ETHNOMUS 25 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Fela Kuti, Calypso Music, Kru People
Document Summary
The region of nigeria was actually inhabited by many different ethnic people. People converted from local religions to islam. All of these ethnic groups had their own beliefs, traditions. Lots of conflict between city states and tribal territories. Was formally colonized by british, but near epicenter of transatlantic slave trade. Slave trade increased when portuguese arrived in the 15th century. 1884, 1885: reps from 13 european states along with the us and ottoman empire met in berlin to divide colonial control of africa among themselves. Africans were not represented at this conference. Colonies cut off lines and territories of various ethnic groups. Sometimes even combined ethnic groups that often waged wars against each other, so this was not very realistic. Struggle for independence began with youths from south nigeria. Independence was finally achieved in 1960 but ethnic groups still had tension. After civil war, order was finally somewhat restored in 1970s but much of the government was corrupt.
