Lijadu Sisters
The Lijadu Sisters, Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu, are identical twin sisters from Nigeria who were an Nigerian music duet from the mid-1960s to the 1980s. They achieved success in Nigeria and had modest influence in the United States and Europe. They were notable for being a West African version of the Pointer Sisters who mixed Afrobeat sounds with jazz and disco, according to one source. Since the late 1980s, they retired from the music scene. They were cousins of popular Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. Read Full BioThe Lijadu Sisters, Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu, are identical twin sisters from Nigeria who were an Nigerian music duet from the mid-1960s to the 1980s. They achieved success in Nigeria and had modest influence in the United States and Europe. They were notable for being a West African version of the Pointer Sisters who mixed Afrobeat sounds with jazz and disco, according to one source. Since the late 1980s, they retired from the music scene. They were cousins of popular Nigerian musician Fela Kuti.
The twins grew up in the Nigerian town of Ibadan, and were inspired musically by various artists including Aretha Franklin, Victor Olaiya and Miriam Makeba. They had guidance from music producer Lemmy Jackson who is credited with helping them with their early successes. Their music was a mix of Jazz, Afrobeat, Reggae and Waka. Sometimes they sang in English and other times in African languages. One of their first songs was arranged with assistance from jazz saxophone player Orlando Julius. They released their first album Iya Mi Jowo in 1969 after winning a record contract with Decca Records. They worked with the late Biddy Wright on their third album Danger (1976). They recorded Sunshine in 1978 and Horizon Unlimited in 1979.
The sisters were top stars in Nigeria during the 1970s and 1980s. During these years, they branched out to America and Europe and found modest success. They performed with drummer Ginger Baker's band Salt at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games in Munich at the World Music Festival. The New York Times reported that the sisters were "smiling free spirits" who mixed "sisterly banter and flirtatiousness" in their performances which featured positive messages such as the benefit of returning home. Their reggae number Reincarnation insisted that if reincarnation was a reality, then they would like to be reincarnated again into the home where they grew up. Some of their song lyrics were politically themed. Their harmonies were described as "ethereal".
In 1984 Shanachie Records released Double Trouble in the US which was a compilation of their previously recorded material from their albums Horizon Unlimited and Danger. Their song "Orere Eljigbo" was included on a double CD entitled Nigeria 70, Africa 100, and was added to the Roots & Wings playlist in 1997.
The sisters moved to Brooklyn. They performed in various venues including the lower Manhattan club Wetlands and in Harlem with King Sunny Adé's African Beats as their backing band. They performed with the Philadelphia-based band Philly Gumbo. They were featured in the music documentary Konkombé by English director Jeremy Marre, and their music was featured in the Nigerian instalment of the 14-episode world music series entitled Beats of the Heart which aired on PBS during the late 1980s.
On 1 April 2014, they appeared live at an all-star tribute, the Atomic! Bomb Band, for reclusive Nigerian musician William Onyeabor at the Barbican Centre in London. They sang some of their own tracks including "Danger", as well as providing backing and lead vocals on William Onyeabor material. They also performed with the Atomic! Bomb Band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and on tour dates in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles in May 2014.
On 9 November 2019, Taiwo suffered a stroke and died on the same day, at the age of 71.
The New York Times music critic Jon Pareles described their music as "a West African parallel to the Pointer Sisters" with a mix of Nigerian Afro-beat, reggae, South African pop with elements of disco and "Memphis soul".[1] Critic Peter Watrous described the sisters sound as "riveting".
Reviewer Myles Boisen in All Music Guide wrote that they were "a rarity in the African music scene" and added that they were "liberated twin sisters who share the spotlight on smooth close harmonies and command a sharp, inventive backing band."
Discography
Lijadu Sisters
Title Year Label Type Band Notes
Iya Mi Jowo / Jikele – Maweni 1969 Decca album Lijadu Sisters title means "Mother, please"
Danger 1976 Decca, Afrodisia album (LP) Lijadu Sisters Ade Jolaoso (bass), Johny Shittu (keyboards), Biddy Wright (guitar, saxophone, drums)
Mother Africa 1977 Afrodisia, Decca album (LP) Lijadu Sisters
Sunshine 1978 Afrodisia album (LP) Lijadu Sisters Biddy Wright (producer, various instruments), Candido Obajimi (drums), Gboyega Adelaja (keyboards), Jerry Ihejeto (bass)
Horizon Unlimited 1979 Afrodisia album (LP) Lijadu Sisters two versions available; second source says 1983 release Musicians: Friday Jumbo on cleffs and ekwe, Buttley Moore, Nelly Uchendu on drums.
Double Trouble 1984 album Lijadu Sisters
"Orere Eligjigbo" 1997 Shanachie single Lijadu Sisters
The twins grew up in the Nigerian town of Ibadan, and were inspired musically by various artists including Aretha Franklin, Victor Olaiya and Miriam Makeba. They had guidance from music producer Lemmy Jackson who is credited with helping them with their early successes. Their music was a mix of Jazz, Afrobeat, Reggae and Waka. Sometimes they sang in English and other times in African languages. One of their first songs was arranged with assistance from jazz saxophone player Orlando Julius. They released their first album Iya Mi Jowo in 1969 after winning a record contract with Decca Records. They worked with the late Biddy Wright on their third album Danger (1976). They recorded Sunshine in 1978 and Horizon Unlimited in 1979.
The sisters were top stars in Nigeria during the 1970s and 1980s. During these years, they branched out to America and Europe and found modest success. They performed with drummer Ginger Baker's band Salt at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games in Munich at the World Music Festival. The New York Times reported that the sisters were "smiling free spirits" who mixed "sisterly banter and flirtatiousness" in their performances which featured positive messages such as the benefit of returning home. Their reggae number Reincarnation insisted that if reincarnation was a reality, then they would like to be reincarnated again into the home where they grew up. Some of their song lyrics were politically themed. Their harmonies were described as "ethereal".
In 1984 Shanachie Records released Double Trouble in the US which was a compilation of their previously recorded material from their albums Horizon Unlimited and Danger. Their song "Orere Eljigbo" was included on a double CD entitled Nigeria 70, Africa 100, and was added to the Roots & Wings playlist in 1997.
The sisters moved to Brooklyn. They performed in various venues including the lower Manhattan club Wetlands and in Harlem with King Sunny Adé's African Beats as their backing band. They performed with the Philadelphia-based band Philly Gumbo. They were featured in the music documentary Konkombé by English director Jeremy Marre, and their music was featured in the Nigerian instalment of the 14-episode world music series entitled Beats of the Heart which aired on PBS during the late 1980s.
On 1 April 2014, they appeared live at an all-star tribute, the Atomic! Bomb Band, for reclusive Nigerian musician William Onyeabor at the Barbican Centre in London. They sang some of their own tracks including "Danger", as well as providing backing and lead vocals on William Onyeabor material. They also performed with the Atomic! Bomb Band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and on tour dates in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles in May 2014.
On 9 November 2019, Taiwo suffered a stroke and died on the same day, at the age of 71.
The New York Times music critic Jon Pareles described their music as "a West African parallel to the Pointer Sisters" with a mix of Nigerian Afro-beat, reggae, South African pop with elements of disco and "Memphis soul".[1] Critic Peter Watrous described the sisters sound as "riveting".
Reviewer Myles Boisen in All Music Guide wrote that they were "a rarity in the African music scene" and added that they were "liberated twin sisters who share the spotlight on smooth close harmonies and command a sharp, inventive backing band."
Discography
Lijadu Sisters
Title Year Label Type Band Notes
Iya Mi Jowo / Jikele – Maweni 1969 Decca album Lijadu Sisters title means "Mother, please"
Danger 1976 Decca, Afrodisia album (LP) Lijadu Sisters Ade Jolaoso (bass), Johny Shittu (keyboards), Biddy Wright (guitar, saxophone, drums)
Mother Africa 1977 Afrodisia, Decca album (LP) Lijadu Sisters
Sunshine 1978 Afrodisia album (LP) Lijadu Sisters Biddy Wright (producer, various instruments), Candido Obajimi (drums), Gboyega Adelaja (keyboards), Jerry Ihejeto (bass)
Horizon Unlimited 1979 Afrodisia album (LP) Lijadu Sisters two versions available; second source says 1983 release Musicians: Friday Jumbo on cleffs and ekwe, Buttley Moore, Nelly Uchendu on drums.
Double Trouble 1984 album Lijadu Sisters
"Orere Eligjigbo" 1997 Shanachie single Lijadu Sisters
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COME ON HOME
Lijadu Sisters Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'COME ON HOME' by these artists:
Adam Brand I was walkin down the Highway My thumb out in the…
Big M When you're out of words Dark, painful stares Take a look …
Big Maceo When you're out of words Dark, painful stares Take a look in…
Billie Jo Spears Go on with your new love have a good good…
Boz Scaggs You've been gone So long No matter who's right No matter who…
Brady Toops 1: Haven't seen you 'round here for awhile I mentioned your …
Cameron Avery There′ll be no mistletoe for me No presents 'neath the tree …
Claude King Oh you tell me that you're leavin' and tomorrow you'll…
Cyndi Lauper It will be whatever it is you're looking for It will…
D.V.S* If I had my way girl I'd never leave for a…
D.V.S* & Michal Menert Hey I know It's been A while But I was Just wondering If we …
Dan Rodriguez You′ve been telling me a story You've been telling me a…
dave brubeck & paul desmond You'd be so nice to come home to You'd be so…
Debra Snipes n/a…
Dinah Washington & Belford Hendricks' Orchestra Baby won't you please come home? 'Cause your daddy's all alo…
Dr. Isaiah Ross She bought a jet, I know that She is like a…
Duke Ellington Won't you come home, bill bailey, won't you come home I…
Everything but the Girl Baby come home, I miss the sound of the door Your…
Ferdinand Although my lover lives In a place that I can't live I…
Freedom Call When the night comes up in town You don't know you're…
honeyhoney If we sit here in silence the rain will never…
Indigenous Well iv'e been up and down this road For a million…
Indigo Girls Dark clouds are coming in like an army Soon the sky…
Jimmy and Carol Owens I woke up broken again I woke from a dream Thinking you…
Joe Higgs Baby, come on home So long I've been alone I've tried to…
Judy Welden COME ON HOME(MY SOUL'S A DYIN') [Chorus:] Come on home, my …
Junior Vasquez It will be whatever it is you're looking for It will…
Kevin Isaacs Girl It seem a long time i've waiting for you Since you've…
Lake Call any time You'll find us here in the line Awaiting ges…
Lali Puna They say nothing to me I say nothing to them. Sometimes I…
Lambert Hendricks & Ross I know that you can hear me talking Though you're a…
Lyle Divinsky Come On Home Where You Belong (Mmm…) Come On Home Where You …
Lynn Anderson Go on with your new love have a good good…
Mary Chapin Carpenter Slowly as you look at me In your eyes I…
Mel & Carl You'd be so nice to come home to You'd be so…
Myles Sanko Love what you feeling Go on about your way You a grown…
Natalie Imbruglia Beautiful day Shined when I needed that most Shined on the c…
OBB We've all been there, We've all felt it, Those times when …
Owens Jimmy and Carol Oh baby, won't you please come home 'Cause your little dadd…
Pages Call you, telephone, far away, I'm so all alone Turn around…
Pharis Jason Romero You are troubled by the days, you are troubled You are…
Rockwell T. James Bells will be ringing this sad, sad New Years Oh what…
Roomful Of Blues You know that I love you But not your way I will…
Shirley Horn I've got the blues, I feel so lonely I'd give…
Smokie Quiet night, lonely night As I lay with the bedside light …
Stephan Eicher Come on home Come on home You're too long gone Please com…
Steve Oliver Doesn't matter if this day goes wrong Doesn't matter when it…
Syl Johnson You′ve been gone so long No matter who's right No matter who…
Tammy Wynette Well, you thought I'd be waiting up When you come…
The Broken Family Band I know you really want me I know you really want…
The Currys Come on home now, 'cause I spent some time away…
The Hollies I'm telling you I'm telling you I'm telling you to come on…
The Lyrics Hello world Hope you′re listening Forgive me if I'm young Fo…
The Springfields Don't stand there wailing "got no place to go" Come on…
The Tremeloes When you told me you would leavin' You said it was…
Third World Just come on home Just come on home When you're feeling sad…
Titanium Come on, come on home Woah oh oh woah oh oh Come…
Wayne Fontana Ever since my baby walked away, I feel I wanna die,…
Wilson-McKinley (Hold my price too low) (Aye yo, aye yo, aye yo) (When…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Lijadu Sisters:
Come and Dance Dance, get up Come on and dance, get up, get up Dance,…
Erora E rora E rora o Aye maa ma gbege o E rora E rora…
Life's Gone Down Low Well Do you know something baby Lifes gone down low Yeah Lif…
The lyrics can frequently be found in the comments below or by filtering for lyric videos.
Adam Brand I was walkin down the Highway My thumb out in the…
Big M When you're out of words Dark, painful stares Take a look …
Big Maceo When you're out of words Dark, painful stares Take a look in…
Billie Jo Spears Go on with your new love have a good good…
Boz Scaggs You've been gone So long No matter who's right No matter who…
Brady Toops 1: Haven't seen you 'round here for awhile I mentioned your …
Cameron Avery There′ll be no mistletoe for me No presents 'neath the tree …
Claude King Oh you tell me that you're leavin' and tomorrow you'll…
Cyndi Lauper It will be whatever it is you're looking for It will…
D.V.S* If I had my way girl I'd never leave for a…
D.V.S* & Michal Menert Hey I know It's been A while But I was Just wondering If we …
Dan Rodriguez You′ve been telling me a story You've been telling me a…
dave brubeck & paul desmond You'd be so nice to come home to You'd be so…
Debra Snipes n/a…
Dinah Washington & Belford Hendricks' Orchestra Baby won't you please come home? 'Cause your daddy's all alo…
Dr. Isaiah Ross She bought a jet, I know that She is like a…
Duke Ellington Won't you come home, bill bailey, won't you come home I…
Everything but the Girl Baby come home, I miss the sound of the door Your…
Ferdinand Although my lover lives In a place that I can't live I…
Freedom Call When the night comes up in town You don't know you're…
honeyhoney If we sit here in silence the rain will never…
Indigenous Well iv'e been up and down this road For a million…
Indigo Girls Dark clouds are coming in like an army Soon the sky…
Jimmy and Carol Owens I woke up broken again I woke from a dream Thinking you…
Joe Higgs Baby, come on home So long I've been alone I've tried to…
Judy Welden COME ON HOME(MY SOUL'S A DYIN') [Chorus:] Come on home, my …
Junior Vasquez It will be whatever it is you're looking for It will…
Kevin Isaacs Girl It seem a long time i've waiting for you Since you've…
Lake Call any time You'll find us here in the line Awaiting ges…
Lali Puna They say nothing to me I say nothing to them. Sometimes I…
Lambert Hendricks & Ross I know that you can hear me talking Though you're a…
Lyle Divinsky Come On Home Where You Belong (Mmm…) Come On Home Where You …
Lynn Anderson Go on with your new love have a good good…
Mary Chapin Carpenter Slowly as you look at me In your eyes I…
Mel & Carl You'd be so nice to come home to You'd be so…
Myles Sanko Love what you feeling Go on about your way You a grown…
Natalie Imbruglia Beautiful day Shined when I needed that most Shined on the c…
OBB We've all been there, We've all felt it, Those times when …
Owens Jimmy and Carol Oh baby, won't you please come home 'Cause your little dadd…
Pages Call you, telephone, far away, I'm so all alone Turn around…
Pharis Jason Romero You are troubled by the days, you are troubled You are…
Rockwell T. James Bells will be ringing this sad, sad New Years Oh what…
Roomful Of Blues You know that I love you But not your way I will…
Shirley Horn I've got the blues, I feel so lonely I'd give…
Smokie Quiet night, lonely night As I lay with the bedside light …
Stephan Eicher Come on home Come on home You're too long gone Please com…
Steve Oliver Doesn't matter if this day goes wrong Doesn't matter when it…
Syl Johnson You′ve been gone so long No matter who's right No matter who…
Tammy Wynette Well, you thought I'd be waiting up When you come…
The Broken Family Band I know you really want me I know you really want…
The Currys Come on home now, 'cause I spent some time away…
The Hollies I'm telling you I'm telling you I'm telling you to come on…
The Lyrics Hello world Hope you′re listening Forgive me if I'm young Fo…
The Springfields Don't stand there wailing "got no place to go" Come on…
The Tremeloes When you told me you would leavin' You said it was…
Third World Just come on home Just come on home When you're feeling sad…
Titanium Come on, come on home Woah oh oh woah oh oh Come…
Wayne Fontana Ever since my baby walked away, I feel I wanna die,…
Wilson-McKinley (Hold my price too low) (Aye yo, aye yo, aye yo) (When…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Lijadu Sisters:
Come and Dance Dance, get up Come on and dance, get up, get up Dance,…
Erora E rora E rora o Aye maa ma gbege o E rora E rora…
Life's Gone Down Low Well Do you know something baby Lifes gone down low Yeah Lif…
The lyrics can frequently be found in the comments below or by filtering for lyric videos.
Jose Javier Calvo
Thank you Africa for blessing us with rhythm
Banji Ayiloge
The Lijadu sisters are a nation's treasure, but like most of our treasures, we failed to harness them to the best of our abilities. The good thing is that they have left their mark on the sand of time.
Numero UNO
@Ayiloge: I disagree totally with you sir. the nation and the city of Ibadan totally cherished the Lijadu sisters in the 70s. They were part of the rave of those years and they left good footprints on the entertainment sands of the time. The social life in the then old western state was conveniently rivalling that of Lagos. Though I was quite young at that time, life was good, enjoyable and in abundance
I still recall with nostalgia the exploits of DJs like Alex Folarin Conde, Tunji Marquis, Funke Ogunsanya (Funkiest Gambino), Yanju Adegbite, who between them sent airwaves into frenzy.
However, the Lijadu sisters must have seen what many did not see that time as they left for greener pastures in the United States. They were not alone as many budding stars did a runner to God's own country. And like many immigrants, the budding of settling down and integrating into the society was just too overwhelming for them and were soon lost in the system
Kemi
Much love from Egypt! Fela and others like him are heros!
Gordon Aglass
I would want to partly align myself with Banji Ayiloge's view as the same fate befell members of BLO and other fine groups/solo acts of the 70s. As for BLO, most Nigerians didn't even know that they were Nigerians and as such they were not well patronised in terms of record sales. Though many things were responsible for such situation which among other things were the size of the economy, influx of foreign music, few radio stations/tv stations and the late coming of video, poor recording and ill-equipped studios to mention just a few as compared to what we now have.
okkjuniorr
Banji Ayiloge Init pal
apm111
they sure have
Alex Wahu
2021 and we still love you sisters. Keep resting well Kehinde.
Ned Flanders
If I'm ever inches away from death, counting my last breaths, play me this song, and I will arise a new man with full life because of this bass riff.
Anthony
You and me both brother.