HIGHLIFE MUSIC, NIGERIA'S TIMELESS CULTURAL TREASURE
- Judith Nnakee
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Before Afrobeat, Hip-Hop and Contemporary Pop dominated the frequencies, Highlife was the music of Nigeria. Growing up, my childhood soundtrack wasn’t Afrobeat, Rhythm & Blues, or Hip-Hop; It was Highlife. It was always my dad’s favorite Highlife songs filling the car every morning on the way to school or during trips.
I still remember the playlist vividly, from Chief Dr. Osita Osadebe’s classics like Osondi Owendi, Ka Anyi Jikota, and Nwannem Ebezina, to Oliver De Coque’s People’s Club and even Bright Chimezie’s Because of English and Onulu Ube Nwanne; these songs shaped not just my ears, but my memories. I had to stream most of them again yesterday, just so I could write this and give you something truly interesting to read and every single note brought back a wave of nostalgia.
Streaming these classics reminded me of just how rich and timeless this music truly is and how Artists like Chief Dr. Osita Osadebe, Oliver De Coque, Bright Chimezie and Chimuanya created songs that are still celebrated decades later and continue to influence contemporary Nigerian music.
CHIEF DR. OSITA OSADEBE: THE KING OF HIGHLIFE
Chief Dr. Osita Osadebe remains one of the most celebrated highlife musicians. His Osondi Owendi, Ka Anyi Jikota, and Nwannem Ebezina are more than music, they’re cultural touchstones.
“Osondi Owendi” reminded me that life is full of ups and downs, and people’s fortunes may differ, but music brings us together. While “Ka Anyi Jikota” encourages unity, a timeless message that resonates even today, “Nwannem Ebezina” conveys warmth and solidarity while embodying the communal spirit of the Igbo culture.
Streaming these songs again, made me understand why Chief Dr. Osadebe is still called “The Doctor of Highlife”, his music is timeless, relatable, and effortlessly captivating.
OLIVER DE COQUE: THE MASTER OF GUITAR AND STORYTELLING
Oliver De Coque brought highlife to life with his guitar-driven melodies, with his music perfectly blending rhythm, melody and cultural storytelling. His “People’s Club” celebrates community pride and our everyday life in a way that feels both personal and universal, While his “Biri Ka Mbiri” captures the joyous and social spirit of Nigerian life, particularly in the Eastern region.
Oliver De Coque’s music is a reminder that highlife is not just a genre but a reflection of society, culture, and shared experiences.
BRIGHT CHIMEZIE: THE MAN WITH THE HUMOR, WIT, AND ENERGY.
Bright Chimezie’s music combines humor and storytelling, making his songs both entertaining and meaningful. His “Because of English” highlights the humor in our everyday life while cleverly commenting on society, While his “Onulu Ube Nwanne”, emphasizes friendship, family, and support within the community.
What sets his songs apart is that his songs were more than danceable tunes, they were social commentaries addressing cultural identity, societal issues, exploitation and the importance of remembering ones roots. Bright Chimezie’s ability to mix humor with lessons made highlife accessible to everyone, both the young and old alike.
CHIMUANYA: ENERGETIC AND THE CROWD’S FAVORITE
Among all the classics, “Ayakata Bongo” by Chimuanya remains the crowd’s favorite. Its infectious rhythm and lively beats makes it impossible not to dance or sing along. It is still played at parties, cultural events, and throwback playlists, proving that some highlife songs never lose their magic.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HIGHLIFE SONGS
Highlife is more than just music; it's a profound cultural and historical treasure, weaving together Nigeria's past and present. These celebrated songs act as cultural custodians, preserving history and traditions by narrating our everyday life, societal norms, and cultural values. They are also a unifying force, promoting social cohesion through lyrics that emphasize togetherness and mutual respect.
Highlife's influence transcends generations, directly bridging the gap between the youth and older Nigerians by creating shared experiences and continuing to influence modern music, with contemporary Afrobeat and Pop frequently borrowing its rhythms, melodies, and storytelling.
Highlife is a reminder that music can educate, entertain, and preserve culture at the same time. Streaming these songs today not only brings joy but also keeps the legacy of Nigerian music alive
MUST-LISTEN HIGHLIFE HITS
I curated this Highlife playlist, featuring all my favorites just for you;
Chief Dr. Stephen Osita Osadebe – Osondi Owendi, Nwannem Ebezina, Ka Anyi Jikota
Oliver De Coque – People’s Club, Biri Ka Mbiri, Nnukwu Mmanwu
Bright Chimezie – Because of English, Onulu Ube Nwanne, Isi Azu
Chimuanya – Ayakata Bongo, Ube Nwanne
Cardinal Rex Lawson – So ala mi ke, Sawale
Victor Uwaifo – Joromi, Guitar Boy
Ebenezer Obey – Oshodi Oke, Board Members
What highlife song gives you nostalgia? Please share some of your favourite Highlife songs in the comments below.
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