Derda Promotions has sadly confirmed the passing of their esteemed artist, Godwin Kabaka Opara, a trailblazing icon who spearheaded and transformed the realm of Highlife music, on March 21st, 2024.
This announcement was conveyed through a statement by Ammarachi Anyanwu, Chief Operating Officer of Derda Promotions.
Kabaka, a gifted and cherished songwriter and guitarist, bestowed boundless delight upon numerous fans through his highlife melodies.
Here are five facts you didn’t know about the late highlife singer Godwin ‘Kabaka’ Opara:
1 After the Nigerian Civil War, Kabaka, along with Dr Sir Warrior, Dan Satch Opara, Nathaniel Ejiogu, and Prince Ichita, formed the Oriental Brothers International band. The band released a total of 39 studio albums, 7 compilations, and 4 extended plays.
2 Kabaka hailed from Umuawara Umuoye Imerienwe, Ngor Okpala, Imo State
3 Kabaka’s album ‘Five Fingers’ received a gold disc award, and his hit single ‘Mangala’ received a silver disc award
4 In 1977, Kabaka formed his group, Kabaka International Guitar Band, due to unresolved differences within the Oriental Brothers’ band. In 1976, Kabaka ventured into a solo career, establishing The Kabaka International Guitar Band. Later, he joined forces with The Imo City Band
5 Kabaka’s highlife music was heavily influenced by the late Rex Jim Lawson.
Backed by the steadfast support of Derda Promotions, Kabaka marked a triumphant comeback in September 2023 with the release of his album titled “The Return of Kabaka.”
This album soared to unprecedented heights, amassing over a million streams and garnering widespread acclaim, catapulting it to the ranks of the top 100 albums worldwide.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNEÂ
and then