Throwback Times present this impressive rare article bothering on the history and all the ups and down that reshaped the foremost music group that originated 1972 in the South Eastern, Nigeria.
According to African Music, Oriental Brothers label actually describes five or six different band groups. The original band, led by Godwin Kabaka Opara, was founded by the Opara brothers of Mbaise, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria -
Ferdinand Dan Satch Emeka Opara, Christogonous Ezebuiro Obinna ("Warrior") and Kabaka, along with Nathaniel Ejiogu ("Mangala"), Hybrilious Alaraibe ("Akwilla"), and Prince Ichita. Mangala died shortly before the band became popular in the early seventies.
Then there are the "Oriental Brothers" group with
Dan Satch and Warrior after Kabaka left; and the "Oriental Brothers" led by
Dan Satch after the final split in 1987 after the release of the album
Onye Egbula Nwanne Ya x
Anyi Abiala Ozo. With each defection the sound of the group has changed subtly. Until Warrior's death in 3rd June of 1999, however, Warrior continued to call his factional band the "Original Oriental Brothers" concurrently with the
Dan Satch "Orientals Brothers International" To keep things simple, this discography lists under "Oriental Brothers International Band" all of the various incarnations of the group that carries that name. Kabaka's group,
Kabaka International Guitar Band, has its own listing, as do Warrior and his "Oriental's factions."
To confuse matters more, on at least two occasions since the final split the Opara brothers reunited to record albums under the "Orientals" moniker. As if that weren't complicated enough, there has been at least one other "Orientals" group led by Prince Ichita (see below). In addition, there are the ORIGINAL Brothers, also from Owerri, led by Warrior sound-alike Sir Major, who may or may not be connected with the Orientals, but have a quite similar sound.
There are at least two other groups that originate in splits from one of the Orientals bands - the State Brothers International Band led by Aloy Anyanwu, and Chuks Nnadiekwe's Orlu Brothers International Band. Both groups' recordings are listed here.
For all this evident factionalism, there is no disputing the great influence of ALL the Oriental groups on contemporary Nigerian music. Their great contribution was fusing Congo-style guitar work with various traditional Igbo rhythms to create a fast-paced musical style that was beloved by Nigerians from all ethnic backgrounds and walks of life. Their sound emerged at a time of great crisis for the Igbo people in the wake of the Biafran war. As Maurice O. Ene, editor of "Kwenu" magazine, writes: "... the Orientals played a very important spiritual role in keeping many Ndi-igbo sane. They were the pride of a people traumatized by a war so vicious."
I am greatly indebted to Vitus Johnson Laurence for the invaluable information he has provided for this discography.
Oriental Brothers International Band
1974
Oriental Brothers International Band led by G. Kabaka Opara
-- Information couresy of Duncan Brooker
1974
Oriental Brothers International band led by G. Kabaka Opara
Orientals Special (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 44 & Decca [France] 278.164)
1975
Oriental Brothers International led by G. Kabaka Opara
Nwa Ada Di Nma
(LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 59)(CD; Flame Tree [UK] FLTRCD 527)
1975
Oriental Brothers International led by Godwin Kabaka Opara
1977
Oriental Brothers International
Oriental's Special (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 44)
1977
Oriental Brothers International led by G. Kabaka Opara
Murtala Muhammad (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 71)
1977
Oriental Brothers International led by G. Kabaka Opara
1977
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Ugwu Manu Na Nwanne Ya (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2024)
-- First LP after Kabaka left the band.
1977
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Origbu Onye Ozo (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2034)
1978
Oriental Brothers International Band
Ibezim Ako (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2057)
1978
Oriental Brothers International Band
Nwanne Awu Enyi (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2065)
1979
Oriental Brothers International Band
Onye Egbula Onye Agbata Obi Ya (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2071)
1980
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Obi Nwanne (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2090)
-- The last recording of the "Dan Satch-Warrior" incarnation of the Orientals.
1980
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Onye Ma Uche Chukwu? (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2103)
1980
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Rarama Ndu (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2137)
1981
Oriental Brothers International
The Best of Oriental Brothers International (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2146)
-- Tracks by the original lineup from the early-mid seventies.
1981
Oriental Brothers International Band Original led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Udo Ka Nma (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2158)
1981
Oriental Brothers International Band Original led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Chukwu Nwe Anyi (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2176)
1983
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Onye Nwe Ala (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2193)
1984
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Ihe Eji Aku Eme (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2204)
1987
Oriental Brothers International Band
Anyi Abiala Ozo (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2274) (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 098 [as Onye Egbula Nwanne Ya Series])
-- Dan Satch, Warrior & Kabaka reunite.
1990
Oriental Brothers International Band
Heavy on the Highlife! (CD; Original Music [US] OMCD012)
-- Sampler containing tracks from several different incarnations of Oriental Brothers - Tracks 1-3 from the early united band, track 4 from the "Dan Satch" group, Track 5 from the 1987 "reunion" album, and Track 6 by Warrior.
1996
The Oriental Brothers
Oriental Ge Ebi (LP; Super International Records [Lagos] SI 071) (CD; Sontec Digital SON 38CD)
-- Dan Satch, Warrior & Kabaka reunite once again.
2000?
Oriental Brothers International Band
Onye Egbula Nwanne Ya Series (Cassette; Super International [Lagos] SI 098)
[A] ?
[B] ?
-- Reissue of DWAPS 2274?
2001
Oriental Brothers
Vintage Hits Vol. 1 (CD; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWACD 001)
2001
Oriental Brothers
Vintage Hits Vol. 2 (CD;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWACD 002)
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Godwin Kabaka Opara's band has continued into the nineties with a vigorous touring schedule throughout Nigeria, and of all the Orientals off-shoots, its lively sound comes closest to that of the early pre-split band. I caught them at a Christmas Eve 1995 show in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, where they thrilled the crowd with renditions of early Oriental hits like "Ihe Onye Eche," "Chi Awu Otu" and "Uwamesi Special ." His music is often referred to as Nkotonko as well as high-life, native blues and merengue. - J.B & T.E.
1977
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Izu Kamma Na Nneji (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DLPS 004 /LP; Decca [France] 278.165)
[A] Izu Kamma Na Nneji / Chukwu Kere Mmadu / Chineke Wetuo Ekwensu
[B] Mangala Special / Ichere Chi Amaghi Onye Iwu / Ajam Ashi-Mi
1977 Kabaka International Guitar Band
Ijeuzoije Amunkpa (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DLPS 010)
[A] Ijeuzoije Awunkpa / Onuru Olu Nwa Bia Za
[B] Nmawu Ego Special / Onye Ikekwere Mekeya
1977
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Ewu Nla Ala Oduya Di Na Miri (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DLPS 012)
[A] Ewu Nla Ala Oduya Di Na Miri
[B] Ndidi Kanma Nu Uwa / Bia Luru Nwa Ada
1978
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Onye Mere Ihe Akeya (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DLPS 015)
[A] Onye Mere Ihe Akeya
[B] Isuolam / Oh! Dear Jesus
1979
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Obiara Nga Onye Egbulaya (LP;
Afrodisia/Deram [Lagos] DLPS 016)
[A] Ijemana Iyomana
[B] Obiara Nga Onye Egbulaya / Ebemam
1979
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Ewu Nga Onye Eze Na Okuko Nwaogbenye (LP;
Afrodisia/Deram [Lagos] DLPS 017)
[A] Ewu Nga Onye Eze Na Okuko Nwaogbenye
[B] Omemara-Chi Ekwe / Kema-Ako-Lam
1980
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Late Florence Mbakwe (LP;
Afrodisia/Deram [Lagos] DLPS 018)
[A] Agaracha Eru Uyo Ije Atoama
[B] Ijuru Chim Ajuju / Late Florence Mbakwe
1981
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Onye Ma Ka Nma (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2122)
[A] Egbula Nwa Onye Ozo
[B] Dr. Agwu Nwaukpa-Ohaozara Special / Onye Mam Ka Nma
1981
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Ego Di Nkpa (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2141)
[A] Ego Di Nkpa
[B] Osumunu Gburu Ama-Kaya
1982
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Nwanne Di Namba Social Club of Nigeria (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2142)
[A] Nwanne Di Namba
[B] Onye Di Ukpa-Odi (Anyi Amarala)
1989
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Ezi Nwanne (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2282)
[A] Ezi Nwanne
[B] Uwa Owu Nkeonye / Osinachi
1995
Kabaka Opara's Oriental Brothers International
Do Better if You Can/Onye Ikekwere Mekeya (CD; Original Music [US] OMCD 034)
Oh Dear Jesus / Ebemana / Mmawu Egbu Special / Onye Ikekwere Mekeya / Ijemana Iyomana
-- Although it is labeled as by "Kabaka Opara's Oriental Brothers International," this isa compilation of older material by the Kabaka International Guitar band, as spoken comments at the beginning of the opening track clearly indicate. A copyright dispute?
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers - Original
Chief Christogonous Ezebuiro Obinna, better known as "Dr. Sir Warrior," died on Wednesday, June 2, 1999, and was buried on June 19 in his hometown of Umuhu Enyiogugu, Mbaise, in Imo State. Leader of the best-known and most popular of the "Orientals" groups, Warrior was famed for his powerful voice as well as his mastery of traditional Owerri men's dance.
>From an article by Ben Duru, "Musicians, Others Remember Sir Warrior," in the July 2, 1999 edition of the "Post Express" (Lagos):
"Eminent highlife musicians and ordinary Nigerians alike have continued to pay tributes to Chief Christogonous Ezebuiro Obinna who died last month. Obinna, better known as Sir Warrior, was the leader of the famous Oriental Brothers Band of Owerri which ruled the highlife music scene for several decades in the country...
"'He did not enjoy the fruits of his labour,' said Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, the venerable highlife maestro, of Sir Warrior. 'When I confirmed the news of his death, I was almost paralysed. I was shocked to my bones,' Osadebe told our reporter. Chief Oliver De Coque, the Ogene superstar, also spoke in a similar vein, praising the musical genius of Sir Warrior. 'He was a very good and amiable person. I am sad because we have lost such a genius. When I heard the news, I was dumbfounded... The first thing that occurred to me was that we have lost a genius in highlife.'
"'General' Ferdinand Dansatch Emeka Opara, the man who brought Warrior into music, also pays glowing tribute to his friend, colleague and erstwhile partner. 'I cried and cried,' said Dansatch. 'I felt that I had lost a rare gem, a genius, a powerful vocalist.'
"Mr. Chris Osuji, a furniture maker, also remembers the great Warrior with deep sorrow. 'We, from Mbaise have lost a lot in the death of Warrior. I hope one of his sons will take over from him,' said Osuji.
"A patent medicine dealer, Mr. Hezekiah Okoro, sums up the feelings of millions of Nigerians over the death of Sir Warrior: 'He was an illustrious son of Nigeria. Warrior brought happiness to us through the music he played.'"
Since the death of Sir Warrior, two of his sons, Uchenna and Ajuzieogu Obinna, have vowed to carry on their father's legacy. Their first performance with the Original Oriental Brothers was at Warrior's wake in June. Since then the group has performed in Onitsha, Aba, Port Harcourt, Onu, Benin City, Umuahia and Lagos, among other localities. No recordings have yet been made.- J.B.
1980
Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International
Onye Oma Nmanu (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2098)
[A] Aneri Aku
[B] Onye Oma Nmanu
-- Warrior's first solo outing with "his" Oriental Brothers.
1980
Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Hapum Meberi (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2117)
[A] Hapum Meberi
[B] Gi Nyem Ugwum Mu Enye Gi Nke Gi
1981
Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Onye Obula Zoba Isi Onweya (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2130/LP; Oti Records [UK] OTI[LP]2130)
[A] Ndo Ma Ike
[B] Onye Obula Zoba Isi Onweya
1981
Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Jide Nkeji (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2157)
[A] Jide Nke Gi
[B] Ome Nma
1982
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Original Oriental Brothers International Band
Chi Awu Otu (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2164)
[A] Ihe Onyeche
[B] Chi Awu Otu
1983
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band
Onye ije ( LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2175 )
[A] Onye ije
[B] Omumu
1983
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Original Oriental Brothers International Band
Agwo Loro Ibeya (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2188)
[A] Agwo Loro Ibeya
[B] Nwa Enwe Nne
1983
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Ugo Chinyere (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2197)
[A] Ugo Chinyere
[B] Madu Mezie Ndu Ya
1984
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Ndi Ji Ego (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2207)
[A] Uwa Safe
[B] Ndi Ji Ego
1985
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Warrior in London (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2227)
[A] Anyiyiriodo
[B] Chinaemenma
1986
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Original Oriental Brothers
[A] Akaraka
[B] Ndi Adudu
1988
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band
Udo Ndi Oma (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2277)
[A] Udo Ndi Oma
[B] Oruole
1988
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band
Na Kwa Echeki (LP;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2287)
[A] Na Kwa Echeki
[B] Lekwenum / Onye Huru Chim Anya
1993
Ultimate Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band of Nigeria
Nke Onye Diri Ya (LP; Super International [Lagos] SI 055)(Video CD; Super International [Lagos] SIV 055)
[A] Warrior Abiala Ozor / Onye Di Nma Na Azu
[B] Nke Onye Diri Ya
1994
Ultimate Dr. Sir Worrior & his Oriental Brothers
Ofe Owerri (LP; Super International [Lagos] SI 063, CD; CD World/Sontec SON 37, CD; Mossiac Music [New York] MMCD 0074) (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 063)
[A] Ochichi Nigeria / Omebunwa Ogbenye
[B] Ofe Owerri / Uwa Chia Chia
-- "Warrior" is mis-spelled "Worrior" on the album cover. The Mossiac reissue of Ofe Owerrii also includes the contents of Super International LP SI 055, Nke Onye Diri Ya
1995
Ultimate Dr. Sir Worrior & his Oriental Brothers
NigeriaAny-Ga-Ebi (LP; Super International [Lagos] SI 065)1) (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 065)
[A] Anyi-Ga-Ebi(We Shall Live)
[B] Kwu-Kwa-Ezi-Okwu (Say The Truth)
1996
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers
Who Goes There (LP; Super International [Lagos]SI 070) (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 070)
[A] Who Goes There / Oko Nke Gi
[B] Uwa Bu Nke Onye / Oko Nke Zik
Late 1990s?
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band of Nigeria
Ndi Ji Ego (CD; Mossiac Music [New York City] MMCD 00510)
Uwa Self II / Chi Na Eme Mma / Uwa Di Egwu / Ndi Ji Ego
2001?
Dr. Sir Warrior & Oriental Brothers International Band
Vintage Hits Vol. 1 (CD;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWALCD 004)
Ihe Onye Eche / Chi Awu Otu / Onyebula Zoba Isi / Ndo Ma Ike
2004?
Ultimate Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers Band of Nigeria
Aneri Aku Special (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 103)
?
2004?
Dr. Sir Warrior & Co.
Aku Udo Special (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 104)
?
2004?
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International
Vintage Hits Vol. 2 (CD;
Afrodisia [Lagos] DWACD 0005)
Uwa Safe / Ndi Ji Ego / Hapum Mebiri / Ginyem Egum Mu Enye Gi Nke Gi
There has been a recurring claim that, in a bid to broaden his sound after going solo, Warrior brought in Cameroonian influences and worked with personalities such as Ahidjo — a move some describe as a game-changing formula.
However, for the sake of historical accuracy, I would like to offer a different perspective.
Without sounding like a “Mr. Know-All,” my understanding is that Ahidjo, who was a good friend and supporter, was not actively involved as a performing musician.
Rather, Ahidjo — alongside the late Boy O Boy — stood as one of the strongest support pillars behind Oriental Brothers, especially Warrior’s activities in Aba during that period. His contribution was more from the angle of loyalty, support, and presence than direct musical performance.
Ahidjo was known in Aba for dealing in clothing and fashion items. His shop became something of a social and meeting point around the music scene. These men were regular faces at virtually every Oriental Brothers performance in Aba and, naturally, attended as close supporters of the movement.
Interestingly, it was at Ahidjo’s shop along Park Road that I saw Kabaka for the last time before the shop later moved to Ehi Road.
When Teddy — popularly known as “Uwaa wu Paw paw” — emerged, Ahidjo also attempted to support and work with him. However, Teddy later shared some of the reasons he had reservations about entering into that relationship.
As for Ahidjo’s origins, memories differ. Some believed he was from Benin Republic, while others recalled being told that he once played for a major church in Owerri — possibly TREM — though that remains something that would require proper confirmation.
I may try to find out whether he is still alive, especially since there are still individuals from that era, such as Band Joe, who may provide more reliable firsthand information. If I uncover more details, I’ll gladly share them with the community.
Stories like these remind us that behind every great music movement are not only the stars on stage, but also the loyal supporters, connectors, and unseen builders who helped shape the culture.
Uche & Ajuzieogu Warrior & the Oriental Brothers Band
Since the death of Sir Warrior, two of his sons, Uchenna and Ajuzieogu Obinna, have vowed to carry on their father's legacy. Their first performance with the Original Oriental Brothers was at Warrior's wake in June 1999. Since then the group has performed across southern Nigeria. They have just released their first CD. - J.B.
2000
Uche Warrior & Ajuzieogu Warrior & the Oriental Brothers Band
Tribute to Dr. Sir Warrior (LP; Super International Music Agency Ltd. SI 094. CD; World Son 0ll)
[A] Awuruse Biri Na Osisi / Ihe Onwu Mere Nayi Na Uwa
[B] Sir warrior Si Anyi Tiwe Egwu / Sokwa Onye Ulo Aso
Emperor Teddy Obinna
Although he calls himself "Junior Warrior," Teddy Obinna is in fact the late Warrior's half-brother (Warrior's father had three wives). He has made a big splash in recent years with his new soukous-flavored update of the classic Warrior sound. J.B. & V.J.L.
2002
Emperor Teddy Obinna (aka Junior-Warrior)
Uwa Wu Paw-Paw (CD; label unknown SW 2192)
Onyegbula / Onye-Ugwu / Nsogbu-Uwa / Gwupiti N Zu / Uwa Wu Paw-Paw
2004
Emperor Teddy Obinna (aka Uwa Wu Paw-Paw)
Uwa Shekiga e Shekiga (Cassette; C. Meks & Sons [Onitsha, Nigeria] CMS 14)
[A] Uwa Shekiga e Shekiga / Onye Nchem
[B] Ikwe Mmegbu / Alafegam Nsogbu
Prince Ichita & The Great Oriental Brothers International Band
Prince Ichita and Lyvinius "Akwilla" Alaraibe, founding members of the Oriental Brothers, left in 1977 to form their own "Great Oriental Brothers Band" with a very similar sound. Itchita died in poverty in the 1980's. Warrior then took Akwilla on as a member of his Orientals, where he stayed until Warrior's death in 1999. - V.J.L.
Late 1970s?
Prince Ichita & The Great Oriental Brothers International Band '78
Onye Shi Mu Na Ya (LP; EMI Nigeria NEMI 0382)
[A] Onye Shi Mu Na Ya Adeghi Mma / Uma Elu Uwa Aparala Anyi Gama
[B] Nyem Obi Gi / Satan Worshippers
Early 1980s?
The Great Oriental Brothers International Band Led by Ichita Ahumareze
Ebube Nkwa (LP; EMI Nigeria NEMI 0466)
[A] Oguawuike
[B] Okara ozo eme ozo
Early 1980s
Prince Ichita & The Great Oriental Brothers International Band
Nchekwube (LP; EMI Nigeria NEMI 0549)
[A] Ashishi Uka / Hie Eji Aku Eme
[B] Nchekwube / Onu Ya Ka Onu Gi
Orlu Brothers International Band
"Sir Cardinal" Chuks Ndadiekwe, who hails from Isunjaba, Isu LGA, Imo State, was a founding member of the "Warrior" faction of the Oriental Brothers in 1980 and left several years later to form the Orlu Brothers International Band, based in the city of Orlu, Imo State. With several members from Ghana, the Orlu Brothers' style differs somewhat from the punchy, hard-driving Orientals sound. Characterized by lyrical guitar work and close-knit vocal harmonies, their "O Boro Chi Kele Chi" was one of the standout highlife releases of the eighties. - J.B. & V.J.L.
1982
Cardinal Chuks and His International Guys
Uba Akagi Nwa (LP; Zonto [Nigeria] ZRLP 001)
[A] Charity / Ome Nma / Nke Iruka
[B] Uba Akagi Nwa / Akaraka
1983
Orlu Brothers International Band of Nigeria
O Boro Chi Kele Chi (LP; Top [Nigeria] TOP 003)
[A] Uwa Shiri Ike / O Boro Chi Kele Chi
[B] Ada Nne / Gwam Okwu
1987
Orlu Brothers International Band
Onye-Ejile-Eme-Onu (LP; Super International [Lagos] SI 007)
[A] Cheremu Nwannem / Ochiri Ozuo
[B] Onye-Ejile-Eme-Onu (Akwa Ariri)
1990
Sir Cardinal Chuks Ndadiekwe & Orlu Brothers International Band of Nigeria
Igboshirike (LP; GCI Records [Nigeria] GCIB 001)
[A] The Nigerian Community in United States of America
[B] Igboshirike
Aloy Anyanwu & his State Brothers International Band
Like the Opara brothers, Aloysius Anyanwu hails from Mbaise, a locality that has produced several other Igbo musical notables like Joe Nez. He was a founding member of the original Ikenga Super Stars led by Vincent Okoroego. Following Kabaka Opara's departure from the Oriental Brothers he was invited to join the band by Dan Satch & Warrior. Like Kabaka, Anyanwu is a talented guitarist.
Ironically, like his former mentor, Vincent Okoroego, Anyanwu would be involved in an act of musical larceny. In the early seventies, the Ikengas were founded when Okoroego & other members of Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe's Nigeria Sound Makers hijacked a master tape from the band to release under the name "Nkengas." In 1978, Anyanwu likewise stole an Oriental Brothers tape to release under his own name. Before he could do so, he was caught and dismissed from the group. Subsequently the band took out an injuction in the Owerri Chief Magistrate's Court stopping him from using their work. This episode inspired the Orientals' song "Ozo Wu Iwem," meaning "This is My Annoyance".
With his own group, the State Brothers International Band, Anyanwu is still playing but is not very active. - V.J.L.
1982
Aloy An,yanwu & State Brothers International
Nwannem (LP; Homzy [Enugu, Nigeria] HCE 060)
[ A] Nwannem
[ B] Uba / Okpom
1985
Aloy Anyanwu & his State Brothers International Band
Egwu Onu-Nnwa (LP; Rogers All Stars [Onitsha, Nigeria] RASLPS 055)
[A] Egwu Ono Nwa / Ekwensu Anwazinam
[B] Ezi-Nwanemu / Me and You Nwa One
1986
Aloy Anyanwu & his State Brothers International Band
Chi Nwe Ndu (LP; Rogers All Stars [Onitsha, Nigeria] RASLPS 070)
[A] Chi Nwe Ndu / Late Madam Eunice Anyanwu
[B] Ihe Onye na Eme / Uwa Na Enye Nsogbu
Original Brothers International Band
Owerri-based group led by Warrior sound-alike Sir Major. Possibly no connection with the Orientals but listed here for the sake of inclusivity. -J.B.
1980
Original Brothers International Band
Obi Nwanne (LP; Rogers All Stars [Onitsha, Nigeria] RASLPS 011)
[A] Ihe Onye Atula / Onye Akpola Nwanne Ya Ugwuo
[B] Obi Nwanne
1981
Original Brothers International Band
Iheoma Ogo Egbulem (LP; Rogers All Stars [Onitsha, Nigeria] RASLPS 020)
[A] Iheoma Ogo Egbulem
[B] Ndu Ka Ego / Agwo Mu Na Nwannem Gbulu
1990 (?)
Original Brothers International Band of Imo State
Expo 90 (LP; Afro Sound [Nigeria] ASLPS 2201)
[A] Elu-Uwa / Nwanne Di Nobi
[B] Ezinne
-- This discography was compiled, in collaboration with Toshiya Endo, by John Beadleat P.O. Box 100174, Milwaukee, WI 53210 USA. For weblog, visit (http://likembe.blogspot.com/), and E-mail to John Beadle
Special thanks to: Gilbert Hsiao, Vitus Johnson Laurence, Claire Nzerem, Duncan Brooker, David Noyes, Zim Bida...
Understanding the Real Story Behind Ozo Wu Iwem: The Cases of Tony Awoma and Aloy Anyanwu
One of the most debated lines in the Oriental Brothers classic Ozo Wu Iwem is:
“I go dey fear you o! Emmm... Na so we go dey train musicians nau.”
Many listeners have interpreted this statement differently over the years. Some believed the phrase referred to Aloy Anyanwu, while others insist it was directed at Tony Awoma. A closer look at the history of the band suggests that the statement was actually aimed at Tony Awoma.
The Meaning of “Na So We Go Dey Train Musicians Nau”
The phrase was used in reference to Tony Awoma, whom Warrior accused of taking a musical style associated with Oriental Brothers and using it in his own work after leaving the band.
According to this interpretation, Warrior was referring to Awoma as someone they had worked closely with, who later used their musical ideas elsewhere. Therefore, the key word in the statement is "train."
However, others argue that the issue was not about training in the literal sense, as Awoma was already an experienced musician long before joining Oriental Brothers.
Tony Awoma Was Not a Beginner
Tony Awoma was not a musician that Oriental Brothers trained from scratch. He was already an experienced performer and had been associated with the group during their early days in Enugu at Chief Oliver Biaduo’s hotel.
This was before the band moved to Easy Going Hotel in Ikenja, owned by James Azubuike (Ewele Azubuike), where they secured their first recording contract with Decca/Afrodisia.
Before this period, Aloy Anyanwu had already left to play with a more established band in Port Harcourt. Later, when Kabaka left Oriental Brothers in early 1977, the group brought Tony Awoma back into the band. Around the same period, Aloy Anyanwu and Alacongo also joined.
The Real Issue Between Warrior and Tony Awoma
The dispute involving Tony Awoma centered on music, not abandonment of the band.
According to accounts from the period, Warrior believed that Awoma copied the beat of the Oriental Brothers song Origbuo Onye Ozo, which Warrior had written. Awoma allegedly used the same beat structure in his debut solo track, Nwa Na Etoghi Eto, released under Anodiscs Records, owned by Simeon Anochie.
It was in response to this perceived betrayal that Warrior reportedly said to Dan Satch:
“Na so we go dey fear musician now.”
The statement reflected Warrior’s disappointment over what he saw as a breach of trust.
After Awoma left, Oriental Brothers replaced him with Goddy Nwaiwu, whom Warrior later referenced in Ozo Wu Iwem:
“Goddy Nwaiwu leeee, egwu afuolam ara.”
Aloy Anyanwu’s Case Was Different
Aloy Anyanwu's situation was entirely different from Tony Awoma’s.
Aloy did not leave because of any dispute over songs or musical copyrights. His offense, from the perspective of Oriental Brothers, was that he left the band without informing anyone—not even Warrior, who had personally helped bring him into the group.
Aloy was considered one of the finest bass guitarists in the band’s history. His bass work was widely regarded as the icing on the cake for the album Nwanne Awụ Enyin, helping make it one of Oriental Brothers’ biggest commercial successes.
Because of his importance to the group, Oriental Brothers desperately wanted to retain him.
The Car Controversy
According to accounts from the band, Oriental Brothers had provided Aloy with a brand-new car as part of a long-term incentive package—essentially a corporate-style benefit intended to encourage his commitment to the group.
What the band allegedly did not know was that Aloy had already decided to leave.
When he eventually departed, he left with the vehicle.
Warrior reportedly felt personally betrayed because he had been the one who insisted on bringing Aloy into the band after the collapse of Aloy's previous group, Ikenga Super Stars. As fellow Mbaise men, Warrior championed his recruitment despite opposition from Dan Satch.
The fact that Aloy departed without prior notice was what hurt Warrior the most.
Simultaneous Departures
Interestingly, both Tony Awoma and Aloy Anyanwu were preparing to leave Oriental Brothers around the same period.
However, while Aloy's issue involved loyalty and commitment to the band, Awoma's issue involved the alleged copying of a musical composition.
These were separate matters and should not be confused.
The Court Cases
The disputes eventually found their way into court.
Oriental Brothers reportedly sued:
- Aloy Anyanwu for breach of contract.
- Tony Awoma for copyright infringement.
The cases were heard in a Magistrate Court before two magistrates, Ejimofor and Nsofor—both of whom were later mentioned in Ozo Wu Iwem.
According to available accounts, Oriental Brothers won both cases and were awarded financial compensation.
Conclusion
The historical record suggests that the famous line:
“I go dey fear you o! Emmm... Na so we go dey train musicians nau.”
was directed primarily at Tony Awoma and not Aloy Anyanwu.
While Warrior felt betrayed by both men, the reasons were very different. Aloy's offense was leaving the band without notice after receiving significant support and incentives from Oriental Brothers. Awoma's offense, in Warrior’s view, was using the musical foundation of Origbuo Onye Ozo for his own solo recording, Nwa Na Etoghi Eto.
These separate incidents became part of the inspiration behind Ozo Wu Iwem, one of the most discussed songs in the history of Oriental Brothers International Band.
Uche Ajuziogu Music Vehicle:
Uche bought this bus warrior's bus is the long bus. Dr. Sir Warrior children are 5 men and a lady not 4 men. This not Sir Warriors luxurious bus. This particular bus belongs to Uche and Ajuziogu Warrior.
Happy New month from Sir Aquila of Oriental Brothers International Band. and Nkiru Marcus. 1st April, 2026.
Let's celebrate Chief Ferdinand Dansatch Opara of Oriental Brothers International Band on his Legendary Award by Governor Hope Uzodinma.
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