CartijoUnited States of America |1928| EnglishRafael Antonio Cortijo, a Puerto Rican musician and self-taught percussionist, was a pioneer in Caribbean music. Focused on bomba and plena from an early age, he blended traditional rhythms with trumpets and saxophones, creating a unique style. Forming the renowned Cortijo y su Combo in 1954 with singer Ismael Rivera, their collaboration left an indelible mark. Cortijo's orchestra showcased his instrument craftsmanship. Beyond his Combo, he collaborated widely, leaving a lasting impact on Puerto Rican music. His legacy endures through influential releases and his role in shaping the rich musical landscape of the Caribbean.
KatakumbeyGhana |1950| EnglishKatakumbey was a highlife musician from Ghana who simply went by his stage name, Katakumby. He was popular in the 1970s. He was known for his unique style of Highlife. One of his popular albums is "Ekow Redding," which was released in 1977. Katakumbey was part of a group of highlife musicians who helped to popularize the genre in Ghana and beyond. His music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by many highlife fans in Ghana and across the world.
Opanda UmueriNigeria |1920| IgboChief Nnamdi Obidi, popularly known as Opanda Umeri, is a legendary Nigerian highlife musician born in southeastern Nigeria. He was known for his unique style of combining traditional African rhythms with Western musical elements. His music was characterized by its catchy melodies, upbeat tempo, and thought-provoking lyrics. He has released several successful albums, including "Oyi beer parlour" and "Malaysia", which further established him as a leading figure in the highlife genre.
Ogene Nwa GhanaNigeria |1920| IgboOgene Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam ac nunc auctor, ultricies erat id, blandit neque. Nullam commodo laoreet libero nec viverra. Aliquam in mauris rutrum, lacinia nulla quis, scelerisque nisl. Praesent luctus imperdiet nisi, a pharetra nibh placerat quis. Nulla interdum mauris in volutpat aliquam. Praesent vestibulum turpis eu mauris commodo, vitae sodales quam mattis. Nullam nec ex at est venenatis cursus. Vivamus eu ligula eros. Vestibulum sed lorem eget ipsum efficitur dictum id id augue. Praesent rutrum fringilla dolor. Vestibulum lobortis urna mi, id semper justo faucibus ultricies.
Chinedu OgbaruNigeria |1920| IgboEdu Swiss, born Chinedu Ogbaru, is a renowned Nigerian Igbo highlife icon celebrated for his profound influence on the genre. Immersed in traditional Igbo music from an early age, Edu Swiss's unique musical journey began in Nigeria, fusing heritage with innovation. His chart-topping hits like "Omama na llo," "Ubem Elugo," and "Okem Akonam" embody Igbo culture, faith, and love, resonating globally. Edu Swiss continues to release more captivating highlife singles and perform at live events. A cultural ambassador, his music unites generations and spans borders, preserving heritage through melodies. Edu Swiss' enduring impact on highlife and commitment to Igbo culture solidify his status among its luminaries, an authentic bridge between tradition and modernity.