Prince Nico Mbarga

about

Prince Nico Mbarga (1 January 1950 – 24 June 1997) was a highlife musician, born to a Nigerian mother and a Cameroonian father in Abakaliki, Nigeria. He is renowned for his hit song “Sweet Mother”, recorded with his band Rocafil Jazz. Music He played the xylophone, conga, drums, and electric guitar in school bands and he made his professional debut as a member of a hotel band, the Melody Orchestra, in 1970. Career - Early years Although he only recorded one significant hit, “Sweet Mother,” in 1976, which sold more than 13 million copies (and which is recognised as one of Africa’s greatest songs), Mbarga played an important role in the evolution of African popular music. With his soulful vocals set to the light melodies of his acoustic guitar, Mbarga created a unique hybrid of Igbo and Congolese guitar playing and uplifting highlife rhythms. He formed his own group, Rocafil Jazz, to perform regularly at the Naza Hotel in the eastern Nigerian city of Onitsha. After releasing a disappointing single in 1973, Mbarga and Rocafil Jazz had their first success with their second single, I No Go Marry My Papa, which became a regional hit. The band’s inability to break past their local following resulted in their recording contract being dropped by EMI, a decision that proved ill-fortuned when the band signed with Rogers All Stars, a Nigerian recording company based in Onitsha, and recorded “Sweet Mother”.[1] Sung in Pidgin English, “Sweet Mother” became one of the top sellers in t

top songs

albums

Aki Special

Sweet Mother

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Highlife Time Vol. 2

Best of Prince Nico Mbarga 1

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Highlife Time Vol 2

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Best of

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Afrique 50 ans de musique West Africa [Disc 1]

Prince Nico Mbarga & Rocafil Jazz

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Afrohits Palmwine Music 101

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Africa 50 Years Of Music, 1960-2010: West Africa

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VA - Africa 50 Years Of Music, 1960-2010: West Africa

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Na my Choice - Best of, Vol. 2

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