Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, often referred to as Osita Osadebe, was a Nigerian Igbo highlife musician who lived from March 17, 1936, to May 11, 2007. Osadebe is considered the “King of Highlife” for his pioneering role in transforming traditional Igbo singing into the highlife genre.
Osadebe was born in Atani, a town in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria. He came from a lineage of singers and dancers in Igboland. During his high school years in Onitsha, Osadebe developed a keen interest in music. He joined the Empire Rhythm Orchestra led by E. C. Arinze, where he honed his musical skills.
In 1958, at the age of 23, Osadebe officially began his music career by performing at nightclubs in Lagos. His energetic performances earned him the nickname “Doctor of Hypertension” from music critics and fans alike. Over the next few years, Osadebe played with the Stephen Amache Band and the Central Dance Band before forming his own group, the Sound Makers International, in 1964.
Osadebe’s music combined traditional Igbo elements with highlife, calypso, samba, bolero, rumba, jazz, and waltz. He was a prolific composer, writing over 500 songs, half of which were commercially released. His 1984 hit single “Osondi Owendi” established him as a leader in the highlife hun genre and became one of Nigeria’s most popular records ever.
During the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s, Osadebe continued to perform live, maintaining his scheduled performances. After the war, he remained dedicated to his craft, even as other genres like Jùjú music and Afrobeat gained popularity in Lagos. By the mid-1980s, Osadebe was at the height of his career, selling over 700,000 records with his hit album “Osondi Owendi”.
Osadebe’s music often featured social commentary, similar to but less confrontational than that of Fela Kuti. He sang in English, pidgin English, and Igbo, and his tracks were known for their extended length, allowing room for audience enjoyment and dance floor indulgence. Osadebe’s unique style and commitment to his craft earned him the title “King of Highlife” and cemented his legacy as a pioneer of Nigerian highlife music.
Despite his passing in 2007, Osita Osadebe’s music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world. His songs remain popular on streaming platforms like Boomplay, where he has over 100 tracks available. Osadebe’s influence on the highlife genre and his contribution to Nigerian music history are undeniable, making him a true legend in the annals of African music.
