MEET THE FATHER OF HIGHLIFE (EGWU EKPILI) IN ALAIGBO — LATE CHIEF AKUNWAFOR EZIGBO OBILIGBO

MEET THE FATHER OF HIGHLIFE (EGWU EKPILI) IN ALAIGBO — LATE CHIEF AKUNWAFOR EZIGBO OBILIGBO

MEET THE FATHER OF HIGHLIFE (EGWU EKPILI) IN ALAIGBO — LATE CHIEF AKUNWAFOR EZIGBO OBILIGBO

Born on August 10, 1904, in Nteje, Oyi LGA of Anambra State, Chief Akunwafor Ezigbo Obiligbo remains one of the greatest traditional musicians to ever emerge from Igboland. Though a renowned farmer, his journey into music began in 1934 after he received a divine inspiration in a dream. From that moment, a legend was born.

A master lyricist, composer, poet, and exponent of the Ekpili music style, Obiligbo mesmerized audiences with his thumb piano (ubo-aka), powerful proverbs, deep traditional idioms, and soul-touching messages. He performed at funerals, weddings, and major traditional ceremonies, earning the love of his people far and wide.

Many of his timeless works were recorded under the pioneering Nigerphone Records in Onitsha, owned by C.T. Onyekwelu, with some later released by Chief Emeka “Melody” Okpala of Melody Records. His songs remain a treasure for anyone who wants to explore ancient Igbo folk music.

Some of his classics include:
Igba Ndi Eze, Eze Idigo, Egwu Gowon, Ogwugwu Akwa, Njenje Amaka Mma, and more.

His influence was so great that even the former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, was one of his admirers and once gifted him a Peugeot 504 in the 1970s.

Chief Akunwafor Obiligbo passed on in the mid-1980s, but his legacy lives on through his music and his grandchildren — the modern highlife sensations Umu Obiligbo (Akunwafor & Okpuozor).

A true pillar of Igbo culture. A legend. A custodian of our heritage.
Long live the spirit of Obiligbo!