Group Honours 12 Highlife Legends In Rivers – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

…Urges Govt To Invest In Nigerian Music Industry

ITODE AKARI

PORT HARCOURT – 12 highlife music legends from the South South and South East regions have been honoured in Rivers for their developmental contributions in the music industry and Nigeria in general.

The music icons were honoured during the maiden edition of the South East and South South Highlife Legendary Concert and Awards night organised by World Icon Entertainment in Port Harcourt.

Artistes like Jack West Omeodu, Chief Steven Osita Osadebe, Cardinal Rex Lawson, Victor Uwaifo, Gentle Mike Ejiagha and Celestine Ukwu, were honoured posthumously, while Chief Bright Chimezie, Elder Fubara Orutugu, Madam Theresa Onuora, Chief Barrister S. Smooth, Chief Paulson Kalu received their awards physically.

The event which held on Saturday September 6, brought together several highlife music icons, enthusiasts and dignitaries across South East, South South regions.

Also in attendance were the legendary Nollywood actress, Hilda Dokubo, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, in Rivers State, Moses Mabadeje.

Other top comedians, artistes and entertainers who graced the event were K.O. Baba, Akpan Okon, Induz, Wizard Chan, Umu Obiligbo, Chido Obidiegwu, Ojete (the Drunk), SoulPlusMusic Band, Big 6 Band, Kings Band and Dream Band, including the convener, Ambassador Dr. Nwagbo Eberechukwu Barnabas.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the event, Founder and President of the World ICON Enter10ment, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Belburge International Limited (Customs Bonded Terminal), Amb. Dr. Nwagbo Eberechukwu Barnabas, said the event was informed by his passion and love for highlife music, especially those that improved and promoted the nation’s cultural heritage.

Amb. Barnabas, who is also the CEO of Roseluxe Hotel Limited, and Irish Homes Limited (a real estate firm), said “The South East and South South Highlife legendary Concert and Awards was basically to honour and celebrate legends in the industry. These legends, after making us proud, most of them are not actually living wonderful lives, so we decided to bring them to the limelight, support them and also celebrate them.

“I must say that I feel fulfilled after the event. Because I am a lover of music. I grew up as a young man playing highlife music, I have done rehearsals with Late Gentle Mike Ejiagha about 20 years ago in Enugu State so, the passion has been there.

“We love every genre, hip-hop, Afrobeat, they all have their place. But there’s something about highlife that speaks differently. It carries maturity, soothes the soul, brings nostalgia, and reminds us of the joy we saw in our parents as they danced, laughed, and celebrated when we were younger.

“At the event, we sang along, we laughed, we felt the culture and we went home refreshed and happy.”

He used the medium to call on both the Federal and State governments to partner with the World ICON Enter10ment platform in encouraging highlife music legends, also urging them to invest in the music industry.

“I am appealing to the government to partner with us to ensure this brand is upheld because its for humanity. The programme is about remembering and celebrating our legends. This is the maiden edition, and we intend to make it an annual event, and we believe that by next year, government will fully be involved.

“So, we are calling on the government to come and support the World ICON Enter10ment in improving the lives of our music legends, and encourage those who want to join highlife music.”

He however, advised current and upcoming musicians not to forget their cultural heritage, rather they should promote it, encouraging them to do more highlife music.

Recipients of the awards, including representatives of the deceased artistes, in their separate speeches thanked the organisers for honouring and celebrating them.

Bright Chimezie said, “I had to cancel every other engagements I have to make sure I am here today to receive this award in person since I am still alive. It is unprecedented that legends are being honoured and celebrated this way in Nigeria, and this is coming from young set of people.

“This award means the world world to me, and I believe its same to my colleagues. Because you remembered and honoured me and other highlife music legends, God and men shall remember, honour and celebrate you.”