Highlife Singer, Godwin Kabaka Is Dead

Renowned Nigerian highlife singer, Godwin ‘Kabaka’ Opara, has passed away, according to an announcement from his record label, Derda Promotions.

The chief operating officer of Derda Promotions, Ammarachi Anyanwu told TheCable Lifestyle on Friday that the musician breathed his last on Thursday, although the cause of his demise was not disclosed.

In a statement, Derda Promotions expressed profound sadness over the loss of the esteemed artist, who played a pivotal role in revolutionizing highlife music.

The statement described Kabaka as an iconic figure who had a significant impact on the genre.

Kabaka was celebrated not only as a gifted singer but also as a talented songwriter and guitarist who delighted numerous fans with his infectious highlife tunes.

His musical journey spanned several decades, during which he co-founded The Oriental Brothers International Band in 1973, gaining widespread recognition for their socially conscious lyrics and authentic sound that resonated across Africa and beyond.

Transitioning to a solo career in 1976, Kabaka formed The Kabaka International Guitar Band, where he continued to produce high-quality highlife music.

Over the years, he released fourteen albums and delivered hits like ‘Mangala Special’, showcasing his versatility and creativity by experimenting with Ezebongo rhythms.

Later affiliating with The Imo City Band, Kabaka solidified his status as a highlife legend. His return to the music scene in September 2023 with the album ‘The Return of Kabaka’, supported by Derda Promotions, marked a triumphant comeback, garnering over a million streams and earning a place among the top 100 albums worldwide.

Kabaka’s unwavering passion for music and his dedication to his craft served as an inspiration to many, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of highlife music.

This comes a few weeks after another singer Michael Aniekeme Meshach, widely recognized as Mish, reportedly died in Abuja.