Entertainment
Highlife Icon, Godwin ‘Kabaka’ Opara Passes Away
Renowned highlife vocalist, Godwin ‘Kabaka’ Opara, has sadly passed away at 77 years.
His record label, Derda Promotions, conveyed the news of his passing in a statement issued on Friday.
The statement partly read, “Derda Promotions is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our esteemed artist, Godwin Kabaka Opara, an icon who pioneered and revolutionized Highlife music, on March 21st, 2024.”
Kabaka, celebrated for his talent as a songwriter and guitarist, was widely admired for his infectious highlife melodies, which captivated numerous fans.
Throughout his extensive musical journey spanning decades, he explored various genres and collaborated with numerous bands.
In 1973, he played a pivotal role in establishing ‘The Oriental Brothers International Band’, renowned for its socially conscious lyrics, musical excellence, and genuine highlife style, which enchanted audiences across Africa and beyond.
In 1976, Kabaka embarked on his solo career by establishing ‘The Kabaka International Guitar Band’.
Over the years, he remained dedicated to crafting exceptional highlife music, producing fourteen albums and generating hits like ‘Mangala Special’.
Demonstrating his musical range, he delved into Ezebongo rhythms.
Later, he collaborated with The Imo City Band, solidifying his stature as a highlife luminary.
His triumphant return in September 2023 with the album ‘The Return of Kabaka’ saw him achieve over a million streams and secure a place among the top 100 albums worldwide, further affirming his enduring influence in the music industry.
Wizkid’s latest album, Morayo, has topped Billboard’s weekly all-genre music poll, capturing an overwhelming 78% of the votes from music fans.
The poll, conducted on Friday, November 22, highlighted fan-favourite new music releases, with Wizkid’s album emerging as a clear winner against competition from global heavyweights like ROSÉ, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Nas X.
The Nigerian superstar’s new project, released via Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records, is a heartfelt dedication to his late mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun. Reflecting its emotional depth, the album’s title, Morayo, means “I see joy” in Yoruba.
READ MORE: Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality
“It’s very, very personal,” Wizkid said during an interview with Esquire earlier this year. “I hope it lifts spirits and spreads positive energy.”
The 16-track album features high-profile collaborations with Jazmine Sullivan, Brent Faiyaz, Asake, Anaïse, and Tiakola. It follows his 2022 release, More Love, Less Ego, which peaked at No. 2 on the World Albums chart and No. 59 on the Billboard 200.
The album’s lead single, Piece of My Heart, featuring Brent Faiyaz, debuted in October and has already achieved significant success, reaching No. 4 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and No. 7 on the World Digital Song Sales chart.
Trailing Morayo in this week’s poll results were ROSÉ’s solo single Number One Girl in second place and Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album GNX in third.
With Morayo, Wizkid continues to solidify his place as one of the most influential artists in the global music scene, capturing hearts with his personal storytelling and infectious sound. Fans and critics alike are lauding the album’s depth and artistry, making it a standout release of 2024.
Nigerian music icon Davido has once again highlighted the vital role entertainment plays in shaping Africa’s image on the global stage.
Speaking candidly, the award-winning artist acknowledged the continent’s leadership challenges but praised the entertainment industry for its positive contributions.
“Entertainment is one of the things that has made Africa look good. We do not have the best leader, that is a fact,” Davido stated, addressing an issue many Africans are familiar with.
READ MORE: I Make $40,000 Montly With Content Creation Says Blessing CEO
His comment reflects widespread frustration with governance while celebrating the power of culture and creativity to redefine narratives.
As one of Africa’s most prominent entertainers, Davido’s words carry weight in both artistic and socio-political circles. The continent’s music, film, and fashion industries have gained international acclaim in recent years, with stars like him driving global attention to African talent.
Davido’s remarks not only underscore the transformative role of entertainment but also invite reflection on how leadership can complement these efforts in creating a brighter future for Africa.
In a recent interview with Egungun of Lagos, Blessing CEO, a self-proclaimed relationship and mentorship expert, opened up about her inspiring journey to financial freedom through content creation.
Blessing revealed she earns nearly $40,000 monthly, attributing her success to a unique blend of authenticity, strategic planning, and consistency.
“People are drawn to relatable content,” she explained. “I share real-life experiences and practical advice, which has helped me build a loyal audience.”
READ MORE: Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality
Starting from humble beginnings, she leveraged social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to reach millions with her relationship tips and motivational talks.
Her ability to connect with her audience has not only brought financial success but also solidified her status as a trusted mentor.
As a mentor, Blessing also highlighted the importance of personal branding and networking, she said. “There’s lot of money in content creation, Your story is your power.”
Her journey is a testament to how leveraging digital platforms can create a thriving business and change financial status.
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Jenna Lamb
March 22, 2024 at 8:02 pm
This blog post has left us feeling grateful and inspired