Kabaka (musician)

Nigerian highlife 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

Musical artist

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

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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

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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

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Kabaka passed on March 21, 2024, at the age of 77.

## Discography

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### ALBUMS

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### Onye Mam Ka Nma(1980)

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* Egbula Nwa Onye Ozo
* Dr Agwu Nwaukpa(Ohaozara Special)
* Onye Mam Ka Nma

### Ezi Nwanne(1989)

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* Ezi Nwanne
* Uwa Awu Nke Onye
* Osinachi

### Izu Kanma Na Nneji(2014)

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* Izu Kanma Na Nneji
* Chukwu Kere Mmadu
* Chineke Wetuo Ekwensu
* Mangala Special
* Ichere Chi Amaghi Onye Iwu
* Ajam Ashi-Mi

### Abialam(2023)

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* Abialam
* Ada Owerri
* Onwu Eme Enyi
* Ebe Onye No
* Ada Ure
* Onwu Eme Enyi(a tribute)

## References

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1. ^ "Kabaka Godwin Opara: Legendary highlife singer don die". BBC News Pidgin. 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
2. ^ Ezeudoye, Chidera (2024-03-23). "Highlife maestro, Godwin Kabaka Opara dead | AIT LIVE". Africa Independent Television. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
3. ^ Johnson, Hannah (2024-03-22). "Highlife music icon, Kabaka dies at 77". The Punch. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
4. ^ 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)
5. ^ 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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