Oriental Brothers’ Kabaka Releases New Album, Abialam, After 17-year Hiatus

Kabaka, one of the quintet of the popular 70s Highlife Band, the Oriental Brothers, has unveiled his new album entitled Abialam after a 17-year hiatus.

Kabaka, (i.e. Godwin Okpara) and his music agency, Derda Promotions made this known at a press held recently in Abuja.

Kabaka will host a listening party for the six track album described as “a masterpiece that will capture the heart of music lovers worldwide” this month at the Nouveau Events Center, Owerri, Imo State.

Addressing the media at the event, Kabaka said Abialam offers music lovers something to cherish, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the golden years of Highlife Music.

“My seven decade journey has been an enduring song, echoing the melodies of Highlife across generations. From our (Oriental Brothers) 1973 debut Uwatulamnjo/Ihe Chinyere to our last album Isichim Nyara Gi, my memories are rich with great music.”

The master guitarist who had started out as a trumpeter, then a trombonist, before taking to the guitar, said the new album meshes Bongos and Highlife will teach the younger generation the essence of music and the need to master an instrument.

Kabaka is one of the four-man Highlife band Oriental Brothers, comprising musicians Uche Warrior, O.B and Aloy Anyanwu, which dominated west Africa’s music scene in the early 70s, before disbanding in 1976.

Today, Kabaka’s decades long career spans 14 albums that resonates with memories and nostalgia for msuic lovers and fans of Highlife.