Ndokwa Super International Band led by Bob Fred

It has been some time, so to make it up to you a nice long track by a fine band, Bob Fred's Ndokwa Super.
Bob Fred was guitarist with the International Brothers when Rogana Ottah and Franco Lee Ezute were also bandmembers.
His later records were with the Ukwani Brothers and Ndokwa Super.
Haunting percussion, fine guitars, nice vocals and the occasional horn, who could ask for more?
Bob Fred - Nnebune Special-Mejenechi

Sir Waziri Oshomah And His Family Traditional Sound Makers

Despite the name of the band, this is not traditional music, but highlife. And Islamic Highlife, for that matter, later albums are credited to Alhaji Waziri Oshomah.
Once again a quote from John Beadle:
'Alhaji Waziri Oshomah was born in Osomegbe Ekperi, northern Edo State, Nigeria, and together with his late colleague/rival Bolivia Oshiogbeme is a leading musician of the Etsako people of that region. Edo and Delta States, together with their constituent peoples such as the Edo or Bini, Urhobo, Itsekiri and "western" Igbo, roughly correspond to the former Benin Empire, renowned worldwide for its artwork. While Etsako is related to the more widespread Edo language, the two are not mutually intelligible. There are close to 200,000 Etsako speakers in Nigeria, divided among various dialects. Oshomah's recordings are usually listed as "Ekperi," which is a dialect of Etsako.'
Anyway, enjoy: Egwili Ozagboa II (sorry about the skip)

Rogana Ottah and the Black Heroes

Let me quote from John Beadle:
'Guitarist Isaac Rogana Ottah, "The Oshio Super King," a prolific artist from Akoku, Ndokwa LGA, Delta State, is one of the better-known Anioma musicians. His musical career began in the early 1970s when he played in the bands of Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe and Rex Lawson. In 1973 he joined fellow Ndokwa native Charles Iwegbue and His Hino Sound Band. Striking out on his own after Iwegbue's tragic death in 1976, Ottah scored a major hit with his first LP, Ukwani Special, in 1977. In quick succession a series of outstanding recordings, notably the "Oshio Super" series, propelled Ottah to the vanguard of the Anioma recording scene. Although his career slowed after the 1980s, he still made a prosperous livelihood as a touring musician into the early years of the 21st century.
I have received reports that Rogana Ottah passed away several years ago but have been unable to confirm them.'

Here is one of his greatest hits, the 'Ukwani Special'

Ukwani Special


P.s. my motivation to post music has been low, lately. But i understand that there are some people out there that appreciate this music, so this is for you.

Amala Dede Okoh and his United Brothers

A bit confusing, but there seem to have been several United Brothers Bands in Nigeria. This particular one is led by Amala Dede Okoh. According to the label it is Ika/Bini highlife, Ika being one of the many Delta-languages. Anyway, the title track is excellent, just listen.

Abavo Alua

Globemasters Dance Band

The sixties were an exiting era, certainly in Africa. With the regained independence, everything seemed possible. Big Band Highlife reflects this sentiment best in Ghana, here is another example: The Globemasters Dance Band with the track Ananom Esia


(Comments welcome)

Eastern Pioneers of Ghana

This is one of those lucky hits: I had never heard of these guys, but it is really fine music, i'm sure you will agree. No information about the band, so just enjoy.

Eastern Pioneers of Ghana - Enye Wani Kaan

Kings International

There are a lot of Kings in Highlife, and even more International Bands. So this band's name is not very original, but their music is really worthwhile.
Just listen to the track i've uploaded for you: Very atmospheric with another special voice.
A bit like Goddy Ezike, if you ask me.
Enjoy!

Kings International