Piper Norman

Norman Core Macleod also known as Norman Macleod (born 27 June 1953 in Glasgow, Scotland) is a Scottish musician who plays the Bagpipes. He created Afro-Celtic music of the bagpipes and was the first foreigner to infuse African traditional beats into the distinctive bagpipe music in Nigeria.

Norman MacLeod won the Martin Lowe Trophy twice for the most outstanding contribution to Lowland and Border piping, the Stewart Bell Trophy,

Early life and education Norman Macleod was born into a family of three children to the late Mr Norman and Mrs Allison MacLeod. He had his early schooling at Milngavie Primary School and Glasgow Academy in Glasgow, Scotland. Norman graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Science from University of Oxford, England, in 1975 and thereafter he earned his second degree, an MBA in Business Administration, from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in 1987.

Career Norman Macleod began his career at Shell International in The Hague, Netherlands, as a graduate management trainee. He was subsequently appointed as the Operations Manager at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCO). In 1994, he played a vital role in the discovery and production of the Bonga Field, which has since become one of Nigeria’s key oil production assets.

He pioneered the Afro-Celtic music of the bagpipes and performed with Femi Kuti at the New Afrika Shrine in 2014, honouring the memory of Fela Kuti.

He became the pioneer in bringing bagpipes to the forefront of fashion in Nigeria. His rise to fame came through his involvement with folk bands, where he began to compose music inspired by his travels across Africa and Europe. His exposure to diverse musical traditions, particularly Breton music, Edo samba, and Yoruba drums, enriched his understanding of folklore and significantly influenced his songwriting.

Albums Norman released several albums, including "Scottish Essence, African Mood" (1998), "Step Up Tempo" (1999), and "African Unity" (2005).

Personal life He is married to Josephine Oboh Macleod and has two children, Allison Macleod and Norman MacLeod Junior.