Intoduction
Oliver De Coque is a big name. No African could say he or she does not know Oliver De Coque. The Musical Maestro and King of Highlife. Oliver made my childhood memorable. Most of the proverbs I know today were inspired by his songs. From the beginning of his song to the end is full of figurative expressions.
He was born Oliver Sunday Akanite on 14 April 1947 – 20 June 2008). His stage name of which he was known all over the world was Oliver De Coque. He was a guitarist and the most prolific African recording artist of his time with more than 93 albums to his credit.
Early Life and Career of Oliver De Coque
Oliver De Coque was born in Ezinifite, Nnewi South, Anambra State Nigeria, in 1947. His both parents were Igbo and of course, the lineage of gifted traditional musicians. At the age of 11, young Oliver began to play music and would later be taught how to play guitar by a Congolese guitarist living in Nigeria who was by name Piccolo. age of 11 and was taught to play the guitar by a Congolese guitarist living in Nigeria. Oliver De Coque played with Sunny Agaga and Jacob Oluwale of juju music.
In 1977 Oliver De Coque released his debut Messiah Messiah. His musical genre was ogene, blending modern style of music with the traditional Igbo.
The way Oliver De Coque used proverbs and other figurative expressions in his songs was magical. His song “People’s Club of Nigeria” was a hit. All his songs are great songs.
On 20th June, 2008, Oliver De Coque breathed his last and died. Although he is dead but his music are still alive.
The following is the list of Oliver De Coque’s songs, some of them, not all.
- People’s Club
- Nwanne Di na Mba
- Appreciation
- Father Father
- Oliver De Coque in America
- Chi Kelu Uwa Cho Ya mma
- Identity
- Mbulubia uwa
- Deserves Praise
- Opportunity
- Nke na-akpa onye
- Uwa Cholu Umeala
- Nnata
- Uwa bu Aja
- Let’s Pray to God
- Akuchinyere
- I salute Africa
- Engirigbo
- All fingers Are Not Equal
- Eto Dike Na Nke O mere
- Kanayo Olisa
- Tolerance