Aug 8/07
Slowly, Slowly
Did you see this article on the BBC the other day? Am I the only one who thinks that the abundance of titles adds to the amazing flavour of contemporary Nigerian life? Seriously, earned or bought, Nigerian title-giving is just another example of the colour we often lack out West. Plus, I would love if my colleagues started calling me Dr. Chief Engineer Matt, Esquire.
Anyway, I’ve never posted any King (Chief) (Dr.) Oliver de Coque on Benn loxo before, so today we’ll hear one of his tracks grabbed off a good compilation, Lagos Chop Up.
I didn’t make up the Chief, King or Doctor part. de Coque earned his Doctor title when the University of New Orleans awarded him an honorary doctorate in music in 1994. The King title came when he was crowned the King of Highlife music by the Alaafin of Oyo. Not sure where the Chief came in, but he refers to himself using this title too.
Oliver de Coque, born plain-old Oliver Sunday Akanite, is a Nigerian musician famous for his Ogene highlife music and untiring promotion of his native Igbo culture. His break came in 1979 when his single, People’s Club Ka anyi bili be ndu, sold two million copies. He kept at it and has released a stream of successful recordings over several decades.
I picked the second track because my favourite Wolof proverb, aside from benn loxo du taccu, is danka ndanka mooy jaapa golo si nahi. It translates into “slowly, slowly, you catch a monkey in the bush.” In other words, chill-out, guy. Take it easy. It’s August. This is the Ikenga Super Stars of Africa’s advice to you in their own pidgin way.
ps- That’s the Emir of Katsina in Nigeria top-left. More pictures of African royalty here.
pps- Benn loxo reader, Kevin, is heading to Ghana. Any tips for live music venues, record shops, festivals or good things to check-out music-wise?
Oliver de Coque & his Expo ‘76 – The Tragedy Story of Two Friends
Ikenga Super Stars of Africa – Soffry Soffry Catch Monkey
August 8th, 2007 at 20:29
What up to all Chiefs in Africa and beyond. That is something I am familiar with
August 9th, 2007 at 01:38
Kevin should definitely try to check out the Homowo celebrations in Accra. They take place in different neighborhoods around the capital from July to September. He can find out more just by asking around. He should also take the requisite look at Arts Center and Akuma Village in the city center. They’re touristy but fun, and he’ll be able to get all the kente cloth, fake masks and iron jewelry he could want. For nightlife, he should try Tip Toe Lane, near Kwame Nkrumah circle. Seven-foot high speakers in front of every chopbar competing to blast out the loudest hip-life and R&B, copious amounts of ice-cold beer and home-brewed akpeteshie, suspiciously friendly local girls, and an overall atmosphere of cheery loucheness make it my favorite spot in town.
August 9th, 2007 at 07:52
If I remember properly the track”The Tragedy Story of Two Friends” is dedicated to the memory of Celestine Ukwu who Tragically died in a car crash in 1979 together with another musician. If you are into highlife check his music, absolutely magnificent
August 9th, 2007 at 11:18
Samy, thanks for the insight into the title. I had no idea. As it happens, there’s a Celestine Ukwu album sitting on top of my stereo at the moment..
August 13th, 2007 at 03:42
Ian:
Many thanks for these tips. I can work with 7-foot high speakers.
We lucked out — we arrive the night before Fetu Afahye begins in Cape Coast.
Be well.
kevin
November 21st, 2007 at 06:43
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