Trailblazing Twins: The Lasting Legacy of the Lijadu Sisters

In the vibrant music scene of 1970s Nigeria, the Lijadu Sisters emerged as groundbreaking artists, captivating audiences with their funky tunes and pioneering feminist spirit. Five years after the passing of Kehinde Lijadu, the duo's albums are set to be reissued, shining a well-deserved spotlight on their trailblazing influence.

Reclaiming the Spotlight: The Lijadu Sisters' Triumphant Return

Yoruba Roots and a Musical Calling

High above the bustling streets of Harlem, Yeye Taiwo Lijadu, now 75 years old, sits surrounded by a collection of sacred objects that reflect her deep connection to the Yoruba traditional religion of Ifá. As an ordained priestess, Lijadu's apartment is a testament to her spiritual journey, with shelves displaying statues and icons of the 401 deities associated with this ancient belief system. Yet, amidst these artifacts of her spiritual life, there are subtle reminders of her past as one of Nigeria's biggest pop stars of the 1970s.Lijadu's journey began in 1963, when she and her identical twin sister, Kehinde, first gained recognition as schoolgirl performers in a talent competition. This marked the start of a remarkable musical partnership that would captivate audiences across Nigeria and beyond. The Lijadu Sisters began releasing records in 1968, and by the mid-1970s, they had become larger-than-life figures, their 1976 album "Danger" depicting them as superheroes in matching red outfits and knee-high boots.

Trailblazers in a Male-Dominated Industry

In Nigeria's male-dominated music scene, the Lijadu Sisters were pioneers, not only for their eclectic sound that blended folky apala, funky Afrobeat, and slinky disco, but also for their unwavering feminist spirit. In the 1979 documentary "Konkombe: The Nigerian Pop Music Scene," the sisters are shown rehearsing and recording while taking turns feeding Taiwo's infant daughter, determined to make their voices heard amidst a studio full of male musicians and technicians."Women suffered at the hands of men in Nigeria," Lijadu recalled, alluding to the pervasive atmosphere of disrespect and sexual harassment that female artists often faced. The Lijadu Sisters' determination to carve out a space for themselves in this male-dominated industry was a testament to their resilience and their commitment to empowering women in the arts.

A Lasting Legacy and Renewed Appreciation

After years of being out of circulation, the Lijadu Sisters' musical legacy is finally being recognized and celebrated. The Numero Group, a record label dedicated to unearthing and preserving forgotten musical gems, has announced the remastering and reissuing of all five of the duo's 1970s albums, beginning with the release of their 1979 masterpiece, "Horizon Unlimited."This moment of triumph, however, is tinged with grief, as Kehinde Lijadu passed away in 2019 after a battle with breast cancer. "She was my life," Taiwo Lijadu said, "she was my everything." The reissue of the Lijadu Sisters' albums serves as a bittersweet celebration of their enduring impact, as a new generation of listeners and musicians discover the power and artistry of their groundbreaking work.

Sampling and Inspiration: The Lijadu Sisters' Lasting Influence

The Lijadu Sisters' music has left an indelible mark on the industry, with their songs being sampled by artists like Nas and Ayra Starr, and their influence cited by a new generation of female musicians, including Tems and Hayley Williams. The sisters' uncannily synchronized harmonies, sung primarily in English or Yoruba, created a choir-like effect that has captivated listeners across decades and continents.As the Lijadu Sisters' albums are reintroduced to the world, their trailblazing spirit and musical innovation will undoubtedly inspire and empower a new generation of artists, both in Nigeria and beyond. The reissue of their work serves as a testament to the enduring power of their art and the lasting impact of their pioneering spirit.