Apalaí

Apala (or akpala) is a music genre originally developed by the Yoruba people of Nigeria, during the country's history as a colony of the British Empire. It is a percussion-based style that originated in the late 1930s. The rhythms of apala grew more complex over time and have influenced the likes of Cuban music, whilst gaining popularity in Nigeria. It has grown less religious centered over time. Apala music is an offshoot of Wéré music. Instruments include a rattle (sekere), thumb piano (agidigbo) and a bell (agogô), as well as two or three talking drums. Ayinla Omowura, Yekinni (Y.K.) Ajadi and Haruna Ishola - amongst others - were notable performers of apala music, these two icons played a major role in popularising the genre. It is distinct from, older than, and more difficult to master than fuji music. Although fuji music remains one of the most popular forms of traditional music amongst Yorubas in Nigeria, apala is still very popular amongst Muslims of the Yoruba ethnicity.

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