The Galala dance music genre was spreading through the Nigerian music landscape like wildfire in the late 90s to early 2000s -- both young and old were not left out. On the streets to the clubs, house parties, and buses, galala music blazoned from speakers. Not only did we enjoy the music, but it also paved the way for other music-dance genres –from Swo (pronounced su-wo) to Alanta (pronounced ah-lan-tah), followed by Makossa, then Azonto with kukere/etigi right on its heels and many others.

These dance music styles have kept the world enamored with African music aside from the rhythm and beats. But where did the Galala dance music genre come from? What is it about?

Galala dance music is said to have originated from the streets, particularly the streets of Ajegunle, a suburb slum in Lagos state, Nigeria.

The original creator of the galala is relatively unknown. Sadly, this is due to the non-documentation of its journey from the streets and emergence in mainstream music. One thing that remains a general knowledge is that galala dance was brought to the spotlight by Daddy Showkey, a Nigerian dancehall/local reggae singer. The era also witnessed the rise of other galala stars such as Baba Fryo, Father U-turn, Daddy Fresh, and many others.

The lingo for Galala dance music is pidgin, a language that was then not widely accepted by all, while the accompanying dance steps in the music performance were loved by many.

This dance-music genre is largely defined by its unique dance. The dance gestures may seem haphazard, but it's guided by several themes common to everyday life at the ghettos – malnutrition/kwashiorkor look, daring another to fight, mockery, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, and a few other unsavory acts. The beauty of galala dance routines is better appreciated when performed in pairs or groups. However, solo performances are still impressive. The themes of the dance routines are sequenced in no particular order and based on the dancer's intuition.

In dancing, like most traditional African dances, most parts of the body are involved. A galala dancer bends at the waist with the bum thrust backward, also at the knees with legs slightly apart and shuffled to the beats in a rhythmic pattern. The fists are clenched while arms are positioned and jostled like a boxer inviting an opponent (this gesture is quite common to the men). The facial expressions usually swing between mimicking, relaxed, and teasing.

The fundamental music rhythm of galala is the reggae, though the Nigerian version. The key instruments include percussion, drums, bass, guitar, and synths. Also, the local parlance of the ghetto and guttural singing style is an integral part of its rhythm.

The beautiful and unique blend of the former and latter emphasizes the Nigerian flavor of this reggae/dancehall music style, making it different from its Jamaican counterpart.

Dressing indeed forms a unique part of African dances, and in most music styles, the galala dance-music genre is slightly different. There is no defined costume for this music style. The dancers wear everyday contemporary clothing, though male dancers are usually shirtless and wear knickers.

Despite its rave, Galala’s reign was short-lived as Swo by Danfo Drivers and Yahoozee by Olu Maintain took over. Nevertheless, its impact and influence remain. Galala remains a notable relic of mainstream street pop culture from the late 90s and early 2000s.

Galala is a music genre and dance form popular in Lagos, Nigeria developed by local reggae musicians.

Galala: Relics of Mainstream Street Pop Culture from late 90s

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