Igbo highlife

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Igbo highlife is a contemporary musical genre which combines highlife and Igbo traditional music. It first started off in the southeast region of Nigeria, during the 1920s. 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]

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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, Sir Warrior, [7] Celestine Ukwu, [8] Nico Mbarga, Oriental Brothers, [7] Isaac Rogana Ottah, Ikem Mazeli. [1]

Igbo highlife in the 21st Century

Flavour N'abania performing Flavour N'abania.jpg
Flavour N'abania performing

From 2004 onwards, singers like Flavour N'abania, J. Martins, Bracket and Wizboyy saw even more success and acclaim for their renascent diverse styles, which, unlike earlier highlife, incorporate a wide range of neoteric influences outside of the West African music scene. [9] [10] One typical example was N'abania's Uplifted album released through Obaino Music/2nite Entertainment in 2010. The album marked a change in musical direction compared to his debut effort as it exhibited a more urban feel encompassing a mixture of hip hop, R&B, techno, reggae, dancehall, and calypso. [11] Uplifted attained commercial success worldwide. In Africa, N'abania remained in high demand at concerts and on other social events. [12]

With the genre's rise in mainstream appeal, many emerging MCs particularly from around the South East and other neighbouring areas began integrating local highlife sounds. Acts such as Mr Raw (formerly Dat N.I.G.G.A. Raw), Slow Dogg, MC Loph and 2Shotz helped establish a much stronger link between indigenous rap, and the new highlife by providing verses to several hit songs and would often hire Igbo vocalists to sing the choruses of their own songs. [13] [14] [15] During 2011, J Martins made headlines around the continent and beyond when he collaborated with Cabo Snoop from Angola and Fally Ipupa from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The songs titled "Good Tym" and "Kele Papa" drew plenty of attention that year, and would later go on to become fan favorites. By 2012, J Martins had evolved into one of the most recognized West African, internationally known music stars. His soukous-tinged approach to record production further gained him additional fan following and respect. [9] [16]

In March 2014, Phyno's introductory album No Guts No Glory was released. Featuring two high-profile appearances by N'abania contributing vocals to tracks "Multiply" and "Authe (Authentic)". The album has received generally positive reviews since its release. It earned Phyno a City People Entertainment Award nomination for Best Rap Album. [17]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of Nigeria</span> Overview of music activities in Nigeria

The music of Nigeria includes many kinds of folk and popular music. Little of the country's music history prior to European contact has been preserved, although bronze carvings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries have been found depicting musicians and their instruments. The country's most internationally renowned genres are Indigenous, Apala, Aurrebbe music, Rara music, Were music, Ogene, Fuji, Jùjú, Afrobeat, Afrobeats, Igbo highlife, Afro-juju, Waka, Igbo rap, Gospel, and Yo-pop. Styles of folk music are related to the over 250 ethnic groups in the country, each with their own techniques, instruments, and songs. The largest ethnic groups are the Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Traditional music from Nigeria and throughout Africa is often functional; in other words, it is performed to mark a ritual such as the wedding or funeral and not to achieve artistic goals. Although some Nigerians, especially children and the elderly, play instruments for their own amusement, solo performance is otherwise rare. Music is closely linked to agriculture, and there are restrictions on, for example, which instruments can be played during different parts of the planting season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Igbo music</span> Musical traditions of the Igbo people

Igbo music is the music of the Igbo people, who are indigenous to the southeastern part of Nigeria. The Igbo traditionally rely heavily on percussion instruments such as the drum and the gong, which are popular because of their innate ability to provide a diverse array of tempo, sound, and pitch. Igbo music is generally lively, upbeat, and spontaneous which creates a variety of sounds that enables the Igbo people to incorporate music into almost all the facets of their daily lives. Some very popular Igbo musical styles are Igbo highlife, Ogene, Igbo gospel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe</span> Nigerian singer-songwriter

Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, often referred to as just Osita Osadebe, was a Nigerian highlife musician from Atani. During his career spanning over four decades, he became one of the best known musicians of Igbo highlife. His best-known hit was the 1984 single "Osondi Owendi", which established him as a leader in the highlife genre and was one of Nigeria's most popular records ever.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flavour (musician)</span> Nigerian singer (born 1983)

Chinedu Okoli, better known by his stage name Flavour N'abania or simply Flavour, is a Nigerian singer. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church. Flavour is popularly known across Africa and the world for his hit song "Nwa Baby ". He is currently signed to 2nite Entertainment.

<i>Uplifted</i> 2010 studio album by Flavour Nabania

Uplifted is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Flavour N'abania. It was released on July 20, 2010, by Obaino Music and 2nite Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Jay Dey, Oloye, Stormrex, Waga Gee, Asemstone, M-Jay, V.I.P and Elense. Uplifted was supported by the singles "Nwa Baby", "Oyi ", "Adamma" and "Odiro Easy".

"Nwa Baby" (Ashawo Remix) is a song by Nigerian singer Flavour N'abania. It was released as the lead single from his second studio album, Uplifted (2010). The song originally appeared on his debut studio album, N'abania (2005), and describes girls who transform themselves from being reserved to being outgoing. On May 18, 2013, Flavour performed "Nwa Baby" (Ashawo Remix) at People's Park in Durban, South Africa, alongside D'banj, 2Baba, Fally Ipupa, and Snoop Dogg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phyno</span> Nigerian rapper and singer

Chibuzo Nelson Azubuike, who is known professionally as Phyno, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. Phyno was born and raised in Enugu State but is a native of Anambra State. He started his music career as a producer in 2003, and is renowned for rapping in the Igbo language. His debut studio album No Guts No Glory, which was released in March 2014, yielded the singles "Ghost Mode", "Man of the Year", "Parcel" and "O Set".

<i>No Guts No Glory</i> (Phyno album) 2014 studio album by Phyno

No Guts No Glory is the debut studio album by Nigerian rapper Phyno. It was released by Sputnet Records and Penthauze Music on March 20, 2014. The album features guest appearances from P-Square, Omawumi, Olamide, Stormrex, Efa, Flavour N'abania, Runtown, Ice Prince, M.I, Mr Raw, Timaya and Illbliss. Phyno enlisted Major Bangz, WizzyPro, Chopstix and JStunt to assist with production. No Guts No Glory was supported by the singles "Ghost Mode", "Man of the Year", "Parcel" and "O Set", and was primarily recorded in Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin. The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, who commended its indigenous sound and lyrical depth.

Igbo rap is a Nigerian style of hip hop music that originated in the Igbo-dominated southeastern region of Nigeria and has become more popular since 2000. The style draws its main influences from Igbo traditional music and African American music. Aside other derived styles, it can be combined with highlife, R&B and afro-soul. Most artists and groups who perform Igbo rap usually deliver their lyrics in the Igbo language, although on some occasions, Igbo is blended with Pidgin English.

Okechukwu Edwards Ukeje, better known by his stage name Mr Raw, is a rapper from Abia State in Southeastern Nigeria. He is a pioneer of Igbo rap, a genre that now appeals to a broad, mainstream audience.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Osondi Owendi</span> 1984 single by Osita Osadebe

"Osondi Owendi" is an Igbo highlife song by Nigerian highlife artist Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe. The song was released in 1984 and has since gone on to become a classic in Nigeria, thereby establishing Osadebe as a leader in the highlife genre.

Celestine Ukwu was a Nigerian Igbo highlife musician during the 1960s and 1970s, best known for his hit songs "Ije Enu", "Igede" and "Money Palava". Described as a "prolific and outstanding composer" by music critic Benson Idonije of Radio Nigeria Two, Ukwu's works have been featured on various world music compilations including The Rough Guide to Highlife and The Rough Guide to Psychedelic Africa.

Pardon C is a United States-based Nigerian singer-songwriter and an entrepreneur currently signed to TCO Music.

<i>Ijele the Traveler</i> 2017 studio album by Flavour Nabania

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Cavemen (band)</span> Nigerian Highlife band

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<i>Kedu America</i> 1996 album by Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe

Kedu America ) is a studio album by Nigerian highlife musician Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe released in 1996. Recorded in one day during his first American tour, Kedu America contains new recordings of some of Osadebe's previous songs, including "Onuigbo" and "Osondi Owendi".

Umu Obiligbo are Nigeria duo singer and Highlife musicians named Chukwuebuka Akunwafor Obiligbo and Ifeanyichukwu Okpuozor Obiligbo. They are known for their highlife songs, performances and their Igbo approach to music. They won “Best African Group award” at the “African Muzik Magazine Awards” (AFRIMMA) 2020.

Nwaozo Obiajulu popularly known as MC Loph was a Nigerian Igbo rapper. He shot into limelight with "Osondi Owendi" a single remix of Osadebe's hit song which featured Flavour N'abania. He died on 14 September 2011.

References

  1. 1 2 "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. 1 2 "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.
  9. 1 2 Charles, Mgbolu (20 March 2012). "J Martins joins Now Muzik". Vanguard . Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  10. ↑ Nzom, Mukosolu (3 November 2012). "Our pain, our gains, our story – Bracket". Vanguard . Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  11. ↑ Muomah, Onyinye (23 May 2011). "Review Of Flavour N'abania Uplifted Album". Nigeria Films. Archived from the original on 17 July 2013. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  12. ↑ Nda-Isaiah, Solomon; Abraham, Anthony (24 August 2013). "African Musicians Should Be Proud of Their Music – Flavour". Leadership . Retrieved 3 October 2014– via AllAfrica.com.
  13. ↑ "Another Rap List: The 10 Most Talented Igbo Rappers List". Information Nigeria. 12 September 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  14. ↑ ""I am taking Igbo rap to the next level" – Phyno". Dailypost Nigeria. 8 May 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  15. ↑ "It is not easy to rap in Igbo –Mr. Raw". Daily Independent. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  16. ↑ "J Martins drops album number 3". Vanguard . 3 February 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  17. ↑ Okiche, Wilfred (3 May 2014). "Album review: Phyno's 'No guts, no glory' is the feel good album of the year". YNaija. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
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