo instrument and member of several ensembles. The entertainment scene in Ibadan and parts of Southern Nigeria has continued to witness innovations, especially in the area of musical performances. One of these innovations is the rise of instrumentalists who employ the use of their instrument for solo performances, as leader of such bands. Most common among such bands are those that are led by saxophonists.
This paper therefore examines the activities and new status of three popular saxophonists in the entertainment scene of Ibadan metropolis. It examines the profile, as well as performance practice of the saxophonists as band leader, performing artiste, and celebrity. It also investigates the business model of the saxophonists as music entrepreneurs. The saxophonists were selected through random sampling, while oral interview was employed in collection of primary data.
The paper affirms that the saxophonist has extended from the status of an ordinary band member to becoming forefront performing artistes in Ibadan metropolis.
