Kabaka (musician)
Kabaka | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Kabaka |
| Born | Godwin Opara Imerienwe, Ngor-Okpala, Imo State |
| Occupations | Musician and guitarist |
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Member of | Oriental Brothers International Band |
Godwin Opara (ⓘ), known as Kabaka, was a Nigerian Igbo highlife musician and guitarist. Born in Imerienwe, Ngor Okpala, Imo State, Nigeria, he was one of the founders of the Oriental Brothers International in 1973.[1][2]
In 1976, he began his solo career and released a total of 14 studio albums throughout his career.[3]
Early life
Kabaka is the second son of an Igbo family from Umuawara, Umuoye, Imerienwe in Ngor Okpala, Imo State, Nigeria. He studied at Baptist Primary School, Imerienwe. He began playing trumpet during his primary school education. Kabaka left Onitsha for Enugu, where he attended Commercial Secondary School.[4]
Career
Kabaka moved to Lagos in the early 70's, after the Nigerian Civil War. He worked with a local musical group, founded and ran by Mr. Ikediala. While staying at Easygoing Hotel, Kabaka co-founded the Oriental Brothers International, a musical band. They released multiple albums. However in 1976, Kabaka began his solo musical career, founding Kabaka International Guitar Band. He continued to make Igbo Highlife, among others, he released 14 albums including 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 died on March 21, 2024, at the age of 77.
Discography
Albums
Onye Mam Ka Nma (1980)
- Egbula Nwa Onye Ozo
- Dr Agwu Nwaukpa (Ohaozara Special)
- Onye Mam Ka Nma
Ezi Nwanne (1989)
- Ezi Nwanne
- Uwa Awu Nke Onye
- Osinachi
Izu Kanma Na Nneji (2014)
- Izu Kanma Na Nneji
- Chukwu Kere Mmadu
- Chineke Wetuo Ekwensu
- Mangala Special
- Ichere Chi Amaghi Onye Iwu
- Ajam Ashi-Mi
Abialam (2023)
- Abialam
- Ada Owerri
- Onwu Eme Enyi
- Ebe Onye No
- Ada Ure
- Onwu Eme Enyi
References
- ^ "Kabaka Godwin Opara: Legendary highlife singer don die". BBC News Pidgin. 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
- ^ Ezeudoye, Chidera (2024-03-23). "Highlife maestro, Godwin Kabaka Opara dead". Africa Independent Television. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
- ^ Johnson, Hannah (2024-03-22). "Highlife music icon, Kabaka dies at 77". The Punch. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
- ^ Mbonu-Amadi, Osa (2024-03-26). "Nigeria: Kabaka Opara's Contributions to Nigerian Music". Vanguard. Retrieved 2024-10-11 – via AllAfrica.
- ^ Mbonu-Amadi, Osa (2024-03-26). "Nigeria: Kabaka Opara's Contributions to Nigerian Music". Vanguard. Retrieved 2024-10-11.