Today’s guest post will hopefully be the first in a series called In my ears: The highlife listening booth by Benn loxo listener, Ubulujaja.

“This month these two highlife tracks recently caught my ear:

Bob Fred: Okolobie Special

An important Ukwani highlife guitarist, Bob Fred appears to have been at the center of the Ukwani highlife music scene of the late 70s and early 80s. He played lead guitar on Rogana Ottah classic 1st LP Ukwani Special in 1976, fronted for well known Ukwani highlife bands like the International Brothers and the Ndokwa Super International Band, and released several LPs under his own name.

I found the song Okolobie Special to be a good example of Bob Fred’s music. The opening features an up-tempo guitar and horn segment that sets the stage for the vocalists to launch into an eight minute cavalcade of call and response vocals. While the guitar playing clearly echoes Rogana Ottah style, the vocals have a rawer, earthier feel. The lead vocalist is listed as Paddy and the chorus is led by Show Scatter (who also appeared on the Ukwani Special LP) and someone named as George. Okolobie appears to be a town in the River State. A solid Uwkani highlife number.

Prince A.E. Amgabaduba: Tamarau Au Na

Tamarau Au Na is a song by Prince A.E. Amgabaduba. I don’t know much about the performer or how to classify his music style, except to say I always liked Prince A.E. Amgabaduba’s style of vocalization and have only been able to find a few tracks where all the depth and beauty of his singing really comes out. The 18 minute song Seikiriemelemor on the Highlife Specialist LP is his masterpiece, but this shorter song gives you a good idea of what his vocals are all about.

Hope you enjoy the music…

Ubulujaja”

Thanks for the music and info. I’m looking forward to future editions.

Bob Fred & Ukwuani Brothers – Okolobie Special
Prince A. E. Amgabaduba & his Amazuo’s Band of Nigeria – Tamarau Na