Film music in Nollywood has not always been regarded as highly as its counterparts; VFX, cinematography, and the like, but with the Headies latest addition, things might just be looking up.
The Headies, one of Africa’s biggest music awards, recently announced its latest category: Soundtrack of the Year. The category highlights songs written and composed originally for use in a motion picture or series.
The preceding nominees include Teledalese for Eledumare (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), Kaline for Lose to Gain (Breath of Life), Beriola for Orisa (Orisa), Native Filmworks and Wizard Chan for Kill Boro (Kill Boro), Tiwa Savage and Asa for Emotions (Water and Garri), TCJ and Abbey Wonder for Tribe Called Judah Soundtrack (A Tribe Called Judah).
What Does This Mean For Nollywood?
The category shines a light on the art of film music. It emphasises the importance of music and sound in film. “Music has always been a powerful tool in filmmaking—it sets the mood, builds emotion, and brings stories to life in ways that dialogue alone cannot.” Beriola asserts. “Working on movie soundtracks is just special because you are obligated to set the mood for the film,” Wizard Chan supports. The category also rewards the composers, artists, music supervisors, and filmmakers who craft the auditory experience of Nollywood films and TV shows by recognising them.
Cross-promotion with the music industry, which already has a seat on the global table, is another benefit Nollywood is poised to gain. A soundtrack could become mainstream, leading audiences to discover these movies through Spotify, Boomplay, and other streaming platforms. A synergy between artists and filmmakers could be achieved, pushing Nollywood and the music industry to become more intertwined, similar to how Hollywood films often feature collaborations with major artists for original scores and soundtracks. This collaboration could kickstart a bridging between Afrobeats and Nollywood.
Artists may start creating original songs specifically for movies, much like Beyoncé’s Black Is King project for ‘The Lion King’ remake or Kendrick Lamar’s curation of Black Panther: The Album. Imagine an original score for a Nollywood thriller helmed by Don Jazzy or a ballad for a romantic comedy featuring Tems’ vocals.
Awards are monuments of prestige; with an award in place, the industry might see an enhancement of movie sounds. Filmmakers may invest more in original scores and curated soundtracks, allocating bigger budgets for music composition and licensing. It pushes the industry to hire skilled composers, sound designers, and live orchestrators rather than relying on existing Afrobeats hits or stock music. This creates a market for professional soundtracks, which in turn builds Nollywood’s film music culture and will reflect in more memorable and iconic film scores.
Over time, a well-crafted soundtrack could become a major selling point for Nollywood movies, just as soundtracks from Hollywood films contribute to their appeal. This could also spur on streaming platforms and radio stations to promote original film soundtracks, making them a part of mainstream music culture.
What Does the Category Mean to the Artists?
All the nominees are still riding the wave of excitement. “Being nominated for Best Soundtrack at the Headies is an incredible honour, not just for me but for all artists who create music for films.” Says Beriola. “For me and other artists working on movie soundtracks, this nomination is both inspiring and motivating. It validates the work we do and opens up new opportunities for growth and recognition. I hope this category encourages more artists to explore film music and push creative boundaries. It’s a win not just for individuals but for the entire industry,” he concludes.
Wizard Chan is still soaked in eureka. “It means a lot to be nominated for your work always but this one is a bit more special because it was for a sound I made for Kill Boro,” he muses, his heart still connected to the Obayuwana film. For Abbey Wonder, it feels like a nod to his work: “It means the hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”.
The addition of the motion picture soundtrack category at the Headies goes beyond the plaque; it is an acknowledgement of the film music industry. A much-needed nod that could revolutionise the industry, thereby birthing a golden era for Nollywood film music.
