An entertainment management company, Derda Promotions, is set to give a boost to the career of a veteran highlife musician, Godwin Opara, aka Kabaka.
Speaking at a media parley during the week, the Chief Operating Officer of Derda Promotions, Anyanwu Ammarachi, stated that the company was working with the highlife singer to release his new album titled, ‘Abialam (I have Returned)’.
The album, ‘Abialam,’ is coming 17 years after Kabaka, who is the leader of the Oriental Brothers International Band, made a tribute song titled, ‘Madu bu Aja (We are Sand)’, in memory of his friend and former band member, the late Sir Warrior, in 2006.
The 77-year-old Kabaka noted that the new song aimed to ‘restore’ the highlife genre, and transcend the controversies that ensued from the Oriental Brothers’ decision to go solo, as well as the demise of some of its members. He said, “It is so good returning after leaving the scene.”
On her part, Ammarachi noted that they were working with the veteran singer to to ‘bridge the generational gap between young and old and also retain the authenticity of highlife music’.
She added, “A project of this scale is a team effort. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kabaka for entrusting us with the privilege of unveiling ‘Abialam’ to the world. We also extend our thanks to the Phiz team for their involvement in bringing the album to life. We invite music lovers, critics, and fans alike to join us in celebrating the musical genius of Kabaka and His Oriental Brothers.”
Scheduled for release on September 15, 2023, the album contains six tracks, each with its own unique story, delivered in highlife and bongo rhythms. The singer also featured renowned bongo artiste, Sir Foreigner, aka Eze Bongo, in one of the songs.
Speaking on how he assembled the members of his new band, Kabaka told Saturday Beats, “Back in 2015, I envisioned this album and met my vocalist. Circumstances led to a delay, but the majority of the band members are trusted musicians who have played with me over the years.”
The multi-instrumentalist also noted that he had a cordial relationship with surviving members of the band. He said, “I maintain professional respect towards Dansatch and Aquila. It is essential to highlight the collaborative nature of the Oriental Brothers. I prioritise unity and collaboration for the greater good of the music.”
The veteran singer also noted that while modern trends might sway young artistes, he believes that genuine passion transcends trends. Acording to him, ‘highlife music remains a valuable genre for those who resonate with its soul’.
His major albums with the Oriental Brothers include ‘Uwa Atualamujo/ Ihe Chinyere,’ ‘Ihe Oma,’ ‘Ischim nyara gi,’ ‘Five Fingers,’ ‘Oriental Special,’ ‘Osa enwe akwu,’ ‘Onyaoma nmadu eji egbuya,’ ‘Anam ele chi,’ ‘Hallelujah,’ “Madu bu aja’ and ‘Abialam.’
