The legendary highlife singer Godwin ‘Kabaka’ Opara recently passed away at the age of 77.
Derda Promotions, Kabaka’s record company, revealed his passing in a statement on Friday.
“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, 2024,” the statement reads in part.
Kabaka was a well-known and gifted guitarist and songwriter whose infectious highlife music won over a lot of fans.
His career spanned several decades, musical genres, and bands.
He was a founding member of The Oriental Brothers International Band, a prominent Highlife group that attracted millions of fans throughout Africa and beyond with its socially aware lyrics, skillful music, and genuine sound in 1973.
Kabaka founded The Kabaka International Guitar Band in 1976, marking the start of his solo career. He kept putting out excellent Highlife music, putting out fourteen albums and creating hits like “Mangala Special.”
He also dabbled with Ezebongo rhythms to show off his creativity and adaptability. His reputation as a Highlife legend was further cemented when he worked with The Imo City Band.
With the release of “The Return of Kabaka,” an album that ranked in the top 100 albums globally and garnered over a million streams, he joyfully made his comeback in September 2023.
