Kabaka (musician)
Kabaka | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Godwin Opara |
| Also known as | Kabaka |
| Born | Imerienwe ,Ngor-Okpala, Imo State |
| Occupation(s) | Musician and Guitarist |
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Member of | Oriental 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]
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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]Kabaka passed on March 21, 2024,at the age of 77.
References
[edit]- ^ "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 | AIT LIVE". 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; 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) - ^ 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)
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