Twelve highlife music legends from the South-South and South-East regions have been honoured in Rivers State for their contributions to the growth of the Nigerian music industry and the nation’s cultural development.
The recognition came during the maiden edition of the South East and South South Highlife Legendary Concert and Awards Night organised by World Icon Entertainment in Port Harcourt.
Among those honoured posthumously were Jack West Omeodu, Chief Steven Osita Osadebe, Cardinal Rex Lawson, Victor Uwaifo, Gentle Mike Ejiagha, and Celestine Ukwu. Living recipients who received their awards in person included Chief Bright Chimezie, Elder Fubara Orutugu, Madam Theresa Onuora, Chief Barrister S. Smooth, and Chief Paulson Kalu.
The ceremony, which held on Saturday, September 6, drew together highlife icons, music enthusiasts, and dignitaries from across the two regions. Notable attendees included Nollywood veteran Hilda Dokubo, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, and Rivers State chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Moses Mabadeje.
The event also featured performances from entertainers such as K.O. Baba, Akpan Okon, Induz, Wizard Chan, Umu Obiligbo, Chido Obidiegwu, Ojete (the Drunk), SoulPlusMusic Band, Big 6 Band, Kings Band, and Dream Band.
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Speaking after the event, founder and president of World Icon Entertainment, Amb. Dr. Nwagbo Eberechukwu Barnabas, described the initiative as a passion project aimed at celebrating highlife legends who, despite their impact, are often neglected.
“The South East and South South Highlife Legendary Concert and Awards was basically to honour and celebrate legends in the industry. Many of them, after making us proud, are not living wonderful lives. We decided to bring them back to the limelight, support them, and celebrate them,” he said.
Barnabas, who is also CEO of Belburge International Limited, Roseluxe Hotel Limited, and Irish Homes Limited, urged the government to partner with his organisation in sustaining the project and supporting Nigerian highlife.
“I am appealing to the government to partner with us to ensure this brand is upheld because it is about remembering and celebrating our legends. This is the maiden edition, and we intend to make it annual. By next year, we believe government will fully be involved,” he added.
He further encouraged young musicians to embrace and promote highlife, describing it as a genre that “carries maturity, soothes the soul, and brings nostalgia.”
In their remarks, award recipients and representatives of deceased honourees expressed gratitude to the organisers.
Highlife star Bright Chimezie, who received his award in person, said:
“I had to cancel every other engagement to make sure I am here today. It is unprecedented that legends are being honoured this way in Nigeria, and this is coming from a young set of people. This award means the world to me, and I believe it’s the same for my colleagues. Because you remembered and honoured us, God and men shall also remember and honour you.”
