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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZUKWU, Celestine(b Celestine Obiakor, '42, east Nigeria; d '79) Singer-composer, guitarist. First played with Mike Ejeagha's Paradise Rhythm Orchestra in Enugu '62; formed own band the Music Royals in Onitsha '66, but civil war started '67; relaunched career '70 with band the Phiilosophers National, went on to dominate highlife style until his early death. Popular early LPs incl. True Philosophy, Ejim Nk'onye, Tomorrow Is So Uncertain, all on Philips; style was a softer, gently paced highlife, blending keyboards into the genre, with heavily accented percussion and occasional use of pedal steel. Became 11-piece band with lyrics about social evils, need for peace and unity, etc. Other LPs incl. Ilo Abu Chi and Ndu Ka Aku '74; Igede Fantasia '76 incl. hit "Money Palaver'. Uru Gini and His Philosophies reissued by Polydor after '79. |