Igbo highlife

Igbo highlife
Stylistic origins
Cultural origins1950s, Biafra/Nigeria
Typical instruments
Subgenres
Fusion genres
Other topics

Igbo highlife is a contemporary musical genre which combines highlife and Igbo traditional music. The genre is primarily guitar-based music, with a rare characteristic blend of horns and vocal rhythms.[1][2] Igbo highlife lyrics are sung mostly in Igbo with occasional infusion of Pidgin English.[3] One of the most influential composers and performers of the music is Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe whose career spanned over 40 years. Osadebe's discography comprises numerous popular songs including the 1984 hit "Osondi Owendi" which launched him on the world stage as a pioneer of the Igbo highlife genre.[4]

Another prominent musician, Singer and guitarist Oliver De Coque is considered "one of the prime exemplars of and chief innovators in contemporary Igbo popular music." Coque was responsible for the increasing popularity of Igbo highlife with a deeper perspective of Igbo sounds being translated on the guitar.[5] Among his best known hits are "Biri Ka Mbiri", "Ana Enwe Obodo Enwe", "Nnukwu Mmanwu" and "Identity", all of which were largely successful throughout the early 1980s to mid 1990s.[6] Other early performers in the genre who have made significant contributions to its development are, Ali Chukwuma, Bright Chimezie, Dr Sir Warrior,[7] Celestine Ukwu,[8] Nico Mbarga, Oriental Brothers,[7] Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, Isaac Rogana Ottah, and Ikem Mazeli, amongst others.[1]

  1. ^ a b "Ikem Mazeli". africaResource. 27 September 2008. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  2. ^ "Video Abaraka Guitar Band of Nigeria (Nigeria) – Egwu Ndidi (80′s Evergreen Igbo Highlife!)". Peganabenga.com.br. 14 March 2014. Archived from the original on 28 June 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  3. ^ "Igbo Highlife". Global Groove. 16 February 2012. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  4. ^ "Nigeria's Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe dead". United Press International. 19 May 2007. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  5. ^ Patterson, Karin. Expressions of Africa in Los Angeles Public Performance, 1781—1994. pp. 315–316. ISBN 0549407057.
  6. ^ Harris, Craig. "King (Dr.) Chief Oliver de Coque". Allmusic. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  7. ^ a b "Dr. Sir Warrior + Oriental Brothers Band Vintage Hits Vol 1 (Nigeria) @ [256k]". globedia.com. 24 April 2011. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
  8. ^ "Discography of Celestine Ukwu (Celestine Obiakor)". African Music. 10 January 2008. Archived from the original on 6 August 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2014.