Say the phrase “Sweet Mother” in Nigeria, and people instantly think Prince Nico Mbarga and:

Sweet Mother
I no go forget you
For the suffer wey you suffer for me…

The song is of course, the 1976 classic, “Sweet Mother,” by the Abakaliki-born Prince Nico Mbarga and Rocafil Jazz International. Reported as the biggest African hit of all time (within Africa), the album sold over 13 million copies.

Combining Congolese guitar rifs, highlife motifs and catchy, accessible (pidgin) lyrics, Mbarga’s sound saw incredible popularity both locally and internationally. Eventually relocating abroad, Mbarga spent a short stint in England before returning home and eventually moving away from the music industry by the early 90s.

Mbarga’s death in 1997 from a motorcycle accident spawned a revived interest in his music. Previously more challenging to acquire (because the age, format (LP/Tape) and limited distribution,) his work is as close as Amazon.com or Stern’s Music… or if you’re lucky, the African/Nigerian section of your local record store.

Prince Nico Mbarga - Sweet Mother

(media offline)

Check out Prince Nico Mbarga in the Gallery

(link to photos)

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 20th, 2005 at 12:14 pm and is filed under nigerian highlife. You can skip to the end and leave a response.