Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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OSADEBE, Osita

(b Stephen Osita Osadebe, '36, Atani, near Onitsha, Nigeria) Singer, composer, guitarist, bandleader; one of Nigeria's most popular highlife musicians, with more than 20 albums to his credit. Joined Stephen Amache's band '59, later played with the Central Dance Band; formed own Soundmakers International '64. Strongly infl. by the traditional Ibo highlife of the '50s-60s, he innovated within that tradition, refusing to adulterate his music with other styles and sounds; he recorded for the Philips/ Phonogram/ Polydor record labels for over 20 years. Osadebe '75 was followed by two vols. of Osadebe '76, two of Osadebe '77; a series of albums were dedicated to the various social clubs that flourish among the Ibo, e.g. People's Club Special. Onu Kwulonjo '81 went gold; Onye Ije Anatago '82 celebrated the return from exile of Emeka Ijukwu; Governor Jim Nwobodo of Anambra State was honoured by Jim's Special; other hits of the '80s: Igakam Ogongo, Onye Kwusia Olie Onliya, Onyeiwe Ewetaro; Osondi Owendi '84 sold 750,000 copies, earned special award from Polygram.