Godwin ‘Kabaka’ Opara, a pioneering figure in Igbo highlife music renowned for his songwriting and guitar skills, has died at the age of 77, his record label announced Thursday.
Kabaka rose to fame in the 1970s as the co-founder of The Oriental Brothers International Band, whose politically conscious lyrics made them popular across Africa. After going solo in 1976 and forming The Kabaka International Guitar Band, he released 14 albums over his prolific career.
“Derda Promotions is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our esteemed artist, Godwin Kabaka Opara, an icon who pioneered and revolutionized highlife music, on March 21st,” the label said in a statement.
Born in Owerri in 1947, Opara picked up the guitar at a young age and quickly became a talented multi-instrumentalist. He first made his mark with the Oriental Brothers, fusing highlife with Afrobeat, juju and other regional styles.
Songs like “Another Brickhouse” became anthems calling for social change in Nigeria during the military dictatorships of the 1970s and 80s. Opara continued performing and recording as a solo act until recent years.
