Reviving a legacy: The Lijadu Sisters' discography reissued for a new generation

In an exciting development for music lovers worldwide, the iconic Nigerian duo, the Lijadu Sisters, are set to have their entire discography reissued by Numero Group. This groundbreaking campaign will bring the pioneering work of twins Yeye Taiwo Lijadu and the late Kehinde Lijadu to a new generation of fans.

The reissue series kicks off with the release of their 1979 album, "Horizon Unlimited," on September 20. This remastered edition will include the Sisters' hit song "Come on Home," along with the first-ever transcription of the album's lyrics in both Yoruba and English, and corrected album credits. Fans can look forward to experiencing the album on LP, CD, and digital streaming platforms.

Numero Group has already made all five of the Lijadu Sisters' albums available on streaming services, with plans to release physical editions over the next few years. The duo's discography, which includes "Urede" (1974), "Danger" (1976), "Mother Africa" (1977), and "Sunshine" (1978), has been meticulously remastered by engineer Michael Graves. Additionally, rare recordings, previously unavailable singles, and promotional EPs will be reissued throughout the campaign.

Yeye Taiwo Lijadu expressed her excitement about the reintroduction of "Horizon Unlimited," emphasizing the timeless and futuristic nature of their music that resonates with young audiences. She also shared an anecdote about the challenges they faced while recording the album, ultimately leading them to record in London instead of Lagos.

The Lijadu Sisters' reissue campaign is particularly significant given the obstacles they faced as one of the few women-led acts in Nigeria's male-dominated Afrobeat scene. The sisters endured unpaid royalties, copyright infringement, and discrimination based on their race and gender. It wasn't until 2021 that Yeye Taiwo regained control of their catalog.

The influence of the Lijadu Sisters has been acknowledged by contemporary artists such as Amaarae, Hayley Williams, Ayra Starr, Jamie xx, and Nas. In 2014, the sisters performed alongside David Byrne, Damon Albarn, and Alexis Taylor during a tribute to Nigerian musician William Onyeabor, further cementing their legacy.

As the Lijadu Sisters' music is reintroduced to the world, it's clear that their timeless sound and pioneering spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.

Source: https://pitchfork.com/news/the-lijadu-sisters-announce-reissue-campaign-with-numero-group/