Oliver sleeps on November
14
By DAMIETE BRAIDE
Friday, August 8, 2008
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Oliver de’coque
Pix: Sun News Publishing |
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Relatives of the late Ogene Exponent, have announced November
14 as the burial date for the Highlife musician. The burial
committees in Lagos said the remains of the late singer will
be buried in his hometown, Ezinifite, in Nnewi South Local
Government area of Anambra State.
The Highlife maestro was said to have died of heart attack
on June 21 at a hospital in Gbagada, Lagos.
Chief John Odimegwu (John-megwus), Chairman of the burial
committee, described Oliver De Coque as a consummate artiste,
who had brought honour not only to Nigeria but also to the
world as an ambassador of culture and music.
“We appeal to the federal and state governments, corporate
bodies, individuals, friends, associates and well wishers
of the Ogene brand of Highlife music to come and support in
giving him a befitting burial. An account number, 1022010001205
has since been opened with Diamond Bank with the name King
(Dr) Oliver De Coque’s Burial Fund.”
Also, Barrister Sam Ifeme, Secretary of the burial organizing
committee, said that “Death has strange ways of visiting,
which comes without warning, and without being invited. No
matter the effort to keep it at bay, it would always force
its way in. When the inevitable happens, who are we then to
question the Almighty God and we must not mourn like people
without faith.”
It would be recalled that Oliver De Coque was a household
name in the Nigerian music industry. He started his music
at the age of 17 with Ekpili. When he was 28 years old, he
registered a remarkable landmark with his universally accepted
lyrics and ryhthms through his Ogene Super Sound of Africa.
The albums released during his life time are hits till date
and his greatest hit; Ka anyi bili be ndu sold two million
copies. Following his astounding musical performance, he received
many awards both locally and internationally. For example,
the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, crowned him the King
of Highlife music 10 years ago. In America in 1994, he was
conferred with the honorary doctor of letters in Music at
the University of New Orleans.
The ace highlife exponent became popular in the mid-70’s
under his band, The Expo 76 Ogene Super Sounds, and he was
the lead guitarist of his group.
During his music career, his hit albums which shot him into
limelight include: Identity, People’s Club, Nmbiri kambiri,
among others. His last public appearance was at the Tony Okoroji-led
Nigerian Music Awards where he was conferred with the Life
Time Achievement Award.
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