US-based Nigerian artiste, Walegr8’s (nee Austin Mukoro) fusion of tradition and innovation is redefining Afromusic for contemporary audiences in the United States and Nigeria.
Born into a family of artistes, to a textile designer father, Prince Liverpool Mukoro, and a fashion and musical mother, Agnes Mukoro, Walegr8 had an early start in entertainment performing as a young dancer in his parents cultural troupe, before kicking off a professional start in music as a drummer and choreographer for the legendary Nigeria singer, Christiana Essien Igbokwe, whose ensemble nabbed international acclaim for its inventive choreography.
The artiste’s move to New York in 1997 brought a transcontinental twist to his act, as he quickly established himself as the lead dancer and drummer for the Opiri Dance Troupe founded by Nigerian superstar Mike Okri. It was his first step to innovating traditional African music bridging his audience in the US and Nigeria.
Years of experience with traditional dance troupe, including the Urhobo Cultural Group, collaborations with Nigerian and New York native cultural events as the New York Mermaid parade, (the latter courtesy of his in-law Dick Zigun, a patron of the arts and the unelected Mayor of Coney Island), makes Walegr8 the relevant figure he is today in the New York City Landscape and Afromusic scene.
As he unveils his latest single Never Give Up a street anthem embodying Afrobeat vibe with evangelistic undertone, he pays homage to Afrobeat’s rich legacy while contributing to its evolution.
Beyond Never Give Up, notable songs by the artiste include Good Times amongst other works in the pipeline. As Afrobeat continues its global spread, he is at the front-row of redefining Afromusic for contemporary audiences.
