Lijadu Sisters

Kehinde and Taiwo Lijadu
Born	(1948-10-22) October 22, 1948 Ibadan, Nigeria
Died	November 9, 2019(2019-11-09) (aged 71) (Kehinde)
Occupation	Musicians
Years active	mid-1960s–1980s, 2010s
Known for	Music duo blending Afrobeat, jazz, disco

Kehinde Lijadu (22 October 1948 – 9 November 2019) and Taiwo Lijadu (born 22 October 1948) were Nigerian identical twin sisters who performed together as the Lijadu Sisters from the mid-1960s until the 1980s. They achieved notable success within Nigeria and attained limited recognition in both the United States and Europe. Their signature sound was a fusion of Afrobeat, jazz, and disco. Although they retired in the late 1980s, they occasionally reunited during the 2010s until Kehinde’s passing in 2019. The sisters were also cousins of Nigerian musician Fela Kuti.

Career

Originating from Ibadan, Nigeria, the twins drew inspiration from artists such as Aretha Franklin and Victor Olaiya. Early in their career, producer Lemmy Jackson played a pivotal role in nurturing their musical development. Their style incorporated elements of Jazz, Afrobeat, Reggae, and Waka, with lyrics delivered in both English and Yoruba. After securing a contract with Decca Records, they released their first album, Iya Mi Jowo, in 1969. Their third album, Danger (1976), featured collaborations with jazz saxophonist Orlando Julius and vocalist Biddy Wright. Notably, American rapper Nas sampled their track "Life's Gone Down Low" from this album without providing credit. Subsequent releases included Sunshine (1978) and Horizon Unlimited (1979).

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Lijadu Sisters stood among Nigeria’s leading musical acts, gradually extending their reach into markets across America and Europe with moderate success. They performed at the World Music Festival during the 1972 Munich Olympics alongside Ginger Baker’s band Salt. The New York Times characterized them as "smiling free spirits," highlighting how their live shows combined playful sisterly exchanges with socially aware lyrics that addressed political issues and conveyed uplifting messages such as the importance of returning home. Their vocal harmonies received widespread acclaim for their "ethereal" quality.

In 1984, Shanachie Records released Double Trouble in the United States, a compilation drawing from Horizon Unlimited and Danger. Their track "Orere Elejigbo" appeared on collections like Nigeria 70 and was included in the influential Roots & Wings playlist in 1997.

During the 1980s, the sisters moved to Brooklyn where they performed at venues including Wetlands in Manhattan and Harlem alongside King Sunny Adé’s African Beats. They also collaborated with Philadelphia’s Philly Gumbo ensemble. Their music was featured in Jeremy Marre’s documentary Konkombé as well as on PBS’s world music program Beats of the Heart.

On 1 April 2014, they took part in the Atomic Bomb! Band’s tribute to Nigerian artist William Onyeabor at London’s Barbican Centre, performing both their own songs and backing Onyeabor’s works. Later that year, they appeared with the band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and toured major cities across the US in May.

Kehinde Lijadu died at age 71 on 9 November 2019 due to a stroke.

In July 2024, The Numero Group announced plans to remaster and re-release the Lijadu Sisters’ entire catalog on vinyl, CD, and digital streaming platforms, starting with Horizon Unlimited. This initiative underscores the lasting commercial significance of their recordings through copyright-protected editions.

Reviews

• Jon Pareles, a music critic for The New York Times, likened their sound to "a West African counterpart to the Pointer Sisters," merging elements of Nigerian Afrobeat, reggae, South African pop, disco, and "Memphis soul." Peter Watrous praised their music as "captivating," emphasizing their politically charged lyrics and their airy vocal harmonies.
• According to Myles Boisen of All Music Guide, the sisters stood out as "an uncommon presence within African music," commending them as "emancipated twins" with silky harmonies complemented by a dynamic and innovative instrumental ensemble.

Discography

Lijadu Sisters

Title	Year	Label	Format	Artist	Additional Information
Iya Mi Jowo / Jikele – Maweni	1969	Decca	Album	Lijadu Sisters	Translation: "Mother, please"
Danger	1976	Decca, Afrodisia	Album (LP)	Lijadu Sisters	Featuring Ade Jolaoso on bass, Johny Shittu on keyboards, Biddy Wright on guitar, saxophone, and drums
Mother Africa	1977	Afrodisia, Decca	Album (LP)	Lijadu Sisters
Sunshine	1978	Afrodisia	Album (LP)	Lijadu Sisters	Produced by Biddy Wright; includes Candido Obajimi (drums), Gboyega Adelaja (keyboards), Jerry Ihejeto (bass)
Horizon Unlimited	1979	Afrodisia	Album (LP)	Lijadu Sisters	Issued in two editions; some references indicate a 1983 release. Musicians featured include Friday Jumbo (cleffs, ekwe), Buttley Moore, Nelly Uchendu (drums)
Double Trouble	1984		Album	Lijadu Sisters
"Orere Eligjigbo"	1997	Shanachie Records	Single	Lijadu Sisters

External links

• – official website