Album Times present this impressive studio project by Oliver De Coque, also known as Oliver Sunday Akanite, he was a Nigerian highlife guitarist and singer who was born in 1947 in the town of Ezinifite, in present-day Anambra State. His musical career began in the 1960s, when he played with various highlife bands, including the Oriental Brothers International Band, The Heartbeats and Others. In the 1970s, he formed his own band, Oliver De Coque and his Expo '76. His endeavors projected him to become one of the most popular highlife musicians of his generation, known for his powerful guitar playing and emotive singing.
In the 1980s, De Coque's popularity continued to grow, and he began to incorporate more Western influences into his music, including reggae and funk. He also became known for his socially conscious lyrics, which tackled issues such as corruption and poverty. However, he toured extensively across Africa and Europe. He also became a fashion icon, known for his flamboyant stage costumes. By the 1990s, he was widely considered one of the most influential and important musicians in Africa.
Album Times says that, Oliver De Coque's music was groundbreaking and influential. He helped to bring highlife to global audience and was one of the most popular and honoured musicians of his time. Most of his songs were deeply rooted in the culture of his home country, yet also embraced global influences and trends. However, his music was not only entertaining, but also conveyed important messages about social and political issues. Furthermore, his studio projects was an inspiration to many, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest highlife musicians of all time.
This studio project was off the album Umu Nnem Bina America (1996)
