DJ Ify
February 2004 - Oliver De Coque and Awilo Longomba
Hi, welcome to my corner. Thanks for clicking on ' Africa on your street'. Let me take this opportunity to introduce you to best things happening in Nigerian music at the moment in Nigeria and the U.K.
- Paul Ify O'Nwere
- Oliver De Coque aka 'Ogene Sounds'
- Soukous star Awilo Longomba
- DJ Ify's Recommended CDs
Paul Ify O'Nwere
My name is Paul Ify O'Nwere a.k.a. Dj Ify. Most of my friends know me as an artist and a disc jockey, some people know me as a videographer/photographer, while others know me as the publisher & editor of a happening entertainment and news magazine currently making its mark in Nigeria, U.K. and U.S.A.
A couple of years ago while playing at a party as a DJ, I was completely rattled off-balance by the dynamic voice and energetic performance of Highlife performer Edu boy Superstar. This handsome man was part of the side attractions at the occasion but he definitely stole the show. From then on, Edu Boy superstar became a musician I will not hesitate to recommend to anyone who loves good music.
Based in London, though currently in Nigeria promoting his albums, Edu Boy Superstar has talents yet to be uncovered. He has released three successful albums: Ojemba, Noni and Gwam Gwam Gwam. Try out 'Gwam Gwam Gwam' for a bit more funk and the usual groovy guitar work, ensuring high energy levels on the dance hall floors and in your cars.
Oliver De Coque aka 'Ogene Sounds'
Still in a highlife style, Oliver de Coque has proved time and time over again, through his superb mastery and control of the authentic indigenous musical format, that he is truly the king of new wave highlife. This skilful singer, composer and guitarist has several successful LPs to his credit, including My Woman, Easter Special, Identity, Eto Dike, Ugbala, Musik Africa and Peoples Club. Sam Okwaraji Special was a 1989 LP under the 'Ogene Records' label dedicated to the Nigerian football star who died while playing in the national stadium Surulere, Lagos.
From the 70's, through 'Olumo records' label, Oliver De Coque and his Ogene Sound Super of Africa has proved that this style of Nigerian highlife, known as 'Ogene sounds', is here to stay. His music appeals to the young and old, not only to Ibo speaking people of Nigeria but many others. Most of his music is sung in pigeon English.
In the past few years, Africa has not only been producing some of best musicians ever, but also experiencing the explosion of the most beautiful heart-pounding beats and richly embellished lyrics in the styles known as makossa and soukous. Makossa music originated in Cameroon while soukous is Congolese - but these styles are played, danced and listened to in clubs, parties, radios and television stations all over Africa and beyond.
Soukous star Awilo Longomba
Soukous star Awilo Longomba has really set the pace for this new wave of music. His best hits includes Cache, Abidjan De bout, Manon, Gate le coin, Sequestion and Sans Papier. He was drummer in Papa Wemba's Viva La Musica and then in the early 1990s in La Nouvelle République. 'Coupe Bibamba', released in 1998, includes a controversial title track denouncing poverty in Africa, and hit number one in the charts for weeks.
Now it's your turn. Who in your opinion are the best soukous, makossa or highlife artists today? What do you think of the musicians I've chosen here? Where are the best places for dancing, partying and hearing music in the UK ?
Post your comments , I'd love to hear from you.
Welcome to my world!
DJ Ify
DJ Ify's Recommended CDs
Edu Boy Superstar - Gwam Gwam Gwam
Oliver de Coque - Vintage Hits Vol 4
Awilo Longomba - Coupe Bibamba
Check out my recommended CDs this month in the CD Reviews section or go to Music Search to look at our archive of recommended CDs.