Fela's Quiet Rhythm
Donald Macleod explores Fela Sowande’s early years, from Lagos choir training to life in 1930s London, with Alexander Douglas.
Donald Macleod traces Fela Sowande’s early musical life, from his beginnings as a chorister in Lagos to his formative years in London. With Alexander Douglas, he explores Sowande’s training under Thomas Ekundayo Phillips, his grounding in the Anglican choral tradition, and his growing engagement with Yoruba musical heritage. In the 1930s, London offered new opportunities: work in theatre and jazz, alongside continued study and performance. Out of these overlapping worlds, Sowande began shaping a musical language of his own.
2 Preludes on Yoruba Sacred Folk Melodies: No. 1 K’A Mura
Fela Sowande
Rebeca Omordia, piano
Yoruba Lament
Fela Sowande
Lucius Weathersby, organ
Rhapsody in Blue
George Gershwin
Benjamin Grosvenor, piano
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
James Judd, conductor
Night and Day
Fela Sowande
Fela Sowande, piano / Hammond organ
Reg Richmond, trumpet
Hugh Lombard, alto saxophone
Syd Jacobson, double bass
Derek New, drums
Sunset
Fela Sowande
Obangiji
Fela Sowande
Richard Lea, organ
African Suite: IV & V
Fela Sowande
CBC Vancouver Orchestra
Mario Bernardi, conductor
Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales & West.
On radio
Broadcast
- Tue 7 Jul 202616:00BBC Radio 3
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