Best Igbo Highlife Music: Highlife music is a style of music that began in Ghana and later expanded to Nigeria and other nations in West Africa. It is distinguished by the way that African rhythms and Western instruments are combined. The 1950s saw the rise of highlife music in Nigeria, and it has since become a vital component of that nation’s musical heritage.
Igbo highlife music is one of the most well-known highlife subgenres. The ogene, ekwe, and udu are only a few examples of the traditional Igbo instruments used in Igbo highlife music.
The top Igbo highlife music recordings and tracks will be highlighted in this blog post.
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Top 10 Best Igbo/Songs Highlife Music For You
1. “Sweet Mother” by Prince Nico Mbarga: “Sweet Mother” is arguably one of the most famous highlife songs of all time. It was released in 1976 by Prince Nico Mbarga, a Nigerian singer and guitarist of Cameroonian descent. The song has a catchy melody and lyrics that celebrate the love and sacrifices of mothers.
It became an instant hit in Nigeria and across Africa, and it has since been covered by several artists in different languages. “Sweet Mother” is a classic Igbo highlife music record that will always remain relevant.
2. “Ije Enu” by Celestine Ukwu: “Ije Enu” is a beautiful highlife song that was released in 1975 by Celestine Ukwu, a renowned Igbo highlife musician. The song’s title translates to “journey of life,” and the lyrics talk about the ups and downs of life and the need to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
The song features Celestine Ukwu’s trademark guitar playing, and it has a smooth and soothing melody that will leave you feeling inspired.
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3. “Ogene Nti-Ike” by Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe: One of the most influential figures in Igbo highlife music was Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe. Throughout his career, he put out a number of highlife records, but “Ogene Nti-Ike” stands out as one of his finest.
The song, which was released in 1984, uses the ogene instrument, giving it a unique tone. The song’s lyrics highlight the splendor of Igbo culture and heritage, and its upbeat rhythm will have you on your feet dancing.
4. “Akuko Uwa” by Oliver De Coque: Another important figure in Igbo highlife music was Oliver De Coque. Throughout his career, he put out a number of highlife records, but “Akuko Uwa” stands out as one of his finest.
The guitar and the ogene instrument are used in the song, which was released in 1984. The song’s lyrics discuss the value of honesty and integrity in life, and its upbeat rhythm will get you moving.
5. The work of Chief Morocco Maduka, “Onyeoma Tochukwu”: Nigerian highlife musician Chief Morocco Maduka was renowned for his distinctive musical style. Throughout his career, he put out a number of highlife records, but “Onyeoma Tochukwu” stands out as one of his finest.
The guitar and keyboard are used in the 1993 song, which was also released. The song’s lyrics stress the value of love and human solidarity, and its calming rhythmic melody will leave you feeling at peace.
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6. “Akwaugo” by Ali Chukwuma: Ali Chukwuma was a highlife musician from Nigeria renowned for his distinctive sound. Throughout his career, he put out a number of highlife records, but “Akwaugo” stands out as one of his finest. The guitar and the ekwe instrument are used in the song, which was released in 1977.
The song’s lyrics discuss how important women are to society and how beautiful they are. The song is a famous example of Igbo highlife music and has a fast rhythm that will get you dancing.
7. “Osondi Owendi” by Chief Osita Osadebe: Chief Osita Osadebe’s “Osondi Owendi” is another enduring highlife tune. The guitar and the ogene instrument are used in the song, which was released in 1984.
The song’s lyrics discuss the beauty of love and the necessity of cherishing it. The song, which is still among the most well-known highlife songs of all time, has a fast rhythm that will get you dancing.
8. “Ogbu Ole” by Oriental Brothers: The 1970s saw the rise in popularity of the Nigerian highlife group The Oriental Brothers. Over the course of their career, they put out a number of highlife albums, but “Ogbu Ole” stands out as one of their best.
The guitar and the ekwe instrument are used in the song. The song has a catchy rhythm that will get you moving, while the lyrics discuss the value of hard effort and perseverance in life.
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9. “Echi Di Ime” by Paulson Kalu: Paulson Kalu was a highlife artist from Nigeria recognized for his distinctive sound. Throughout his career, he put out a number of highlife records, but “Echi Di Ime” stands out as one of his finest.
The guitar and the ekwe instrument are used in the song, which was released in 1977. The song’s lyrics emphasize the need to appreciate life while it lasts and the beauty of life. The song is a famous example of Igbo highlife music and has a fast rhythm that will get you dancing.
10. “Anyi Bu ndi Igbo” by Bright Chimezie: Nigerian highlife musician Bright Chimezie is renowned for his distinctive sound. Throughout his career, he put out a number of highlife singles, but “Anyi Bu ndi Igbo” stands out as one of his finest.
The keyboard and guitar are used in the 1985 song, which was also released. The song’s lyrics stress the value of unity among Igbo people, and its upbeat melody will get you moving.
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Conclusion
Igbo highlife music is an essential part of Nigerian music culture. It is known for its fusion of African rhythms and Western instrumentation, and it has produced some of the most significant highlife records of all time.
The above-listed songs are just a few examples of the best Igbo highlife music records or tracks. They have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by music lovers across Nigeria and beyond. If you are a fan of highlife music or would like to experience the beauty of Igbo highlife music, these songs are a great place to start.
Some of the best Igbo highlife musicians of all time include Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, Oliver De Coque, Bright Chimezie, Prince Morocco Maduka, Chief Onyenze Nwa Amobi, and Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe Jr. These musicians have produced timeless classics that are still popular today and have inspired many other musicians to follow in their footsteps.
If you are a fan of music and you haven’t listened to Igbo highlife music, then you are missing out on a lot. Igbo highlife music is not just a genre of music; it is a cultural experience that is worth exploring. So, take some time to listen to some Igbo highlife music today, and you will be glad you did.
Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.