Go Back
Zeal Onyia
First Name: 
Last Name: 
Stage Name: 
Country: 
Born: 
D.O.D: 
Primary Language: 
Bio
Zeal Onyia was a Nigerian jazz trumpeter who significantly influenced West African highlife music. He began his musical journey alongside Bobby Benson in the 1940s and later with ET Mensah, mastering classic highlife and competing with Fela Kuti's band in the 1960s. Following a period of studying classical music in Germany during the 1970s, he returned to Lagos and recorded six remarkable tracks with the Tabansi Studio Band before founding the Rhythm Dance Band and later establishing the Zeal Band in Lagos. In addition to his musical pursuits, he also served as the program editor at the Voice of Nigeria radio.
Discography
Albums1
Trumpet King Zeal Onyia Returns
Trumpet King Zeal Onyia Returns2019 • albumTracks: 6
Label
Record Label associated with Zeal Onyia - past and current.
    Similar Artists
    Fela Kuti
    Fela KutiNigeria |1938| English
    Fela Kuti, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, was a renowned Nigerian musician and activist who pioneered Afrobeat. He founded "Africa '70" and used his music fearlessly to confront Nigeria's corrupt government and advocate for social justice. Fela's music sparked both acclaim and controversy, solidifying his status as a cherished cultural figure in Nigeria. His powerful musical legacy transcended borders, inspiring movements and earning him numerous posthumous accolades and recognition.
    Ebo Taylor
    Ebo TaylorGhana |1936| Twi
    Deroy Taylor, better known as Ebo Taylor, is a renowned Ghanaian musician and producer known for his contributions to highlife and afrobeat music. He has collaborated with musicians such as Fela Kuti and the Afrobeat Academy and produced music for several prominent artists. His solo projects blend traditional Ghanaian music with afrobeat, jazz, and funk, making him a recognizable figure in the music scene. He has received several lifetime achievement awards and continues to produce creative music at an advanced age.
    Lee Dodou
    Lee DodouGhana |1952| Ga
    Lee Dodou is a renowned musician from Ghana who played a vital role in developing the Burger Highlife style. He began his musical journey at the young age of five and showed exceptional talent. After high school, he collaborated with famous Ghanaian musicians, which helped him refine his skills and exposed him to various influences. In 1973, he founded Bisa-Goma, which became very popular until 1977. He formed Kantata in 1984 and achieved significant success with "Asa Boni Track" on the French charts. With a long list of successful collaborations and solo projects, he remains a virtuoso artist who has captivated audiences worldwide and left an indelible mark on the music industry.
    Mélomé Clément
    Mélomé ClémentBenin |1934| French
    Mélomé Clément was a highly influential Beninese musician and the conductor and saxophonist of the Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo. Clément started his career in 1968 with the Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo and managed to keep the group's flame alive, though it went under for a period and returned in 2009. He and his band was able to bring their stunning combination of funk, soul, voodoo rhythms, and Afrobeat to the world stages. Mélomé Clément passed away at the age of 67 following a heart attack.
    Paapa Yankson
    Paapa YanksonGhana |1944| Akan
    Benjamin Paapa Kofi Yankson, known as Paapa Yankson, was a celebrated Ghanaian highlife singer, songwriter, and producer. Born into a musical family, his early passion for music led him to join The Carousel Seven band in the 1970s. Yankson's talent was recognized, and he enrolled at the National Academy of Music, graduating with a diploma in music. He worked as a music organizer before joining Western Diamonds and later Golden Nuggets. In 1995, he embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and producing hit songs. Yankson received awards and accolades for his contributions to Ghanaian music, leaving an enduring legacy in highlife music.
    K.Frimpong
    K.FrimpongGhana |1939| Twi
    Mohammed Ibrahim Kwame Frimpong, professionally known as K.Frimpong, was a Ghanaian musician who fused highlife, funk, and disco music in the 1970s. In 1975, he formed his own band, the Cubano Fiestas, and released his debut album, which included the hit song "Kyenkyen Bi Adi Mawu," which was well received in Ghana and throughout West Africa. His music gained popularity for addressing social issues such as poverty and corruption. Although he passed away in 2005, Frimpong's music remains evergreen in Ghana.
    Winston Mankunku Ngozi
    Winston Mankunku NgoziSouth Africa |1943| English
    Winston Mankunku Ngozi, was a prominent South African tenor saxophone player. Born as a first child into a musical family, he started playing the piano at a young age. He started playing the saxophone at a teenage age and gained famed as one of the most prominent jazz musicians of his time. Mankunku became a pioneer of the South African jazz scene and left behind a great legacy in the South African jazz community