Igbo highlife music is one of the most popular music genres in Nigeria and West Africa. It is a unique blend of traditional Igbo music and Western influences, such as jazz and swing.

Several Igbo musicians have had a great impact on the music business over the years, leaving behind a lasting legacy with their distinctive sounds and styles.

In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the top 10 greatest Igbo highlife musicians of all time. These artists have made a significant contribution to the development of the music genre and have inspired countless other musicians to follow in their footsteps.

Join us as we explore the life and works of these iconic musicians, and discover what makes them the legends of Igbo highlife music.

10 greatest Igbo highlife musicians of all time

10. Ayaka Ozubulu

Number ten on our list is ayaka ozubulu. we are starting from 10 to the top.

Real name: Chief Prince Chigozie Obunike

Date Of Birth: January 12, 1991

Ayaka Ozubulu started his music career around the year 2009 base on estimate calculations and released his debut album, "Akachukwu Somu Aga," in 2013.

Ayaka Ozubulu is known for his unique fusion of highlife and Igbo traditional music. His music is influenced by artists like Osita Osadebe and Oliver De Coque. He is also known for his socially conscious lyrics that address political corruption, poverty, and other societal issues in Nigeria.

Some of Ayaka Ozubulu's popular songs include "Chukwu Ebuka," "Onye Mụrụ Anya," "Zoba Onwegi," "Ogo Amaka," and "Ijeoma Onye Ga Agba egwu." He has released several albums throughout his career, including "Ife Mere Anyi," "Uwaezuoke," "Onye Mụrụ Anya," and "Ijeoma Onye Ga Agba egwu."

9. Chief Onyenze Nwa Amobi

Number ten on our list is Onyenze Nwa Amobi.

Real name: Chief Onyenze Nwa Amobi Richard

Date Of Birth: 13th January 1979

Birth Place: Mbaise

Popular Hits: "Bullion Van," "Follow," "Overtaking Is Allowed," "African Praise Medley," and "Zikora."

Chief Onyenze Nwa Amobi started his music career in the early 2000s, but he rose to prominence in 2018 after the release of his hit song "One One Billion." The song became an instant hit and garnered millions of views on YouTube, making Onyenze Nwa Amobi a household name in Nigeria.

Onyenze Nwa Amobi's music is a fusion of highlife and Igbo traditional music. He is known for his unique style of storytelling in his lyrics, which address societal issues in Nigeria, including corruption, poverty, and unemployment. His music is also inspired by the works of highlife legends such as Oliver De Coque, Osita Osadebe, and Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe.

Onyenze Nwa Amobi has performed at various events and concerts across Nigeria and has a significant fan base in the country. He has also received several awards and nominations for his music, including the City People Music Award for Best Highlife Artiste in 2020.

8. Prince Chijioke Mbanefo

Number eight on our list is Prince Chijioke Mbanefo.

Real name: Prince Chijioke Mbanefo

Date Of Birth: 10th October 1983

Birth Place: Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Popular Hits: "Aka na Uche," "Onye Na Akaraka," "Onye Obuna Oba," and "Ndi Eze Na Ghana."

Prince Chijioke Mbanefo started his music career as a teenager when he joined a local music group in his hometown. He learned how to play several musical instruments, including the guitar, keyboard, and drums. He then moved to Lagos, where he started his professional music career in the early 1990s.

He has released several albums over the years, and he is widely known for his unique style of music, which fuses traditional Igbo music with modern highlife music. His music is popular not only in Nigeria but also in other African countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, and Togo.

7. Bright Chimezie

Number seven on our list is Bright Chimezie.

Real name: Bright Chimezie

Date Of Birth: 1st October 1960

Birth Place: Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

Popular Hits: Ube Nwanne, Nne Oma, Achorom Zigima Sound, and African Style

Bright Chimezie started his music career in the 1980s, and he quickly gained popularity for his unique style of music, which combines traditional Igbo music with contemporary highlife and jazz music. He is often referred to as the "African Duke Ellington" due to his mastery of the trumpet and saxophone.

Bright Chimezie has released several albums over the years, and some of his most popular songs include "Oyibo Mentality," "Because of English," and "Iheoma Adigo Nma." His music is known for its catchy beats, witty lyrics, and social commentary, and he has won numerous awards for his contributions to the Nigerian music industry.

In recognition of his contributions to music and culture, Bright Chimezie has received several honors, including the Nigerian National Order of Merit award, the highest academic honor in Nigeria.

6. Prince Nico Mbarga

Number six on our list is Prince Nico Mbarga.

Real name: Prince Nico Mbarga

Date Of Birth: 1st January 1950

Birth Place: Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Popular Hits: Sweet Mother, Happy Birthday, Good Father, and Na My Choice

Prince Nico Mbarga is best known for his hit song "Sweet Mother," which remains one of the most popular songs in Africa to this day.

Mbarga was of Cameroonian and Nigerian descent and grew up in Ikom, Nigeria. He started playing the guitar at an early age and formed his first band, the Melody Orchestra, in 1970. In the early 1970s, Mbarga moved to Cameroon and formed a new band, Rocafil Jazz.

In 1976, Mbarga recorded "Sweet Mother," which became a massive hit across Africa and beyond. The song, which was sung in the Duala language, tells the story of a mother's love and the sacrifices she makes for her children. It has been covered by numerous artists and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Mbarga continued to record and perform throughout the 1980s, releasing albums such as "Aki Special," "Wayo Inlaw," and "Simplicity." He blended various musical styles, including highlife, makossa, and soukous, and was known for his virtuosic guitar playing.

Mbarga died in a motorcycle accident in 1997 at the age of 47. He left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to inspire and entertain people around the world.

5. Celestine Ukwu

Number five on our list is Celestine Ukwu.

Real name: Celestine Ukwu

Date Of Birth: September 29, 1940

Birth Place: Ibusa, Delta State, Nigeria.

Popular Hits: Ije Enu, Onwunwa, Uso Ndu, Money Palava, and Ife Si Na Chi

Celestine Ukwu is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern highlife music in Nigeria and is remembered for his unique style and poignant lyrics.

Ukwu began his musical career in the 1950s as a member of the One World Band in Lagos. He later formed his own band, the Music Royals, and released his debut album, "Money Palava," in 1966. The album was a commercial success and helped establish Ukwu as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Ukwu continued to record and perform, releasing several hit songs such as "Ije Enu," "Igede," and "Osinachi." He was known for his socially conscious lyrics, which addressed issues such as corruption, poverty, and inequality.

Ukwu died in 1977 at the age of 36. He left behind a legacy of timeless music that continues to inspire and entertain people around the world. He was posthumously awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by the Nigerian government in recognition of his contributions to Nigerian music.

4. Cardinal Rex

Number four on our list is Cardinal Rex.

Real name: Jim Rex Lawson

Date Of Birth: 4th March 1938

Birth Place: Ijaw, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Popular Hits: Love Mu Adure, Jolly Papa, So Ala Temen, and Sawale

Lawson began his music career in the early 1950s as a member of Sammy Obot's band, the Midnight Crew. He later joined Bobby Benson's Highlife Orchestra, one of the most popular bands in Nigeria at the time, where he played the trumpet and composed some of the band's hits.

In 1956, Lawson formed his own band, the "Majors Band," which later became the "Rivers Men" and finally the "New Generation" in the 1970s. He was a versatile musician who played several instruments, including the trumpet, guitar, and piano, and his band featured some of the best musicians in Nigeria.

Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson passed away on January 18, 1971, at the age of 35, in a car accident in Lagos, Nigeria. His death was a significant loss to the Nigerian music industry, and he is still regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the country's history.

His legacy continues to inspire many young musicians in Nigeria and beyond, and his music remains popular among Highlife music enthusiasts.

3. Dr. Sir Warrior

Number three on our list is Dr. Sir Warrior.

Real name: Christogonus Ezebuiro Obinna

Date Of Birth: 14, June 1947

Birth Place: Umuduruehie in Imo State, Nigeria.

Popular Hits: Akaraka, Na Kwa Echeki, Madu Mezie Nduya, and Chi Awu Out

Sir Warrior began his music career in the 1970s as a member of the Oriental Brothers International Band, which he co-founded with his brothers, Dan and Emma. The band became one of the most popular and influential highlife bands in Nigeria, blending traditional Igbo rhythms and melodies with Western influences.

As the lead vocalist and songwriter for the Oriental Brothers, Sir Warrior released numerous hit songs that became classics in the highlife genre. Some of his most popular songs include "Onye Ikekwere Mekeya," "Akwa Uwa," "Otu Nwa," and "Ejim Ofor."

Sir Warrior's music was known for its powerful and inspiring lyrics, which often touched on themes of love, unity, and social justice. He was also known for his distinctive voice and energetic stage performances, which earned him the nickname "The Chairman."

He received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Nigerian music, including the Nigerian National Merit Award in 2008.

Despite his death, Sir Warrior's music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world. His legacy as a pioneer of Igbo highlife music, and as a cultural icon in Nigeria, remains strong.

2. Oliver De Coque

Number two on our list is Oliver De Coque.

Real name: Oliver Sunday Akanite

Date Of Birth: 14th April 1947

Birth Place: Ezinifite in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Popular Hits: People's club, Father Father, People's Club of Nigeria, and Nwanne Di Na Mba

Oliver de Coque was born on April 14, 1947, and he passed away on June 20, 2008, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Oliver de Coque began his music career in the 1960s, playing the guitar and performing in various bands. He released his first album in 1977, and quickly gained popularity for his unique style of highlife music, which blended traditional Igbo rhythms and melodies with elements of jazz, funk, and other Western genres.

As a songwriter and bandleader, Oliver de Coque released over 70 albums throughout his career, including hits such as "Biri Ka Mbiri," "Ana Enwe Obodo Enwe," and "People's Club of Nigeria." He was known for his virtuosity on the guitar, and for his skill in composing complex and catchy melodies.

Throughout his career, Oliver de Coque received numerous awards and accolades, including the Nigerian National Merit Award in 2001, and he was widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential musicians in Nigerian history.

1. Osita Osadebe

Number one on our list is Osita Osadebe.

Real name: Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe

Date Of Birth: 17th March 1936

Birth Place: Atani, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Popular Hits: Nwanem Ebezina, Agbalu a.k.a. Na Azo Ani, Onuigbo, and Ka-Anyi Jikota

Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe,was a Nigerian highlife musician and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of the highlife music genre. He was born on March 1936, and died on May 11, 2007, in St. Mary's Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria.

Osadebe began his music career in the 1950s, playing the trumpet and singing in various bands. He gained popularity in the 1960s for his unique style of highlife music, which blended traditional Igbo rhythms and melodies with elements of jazz, soul, and funk.

As a bandleader and composer, Osadebe released over 70 albums throughout his career, including hits such as "Osondi Owendi," "Ouachakou," and "Ogbaru Special." He was known for his powerful and soulful voice, as well as his skill in arranging complex and intricate melodies.

Osadebe was also a socially conscious artist, and many of his songs touched on themes of political corruption, economic inequality, and social justice. He was a strong advocate for Igbo culture and identity, and his music often incorporated elements of traditional Igbo folklore and mythology.

Throughout his career, Osadebe received numerous awards and accolades, including the Nigerian National Merit Award in 1984, and he was widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential musicians in Nigerian history.

Igbo highlife music has a rich and diverse history, shaped by the contributions of many talented musicians over the years. From pioneers like E.C. Arinze and Celestine Ukwu to modern-day stars like Flavour and Phyno, these musicians have helped to define and shape the sound of Igbo culture.

While there are many great Igbo highlife musicians to choose from, the top 10 on this list have each made significant contributions to the genre, and have left an indelible mark on the music scene in Nigeria and beyond. Whether it's the innovative guitar work of Oliver de Coque or the soulful vocals of Osita Osadebe, these musicians have each helped to bring highlife music to new heights of popularity and artistic achievement.

As the legacy of Igbo highlife music continues to evolve and grow, it is important to honor the contributions of these great musicians, and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage that they represent. Whether you are a fan of traditional highlife rhythms or modern fusion styles, there is something in the music of these talented artists to inspire and uplift.

References:

legit.ng — Top 10 greatest Igbo highlife musicians of all time: where are they now

six9ja.com — the 10 greatest highlife musicians in nigeria

highlifeng.com — Top 10 List of Igbo Highlife Musicians Who are the Best in 2018/2019

zikoko.com — The 12 Nigerian Kings of Highlife Music

 

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