Kabaka (musician)

Last updated
Kabaka
Birth nameGodwin Opara
Also known asKabaka
BornImerienwe ,Ngor-Okpala, Imo State
Occupation(s)Musician and Guitarist
InstrumentGuitar
Member ofOriental Brothers International Band

Godwin Opara, known as Kabaka was a Nigerian Igbo highlife musician, guitarist, and one of the original members and founders of the Oriental Brothers International Band. [1]

Contents

Born in Imerienwe,Ngor-Okpala, Imo State, Kabaka was one of the founders of the Oriental Brothers International Band in 1973. [2]

In 1976, he began his solo career and released a total of 14 studio albums throughout his career. [3]

Early life

Kabaka originates from Umuawara, Umuoye, Imerienwe, in Ngor Okpala, Imo State. Born into a big family, he is the second son. His early education took place at Baptist Primary School, Imerienwe. [4] His musical journey began early, playing the trumpet as a primary school pupil. Following his primary education, he ventured to Onitsha for secondary school. Later, he attended a commercial secondary school in Enugu, where his passion for music truly flourished.

Career

Kabaka moved to Lagos in the early seventies, after the civil war he went to Lagos where he played with a musical group owned by Mr. Ikediala. Later, at Easygoing Hotel, he co-founded Oriental Brothers International Band, releasing multiple albums. Kabaka began his solo career in 1976, when he formed The Kabaka International Guitar Band. He continued to make high-quality Highlife music, releasing fourteen albums and producing successes such as ‘Mangala Special'. [5] He also experimented with Ezebongo rhythms to demonstrate his versatility and ingenuity. Later, he collaborated with The Imo City Band, cementing his legacy as a Highlife.

He made a comeback on September 2023 as he unveiled his album The Return Of Kabaka which received over a million streams and ranked in the top albums worldwide.

Death

Kabaka passed on March 21, 2024,at the age of 77.

Discography

ALBUMS

Onye Mam Ka Nma(1980)

Ezi Nwanne(1989)

Izu Kanma Na Nneji(2014)

Abialam(2023)


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References

  1. "Kabaka Godwin Opara: Legendary highlife singer don die". BBC News Pidgin . 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  2. Ezeudoye, Chidera (2024-03-23). "Highlife maestro, Godwin Kabaka Opara dead | AIT LIVE". Africa Independent Television . Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  3. Johnson, Hannah (2024-03-22). "Highlife music icon, Kabaka dies at 77". The Punch . Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  4. Mbonu-Amadi, Osa; Editor, Arts (2024-03-26). "Nigeria: Kabaka Opara's Contributions to Nigerian Music". Vanguard. Retrieved 2024-10-11.{{cite news}}: |last2= has generic name (help)
  5. Mbonu-Amadi, Osa; Editor, Arts (2024-03-26). "Nigeria: Kabaka Opara's Contributions to Nigerian Music". Vanguard. Retrieved 2024-10-11.{{cite news}}: |last2= has generic name (help)