Haruna Ishola

Emotionally rich baritone vocals, backed by several supporting vocalists and set to the percussive rhythms of gangan (talking drum), agidibgo (lamellaphone), shakers, agogo bells, akuba (conga-like drum), and claves, enabled Haruna Ishola to become one of the most influential singers in the history of Yoruba music. Amassing an ultra-large repertoire of historic tales, philosophical explorations, and songs of praise, Ishola was known for performing extremely lengthy shows that ranged from four to ten hours long. Releasing his debut recording, Orimolusi Adeboye: The Oba of Ijebu-Igbo, in 1948, Ishola remained prolific, releasing more than 30 albums in his two-decade career. His album Oroki Social Club, Osogbo, released in 1971, sold more than five million copies between 1971 and 1983.