Lagbaja's Simple Yes or No: A Song and Lyrics Review
Though the concept was developed long before that, his first album (untitled Lagbaja) was released to national acclaim in 1993. Over the years and morea albumslater, the music continues to fascinate with its unique focus on a core of African drums. His music is a product of various influences ranging from traditional Yoruba music to Jazz. Often the music is purely instrumental- an interplay between traditional Yoruba percussion, drums, chants, western instruments, and especially the saxophone. When there are lyrics, they are primarily sung in Yoruba, English, or instruments, and especially the saxophone. When there are lyrics, they are primarily sung in Yoruba, English, or a blend of the two as is colloquially spoken in Yoruba cities. Many of his songs dwell on serious social issues, while others simply entertain. Some compositions are introduced with a simple "time to dance". informing the audience of lengthy dance numbers, while other songs address complex social issues through biting wit made palatableb by disarming parables, irony, and multilingual puns.