By studying Western classical music at mission schools and at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos, Fela Sowande developed a keen interest in composing for the organ. He wrote 17 solo organ works and in them copiously employed thematic materials and other musical elements from the three major cultures that had come to shape and define his creative experience: Nigerian/African, African-American, and European. In this essay, originally written by Godwin Sadoh for the RCO Journal of 2013, ten of Sowande's most popular organ works are discussed.

This content is available free of charge to College members. To find out more about joining RCO, please click here.

Non-members with an iRCO guest account can view this content with a one-off payment of £2.49. Please enter your details below to begin the secure payment process.