Oriental Brothers International Band
The “Oriental Brothers” highlife band spawned in eastern Nigeria the years of reconstruction following the Biafran War. The name “Oriental Brothers” does not refers to a single band (and therein lies the confusion,) but rather is the name (or part of the names) of several highlife bands that fragmented from the original “Oriental Brothers International Band” led by Godwin Kabaka Okpara… all sharing musical styling, musicians and names. You may be familiar with Dr. Sir Warrior and the Oriental Brothers International Band, Oriental Brothers, Kabaka International Guitar Band, Prince Ichita & The Great Oriental Brothers International Band, etc. For more on the various bands, check out the full breakdown
Combining Igbo vocals with deft guitar work and a solid rhythm section, the Oriental Brothers created a unique style of Nigerian highlife that for many people is the definitive sound of Nigerian highlife music.
Highlife music has been described as “up-tempo and sophisticated with an easygoing rhythm…” - music created from the merger of traditional dance rhythms, acoustic guitar music and the dance bands/orchestras of the day. Flowing from Ghana as early as the 1940s, Highlife spread throughout much of western and central Africa. In Nigeria, popular early acts were ET Mensah, CK Maan and Rex Lawson & the Ramblers. The Post-Biafran period produced artists including Osita Osadebe, IK Dairo and the Oriental Brothers.
It’s ironic that after so much destruction and pain, the most popular music from the war-ravaged area is “Highlife.” I imagine these themes are covered in their work, but I don’t speak Igbo so I’m at a loss. Any help would be appreciated with a translation.
One of my favorite tunes of the original Oriental Brothers is:
Oriental Brothers International Band - Nwayi Di Ya Bu Eze on the 1975 album Nwa Ada Di Nma [Afrodesia]
May 20th, 2005 at 11:29 am
I know there are Igbo speaking brothers & sisters out there that can assist with a translation… anyone?
June 18th, 2005 at 9:24 am
Aba’s finest boys. and man pikin no mention “Guitar Boy” by Uwaifo? jokes. shame highlife kinda disappeared. still big in Ghana though (mostly gospel it seems)
August 20th, 2005 at 9:04 pm
i love them and also is my favourite music i do play all the time in my house or car…pls i need there music,but i now in malaysia
November 13th, 2005 at 8:31 am
Does anyone have Victor Uwaifo’s classic, Guitar Boy on mp3 file. It would be very much appreciated.
April 28th, 2006 at 9:55 pm
Does anybody have all of the Oriental Brothers’ music. I would love to have all of them. I am a big fan.
June 9th, 2006 at 9:00 pm
What about Cardinal Rex Lawson ?
July 16th, 2006 at 11:27 am
I have quite a lot of these acts ranging from Oriental Brothers, Osadebe, Oliver de Coque to Cardinal Lex Lawson, Celestine Ukwu, Victor Uwaifo and Prince Nico. Contact me if you need to buy any of these or check out my ebay store.
July 22nd, 2006 at 8:23 am
the guy who does this reviews is great. what I love most is his insight. he highly knowledgable.
As a modern highlie artiste, it feels so refreshing reading the articles.
July 26th, 2006 at 8:10 am
please write me i from colombia i wont to know more aboud oriental brother,send me your email
April 8th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
I just love their music… guess I grew up in that era… anyone know where you can buy/download/exchange Naija music from that era.. please make contract
May 16th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
yes i have the4 answer to all ya’ll problem
September 13th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
i have gold vol 1 it is fantastic
October 6th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
In response to a translation of the song “Nwanyi Di Ya bu eze”- the word to word translation is -The Woman Whose Husband is the King. Or simply, The King’s Wife.
That album happens to be one of my favorite of the warrior’s songs.
I have searched and collected every bit of there orignal music that I can find. I would love to get more of this and some of Sunny Okosun’s Original, including his nowadays ministry songs.