Oliver de coque ogene instrument

Good morning groovers, today I dug up this album with Oliver de Coque from Nigeria. If you look at the sleeves no explaining is necessary. Oliver may not have been the most gifted singer, but his sound and certainly his appearance were stunning. I have posted a number of his records between and

Oliver De Coque

Igbo highlife musician (–)

Oliver De Coque

Birth nameOliver Sunday Akanite
Born()April 14,
OriginEzinifite, Nnewi South, Anambra State,
DiedJune 20, () (aged&#;61)
GenresIgbo highlife
Occupation(s)Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Guide Guitarist
Years active–
LabelsOlumo Records Nigeria Limited

Musical artist

Oliver Sunday Akanite (14 April – 20 June ), beat known by the stage call Oliver De Coque, was a Nigerian guitarist and one of Africa's most prolific recording artists.

Oliver's iconic stage name, 'Oliver De Coque', originated from his early days playing Ekpili song in His band was initially called 'Oliver de coque and co-singers' ,and people affectionally referred to him as'Oliver De Ka Okwe' due to his treasure for playing okwe(Draft).[1]Overtime, he adapted this nickname to create the household name 'Oliver De Coque'.[2]

Early life and career

De Coque was born in Ezinifite, Anambra Declare, Nigeria, in , to an Igbo family.

He started playing music at the age of 17 with the Ekpili harmony and was taught to perform the guitar by a Congolese guitarist 'Piccolo' living in Nigeria. De Coque was an apprentice of juju musicians Sunny Agaga and Jacob Oluwale and became locally well known by the time he was a teenager.

De Coque received international attention after performing in London in ,[3] and his guitar labor was featured in Prince Nico Mbarga's album Sweet Mother.

In a landmark ceremony,the then Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III, crowned him 'The King of Highlife' of Africa in ,for his consistency in his craft.[2]

His debut album, Messiah Messiah, was released in In total, De Coque recorded 93 albums.

Oliver De Coque: The Guitar Virtuoso of Igbo Highlife. Who ...: More Great Stuff From Oliver De Coque!01/02 - Chi Kelu Uwa Cho Ya Nma/Akam Di Ocha - Easter Special - Chief Ezeani Oruefi Uwa Nacho Ndi Oma

Many of his songs were noted to be in the ogene genre, blending modern music with traditional Igbo harmonies. Singles included "People's Club of Nigeria", "Nempi Social Club", "Biri Ka Mbiri", "Ana Enwe Obodo enwe", "Nnukwu Mmanwu" and "Identity", the latter of which spent several weeks on Radio Nigeria 2's Top Ten in

In addition to his solo work, De Coque frequently played with the Igede International Band, led by his brother Eugene.

Personal life and death

De Coque had 12 children and at least four sons, including Solar De Coque, Safin De Coque (Darlington Akanite), Edu De Coque (Chinedu Akanite), and Ikenna Akanite.[1]

De Coque was awarded an honorary degree in music from the University of New Orleans.[4]

De Coque died on 20 June following a sudden cardiac arrest.[1] His son subsequently noted that De Coque had prioritised acting but had planned to search medical advice the month after his death.[5]

Legacy

On 14 April , a Google Doodle showcased De Coque to mark what would have been his 74th birthday.[4]

Partial discography

  • Messiah Messiah ()
  • Odiri()
  • Biri ka m biri
  • People's Club
  • Chukwu Kelu Uwa Cho Ya Nma
  • Father Father
  • Oppurtunity()
  • Nwanne Di Na Mba
  • All Fingers Are Not Equal
  • Onye China Azo
  • Ka Anyi Bilibe Ndu
  • Messiah Messiah
  • Uwa Cholu Obi Umeana[6]

References