Samuel Akpabot was a Nigerian music composer, ethnomusicologist, producer, and author. His musical journey started as a church chorister, and in 1949, he established a highlife band called 'The Akpabot Players.' Furthering his music education, he pursued studies at the Royal College of Music in London in 1953. He subsequently became a music lecturer at the University of Nigeria and later earned an M.A. in musicology from the University of Chicago. Noteworthy among his compositions was "Scenes from Nigeria." Returning to Nigeria, he served as a senior music producer at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. His significant works encompassed "3 Nigerian Dances" and "Cynthia’s Lament." He assumed the role of director of Chapel Music at OAU and contributed significantly to the annual Ife Festival of Arts.