Highlife music legend, Godwin Opara, also known as Kabaka, who ended a twenty-year hiatus by releasing the well-received “Abialam” album in September 2023, has died. He was 77 years old.
The management team at Derda Promotions has confirmed that the influential highlife music figure, who led and transformed the world of highlife music, passed away on Thursday.
Amarachi Anyanwu, the Chief Operating Officer of Derda Promotions, announced this in a statement on Friday morning.
The statement stated, "Derda Promotions is greatly saddened to announce the death of our respected artist, Godwin Kabaka Opara, a pioneer and innovator of Highlife music, on March 21st, 2024."
His death occurred just six months after his comeback to the highlife music scene.
Kabaka was not only a talented highlife musician but also a well-known songwriter and guitarist whose music deeply connected with many fans.
In 1973, he co-founded The Oriental Brothers International Band, a highly regarded Highlife group known for its socially conscious lyrics, musical skill, and authentic sound that captivated audiences throughout Africa and beyond.
In 1976, Kabaka launched his solo career by forming The Kabaka International Guitar Band. He continued to produce high-quality Highlife music, releasing fourteen albums and achieving success with songs like ‘Mangala Special’.
Demonstrating his versatility and creativity, Kabaka explored Ezebongo rhythms, pushing the boundaries of musical expression. He later collaborated with The Imo City Band, establishing himself as an unstoppable Highlife luminary.
His return in September 2023, highlighted by the release of the album ‘The Return of Kabaka’, garnered over a million streams and earned a position among the top 100 albums worldwide.
