Igbo Highlife Musicians: Top 10 Greatest of All Time

Greatest Igbo Highlife Musicians of all Times

Igbo Highlife music, a genre deeply entrenched in the cultural heritage of Igboland, has given rise to iconic Igbo Highlife musicians whose influence spans generations. These Igbo Highlife musicians have evolved from a niche collective to a formidable force in Nigeria’s music scene. From the rhythmic infusion of traditional instruments to the soul-stirring melodies of guitars and pianos, Igbo Highlife musicians have established a unique presence in the world of music. Their influence transcends melodious tunes but also serves as a reflection of the rich cultural tapestry across Igboland. As we embark on this rhythmic journey, let’s celebrate the top 10 Igbo Highlife musicians of all time, whose enduring contributions have made an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

Legends of Igbo Highlife Music

1. Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe: The Pioneer of Igbo Highlife Music
   

   Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe is a pioneering figure in Igbo Highlife music and is known as the “Doctor of Hypertension” because of his melodious sounds. He was born on March 17, 1936, in the Igbo town of Atani in Southeastern Nigeria and came from a lineage of singers and dancers in Igboland. Osadebe’s musical style, which encompassed Igbo and traditional elements along with influences from calypso, samba, bolero, rumba, jazz, and waltz, played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of Igbo Highlife music. He began his career singing at nightclubs in Lagos and was part of The Empire Rhythm Orchestra, where he honed his musical skills. After stints with other bands, Osadebe ventured out as a bandleader with his group, the Sound Makers.

   Chief Osadebe was an undisputed leader as an Igbo Highlife musician. He released over 500 songs throughout his illustrious 40-year career, with his most famous hit “Osondi Owendi” solidifying his status as a legend in the genre. Until his death on 11th May 2007 at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut, United States, his influence has had a profound and long-lasting impact on subsequent generations of Igbo Highlife musicians. He has inspired countless artists in Nigeria and beyond, and his contributions have continued to shape the sound and character of Igbo Highlife music, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.

2.  Oliver de Coque: Guitar Brilliance in Igbo Highlife

   Oliver De Coque, also known as Oliver Sunday Akanite, was a highly influential and celebrated Igbo Highlife musician known for his intricate guitar skills and prolific discography. He was hailed as a symbol of creativity, peace, charity, and friendship, and his enduring popularity is evident in his hometown of Ezinifite, where a giant statue of him with his trademark guitar stands tall.

   Born into a creative family, Oliver De Coque ventured into music despite initial opposition from extended family members and friends who doubted the success and wealth that could come from a musical career. However, he persisted and eventually won over his father’s support by showcasing his musical talents at public events. His mystical birth and his mother’s spiritual powers further added a layer of intrigue to his musical journey.

   After traveling to the United Kingdom in 1975 and forming his band, Oliver De Coque, and His Expo ’76, Ogene Sound Super of Africa, his debut album “Messiah Messiah” brought him immense success. Throughout his career, he overcame setbacks and failures, eventually earning the love and admiration of many across Nigeria, including his friendship with Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, the Alaafin of Oyo.
   Oliver De Coque’s generous and cheerful nature endeared him to many, and he composed meaningful and melodious songs rich in proverbs and everyday realities. His most popular works, including “Father Father,” “Ana Enwe Obodo Enwe,” “People’s Club,” “Biri ka Mbiri,” “Abada,” “Mama and Papa,” “Opportunity,” and “Esi Nuno Di Nma,” continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying his legacy as one of Africa’s most prolific musicians.

3. Chief Morocco Maduka: Eze Egwu Ekpili’s Reign in Igbo Highlife 

   Chief Morocco Maduka, a revered Igbo Highlife musician, known as the Eze Egwu Ekpili (King of Ekpili music), was one of the pioneers of Igbo Highlife music. Maduka’s musical journey spanned six decades until his death on 29th Oct. 2020, aged 76. In a retrospective interview, he reflected on his early challenges, breaking into the music scene against his father’s wishes, and the societal perception of musicians at the time. Despite initial resistance, Maduka’s musical career flourished, earning him fame, wealth, and the title of Eze Egwu Ekpili music.

   Chief Morocco expressed pride in his contribution to Ekpili music, its transformation, and the emerging talents it inspired. Despite facing initial opposition, he became a respected figure in the music industry and his community and authored hit songs like Money Palaver, Eze Udene, Ubanese Special, Asili 98′, and several others.

4.  Ali Chukwuma: Weaving Harmonies with Proverbs in Igbo Highlife

   Ali Chukwuma, also known as “Ali Chukumah,” “Ali Chuks,” and “Ali Chukus,” was a gifted Nigerian highlife musician hailing from Aboh, Oshimili LGA in Anambra State. Despite being relatively unknown outside Nigeria, his contribution to the highlife genre is significant.

   Chukwuma’s musical journey began in the late 1960s when he joined Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe’s Sound Makers Band in Atani. In 1975, he formed his own Peace Makers Dance Band, releasing a series of rootsy Igbo highlife music LPs throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

   Contrary to speculation, Ali Chukwuma was not a Muslim; he adopted the name “Ali” from his idol, Ali Baba, a famous African Boxing Heavyweight Champion. He passed away in the mid-1980s due to liver failure, but his impact on highlife music continues to be appreciated.

   Several of his notable albums include “Amala Isekise” (1975), “Odi Ofele Special” (1977), “Ezi Nne Nwanyi Oma” (1976), “Isu Bu Egwu” (1977), and “Club 25” (late 1970s). His compositions, rich in proverbs and addressing various aspects of life, showcased his prowess as a highlife maestro. Even after his passing, Ali Chukwuma’s legacy lives on, cherished by highlife music enthusiasts.

5. Gentleman Mike Ejeagha: The Igbo Highlife Folklorist

   Mike Ejeagha, is a maestro Igbo highlife musician dedicated to preserving the authentic essence of Igbo heritage through his traditional sounds. Born in August 1932 in Enugu State, Nigeria, Ejeagha has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Igbo music for more than six decades.

   Renowned as a folklorist, songwriter, and musician, Ejeagha is a captivating storyteller who skillfully weaves the rich tapestry of Igbo culture into his compositions. His guitar style is distinctive, and his lyrics, adorned with proverbs, impart a didactic quality to his music. Writing exclusively in the Igbo language, Ejeagha’s work serves as a testament to his commitment to preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage of his people.

   With a career spanning over 60 years, Ejeagha has not only created his musical legacy but has also made significant contributions to the preservation of Igbo folklore highlife music. His dedication is evident in the over three hundred recordings he has contributed to the National Archives of Nigeria, a result of his extensive fieldwork in exploring and documenting the rich tapestry of Igbo musical traditions. Mike Ejeagha stands as a beacon of traditional Igbo Highlife, ensuring that the roots of this genre remain firmly grounded in the cultural soil from which it sprouted.

   Top 5 Igbo Highlife Musicians Of All Time

6. Celestine Ukwu: The Maestro of Highlife Melody 

   Celestine Ukwu (1940 – 7 May 1977) was a prominent Nigerian Igbo highlife musician renowned for hits like “Ije Enu,” “Igede,” and “Money Palava.” Born in Enugu to musically inclined parents, his father was a local performer, and his mother led a women’s musical group. Ukwu displayed musical talent early, learning to read music and play the harmonium. Despite starting teacher training, his passion for music led him to join Mike Ejeagha’s group and later Mr. Picolo’s band, touring the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

   In 1966, Ukwu established his band, Celestine Ukwu & His Music Royals of Nigeria, but the Nigerian Civil War led to its disbandment in 1967. During the war, he released “Hail Biafra.” Post-war, he formed Celestine Ukwu & His Philosophers National, producing successful albums like “Igede Fantasia.” His compositions, primarily in Igbo with a touch of Efik, earned him praise for offering “food for thought” to listeners. Tragically, Ukwu lost his life in a car accident on May 7, 1977, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional contributions to Igbo highlife music.

7.  Dr. Sir Warrior: The Oriental Brothers 

   Dr. Sir Warrior was a prominent Igbo highlife musician, known for his energetic tunes and leadership of the Oriental Brothers International Band. He was born in 1947 in Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, and remained an influential force until his passing on June 2, 1999. Dr. Sir Warrior also referred to as Ultimate Dr. Sir Warrior, was a skilled guitarist and his musical legacy continues to be felt today.

   A trailblazer in the world of highlife music, Dr. Sir Warrior began honing his guitar skills at the tender age of 11. His journey reached its zenith in the 1970s when he joined the Oriental Brothers International Band, a move that would shape the course of his successful career. Over the years, the band transformed, giving rise to variations such as Prince Ichita & the Great Oriental Brothers International Band, Oriental Brothers International, and the original Dr. Sir Warrior & His Oriental Brothers International, affectionately known as The Oriental Original.

   Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Sir Warrior etched his name in the annals of highlife history, recording an impressive 12 platinum and 10 gold hits. His 1978 studio album, “Nwanne Awu Enyi,” not only achieved gold status but also became a chart-topper, selling over 7.8 million copies. Beyond the commercial success, Dr. Sir Warrior’s influence extended to the danceable and socially conscious dimensions of highlife, making him a luminary whose performances were legendary. His legacy lives on, an enduring testament to the vibrant spirit of Igbo highlife music.

8. Chief Ozoemena Nsugbe: Ayaka Igbo Nile’s Sonic Odyssey in Igbo Highlife Music

   Chief Akunwata Ozoemena Nsugbe, fondly known as Ayaka Igbo Nile, was a distinguished Nigerian Igbo highlife musician, composer, and bandleader. Born in 1947 in Anambra State, Nigeria, he embarked on his musical journey during the vibrant 1960s, leaving an indelible mark on the highlife landscape.

   Chief Nsugbe is celebrated for his innovative musical style, seamlessly blending traditional Igbo rhythms with contemporary sounds. Throughout his illustrious career, he graced audiences with numerous chart-topping hits, including the iconic “Uwa Mmebi,” the soulful “Omenala,” and the spirited “Alusi Obeledu.”

   Among his final musical offerings was the compelling album “Ikemba Awka Special,” a testament to his enduring artistry. Released just before his passing in 2008, the album boasts timeless tracks such as “Ogene Nti-Ike,” the enchanting “Egwu Ekpili,” and the vibrant “Ogene Udu Akommili.”

   In the symphony of Igbo highlife, Chief Akunwata Ozoemena Nsugbe remains an everlasting melody, his contributions echoing through the hearts of music enthusiasts and securing his legacy as a true icon of the genre.

9. Bright Chimezie: The Ziggima King

   Bright Chimezie is an unforgettable name in the realm of Igbo highlife musicians, particularly as the maestro behind the infectious “African Style.” This iconic crooner, born on October 1, 1960, in Abia State, Nigeria, made an indelible mark in the early 1980s with his revolutionary Zigima Sound.

   A musical genius, Chimezie’s work extended beyond mere entertainment, cleverly addressing societal issues with a touch of humor. Hits like “Ube Nwanne,” “Because of English,” and “Respect Africa” showcased his unique blend of traditional Nigerian music, Igbo highlife, and chanted vocals.

   Chimezie’s musical journey began at the age of 7, leading his clan’s cultural group, and evolved into educational and musical leadership at Ohuhu Community Secondary School. Joining the Nigerian Customs and Excise Dance Band in Lagos, he toured the country before forming “Ziggima” in 1984. The name, meaning “the message that you already know” in Igbo, encapsulates his mission to blend tradition with contemporary sounds.

   Bright Chimezie, “The Duke of African Music,” remains a trailblazer, his vibrant tunes and electrifying dance steps echoing through the hearts of Igbo Highlife music enthusiasts, ensuring his place in the annals of African musical history.

   Read Also:  The Revolution Of High Life Music In Igboland

10. Flavour N’abania: The Modern Highlife Icon

    Meet Chinedu Okoli, widely celebrated as Flavour N’abania or simply Flavour. Born in 1983 in Enugu State, Nigeria, Flavour’s musical journey commenced with a local church where he first showcased his drumming skills.

    Beyond being strictly categorized as an Igbo highlife musician, Flavour masterfully mixes elements of this traditional style into his diverse musical styles. Fluent in the Igbo language, he forges a strong connection with his roots, infusing the spirit of Highlife into a modern context. Currently, under the banner of 2nite Entertainment, Flavour has garnered global recognition, with his many tracks especially “Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix)” scaling the charts.

    Recent accolades even include West Ham United’s TikTok showcasing their talented midfielder, Lucas Paquetá, using Flavour’s reigning track “Agba Baller.” Flavour’s musical journey, influenced by legends like Osadebe and Oliver de Coque, beautifully melds traditional tunes with modern techniques, carving a unique space as a blended Igbo highlife musician. As his melodies echo the past while embracing the present, it’s not a stretch to imagine Flavour leading the roster of the top 10 greatest Igbo highlife musicians in the coming decades.

     

     

    As we take a bow to these musical legends, their contributions to Igbo Highlife music have not only enriched the cultural tapestry but have also paved the way for future generations. The harmony across generations continues, echoing the timeless tunes that connect us to the heart of Igboland.

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