Kingsley Okorie

Kingsley Okorie is a renowned Nigerian musician, bassist, songwriter, and co-founder of the critically acclaimed highlife fusion band, The Cavemen.. Alongside his younger brother, Benjamin James Okorie, Kingsley has been a key figure in the revival and reinvention of highlife music, seamlessly blending its traditional essence with modern elements such as Afrobeat, jazz, funk, and soul. Known for his soulful basslines, cultural consciousness, and artistic discipline, Kingsley is redefining the sonic identity of contemporary African music.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Kingsley hails from Orlu in Imo State, a culturally rich town in southeastern Nigeria. From a young age, Kingsley was surrounded by diverse musical influences that would shape his creative identity. His mother nurtured his early exposure to gospel music, instilling a sense of spiritual depth and harmony, while his father’s eclectic music taste—which included Michael Jackson, ABBA, and Westlife—introduced Kingsley to pop sensibilities and melody-driven songwriting.

One of the most formative influences, however, came from an unlikely source—their family driver, who often played tapes of highlife legend Oliver De Coque during school runs. These daily sessions in the car sparked Kingsley’s love for highlife rhythms, storytelling, and the Igbo language’s musicality. These early sonic memories would later inspire The Cavemen.’s nostalgic yet forward-looking sound.

Kingsley pursued higher education in a seemingly unrelated field—Law. He earned his LLB from Babcock University, one of Nigeria’s top private institutions, and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in Kano, where he qualified as a barrister. However, his passion for music never waned. Even during his law studies, Kingsley remained deeply immersed in music, composing, arranging, and honing his bass guitar skills.

Meanwhile, his brother Benjamin followed a more direct musical path, enrolling at the Peter King College of Music in Badagry, Lagos, where he trained professionally as a drummer. Their differing educational paths—Kingsley’s rooted in structure and critical thinking, Benjamin’s grounded in technical musical training—would eventually converge in perfect harmony with the formation of The Cavemen.

Music Career

Co-Founding The Cavemen.

In 2018, the brothers officially formed The Cavemen., a name that symbolized their intention to return to the “roots” of music — raw, authentic, and spiritually grounded. The period at the end of the name was deliberately added to avoid legal disputes with a New Zealand band that had trademarked “The Cavemen.” This attention to detail and foresight came from Kingsley’s legal background.

The idea for the band name struck Kingsley during his time at Law School in Kano. As he grappled with the rigorous academic demands of the legal profession, he found comfort and creative escape in the concept of musical minimalism and tradition—thus, “The Cavemen.” was born as a philosophy before it became a brand.

While both brothers contribute significantly to the duo, Kingsley is the group’s principal bassist, producer, co-writer, and arranger. His intricate yet groovy basslines form the heartbeat of their sound, weaving seamlessly with Benjamin’s rich percussion and rhythms. Their music, often sung in Igbo, pays homage to their southeastern heritage, celebrating indigenous identity, language, and history.

Style and Influence

The Cavemen.’s sound is an innovative revival of highlife music, incorporating contemporary elements while staying faithful to the genre’s roots. Kingsley’s basslines are melodic, soulful, and often dance-inducing—bridging generations by making highlife resonate with both old and young listeners.

The duo’s debut album, “Roots” (2020), was a critical and commercial success. It introduced a new generation to highlife and was widely praised for its production quality, cultural relevance, and spiritual depth. Their follow-up album, “Love and Highlife” (2021), further solidified their position in Africa’s modern music renaissance.

The Cavemen. have performed at major festivals, concerts, and cultural events across Nigeria and the diaspora, earning collaborations with other Nigerian acts such as Made Kuti, Asa, BOJ, and Davido, while maintaining their independent and heritage-driven ethos.

Major Breakthrough

The artistic journey of Kingsley Okorie and his brother Benjamin James Okorie, under the moniker The Cavemen., experienced a major breakthrough with the release of their debut single “Osondu”, which served as a compelling introduction to their refreshing revival of highlife music. However, it was their debut studio album, ROOTS, released in August 2020, that firmly established them as one of the most exciting and authentic voices in Nigerian music.

Recorded and self-produced in the intimate setting of their living room, ROOTS was co-executive produced by Lady Donli, who also played a key role in championing the band’s grassroots rise. The album was released under Freeme Music, a Nigerian independent music company, and featured a rich, nostalgic sound that paid homage to classic highlife legends while embracing the sensibilities of modern alternative music.

ROOTS was met with widespread critical acclaim for its warmth, authenticity, and live instrumentation—a rare feat in a digital-dominated music era. In recognition of its impact, the album won “Best Alternative Album” at The Headies 2020, Nigeria’s most prestigious music awards. It was a monumental moment that marked highlife’s resurgence and cemented Kingsley’s status as a cultural curator and sonic innovator.

In October 2021, The Cavemen. followed up with their sophomore album, Love and Highlife, an expansive and matured body of work that further explored themes of love, ancestry, and identity. The album featured collaborations with celebrated musicians such as Cobhams Asuquo, Etuk Ubong, and Made Kuti, each of whom brought new textures to the duo’s ever-evolving sound.

Their meteoric rise was further amplified in 2023, when they were featured on Davido’s global album Timeless, specifically on the track “Na Money” alongside the legendary Angélique Kidjo. This collaboration introduced The Cavemen. to a global audience and validated their status as key contributors to the pan-African music movement.

Artistry and Creative Direction

At the core of The Cavemen.’s sound is Kingsley Okorie’s minimalistic yet emotionally rich bass playing, which drives the rhythm and feel of their music. His technique combines the groove and spirit of traditional highlife with the clarity and emotion of jazz, soul, and funk. Every bassline he crafts is both grounding and narrative—anchoring songs with melody while allowing space for Benjamin’s complex rhythms to shine.

But Kingsley’s genius extends far beyond performance. As a producer, arranger, and creative director, he is involved in every aspect of the band’s output. He personally oversees recording sessions, mixing and mastering, ensuring that each song retains its organic, analogue warmth.

Visually and conceptually, Kingsley shapes the artistic identity of The Cavemen., from stagecraft and wardrobe to album covers and promotional photography. His goal is to maintain a deep connection to African traditions, Igbo aesthetics, and ancestral storytelling, while making the work appealing to modern and global audiences. The Cavemen.’s live shows are both immersive and educational, often accompanied by traditional drumming, proverbs, and call-and-response segments that blur the line between concert and cultural ritual.

Discography

Studio Albums (with The Cavemen.)

• ROOTS (2020)
• Love and Highlife (2021)

Live Projects & Performances

• NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert – 2021
• Art X Live! – Lagos
• Felabration – Multiple Editions
• Gidi Fest – Lagos
• Lagos Jazz Series
• Palmwine Music Festival
• The Cavemen. Live Tour – Nigeria, Ghana, United Kingdom

Kingsley’s commanding presence on stage and the band’s commitment to live instrumentation have earned The Cavemen. a devoted following, particularly among audiences seeking a more authentic and immersive musical experience.

Legacy and Influence

Through dedication to live performance, indigenous language (primarily Igbo), and cultural authenticity, Kingsley Okorie has become a torchbearer for the revival of African highlife. His work has helped inspire a new generation of artists to embrace traditional sounds, tell local stories, and reject homogenization in African music.

In an industry saturated with Afrobeats and electronic production, Kingsley’s focus on organic soundscapes, storytelling, and sonic heritage has carved out a unique and important space for The Cavemen. He embodies the fusion of old-school wisdom and new-school consciousness, making him one of the most respected cultural figures in Nigeria’s modern music scene.

Awards and Recognition

• 🏆 The Headies Awards – Best Alternative Album (ROOTS, 2020)
• 🏆 The Beatz Awards – Best Live Band/Group Performance (2021)
• 🎖️ AFRIMMA – Nomination for Best African Group (2021)
• 🎖️ The Future Awards Africa – Nominee, Music Category (2022)
• 🏅 Top Naija Music Awards – Artiste of the Year (Highlife, 2021)
• 🌍 Apple Music – “Up Next” Artist Feature (2021)
• 🔥 Audiomack – Trending Artist Spotlight (2021)
• 🌐 NPR, BBC Africa, OkayAfrica – International Features and Recognition (2020–2022)

Notable Collaborations & Features

Over the years, Kingsley Okorie has become one of the most sought-after instrumentalists and collaborators in Nigeria’s contemporary music space. His signature highlife-infused basslines, attention to sonic texture, and deep respect for African musical heritage have made him a go-to contributor for artists blending genres across Afrobeats, soul, jazz, and alternative music. Below is an expanded look at some of his most impactful collaborations and notable musical features:

1. Davido – “Na Money” (feat. The Cavemen. & Angélique Kidjo)

• Album: Timeless (2023)

This standout track from Davido’s critically acclaimed album Timeless brought together three musical generations and traditions—Afrobeats royalty Davido, Grammy-winning Beninese icon Angélique Kidjo, and The Cavemen., representing Nigeria’s highlife revival.
Kingsley’s basswork on this track bridges Afrobeat and highlife, grounding the composition in traditional Igbo rhythms while still embracing a polished, modern production style. The collaboration helped introduce highlife to a broader global audience, marking a pivotal moment in Kingsley’s career.

2. Lady Donli – “Suffer Suffer”

• Album: Enjoy Your Life (2019)

Before The Cavemen. formally emerged as a group, Kingsley and his brother Benjamin played a foundational musical role in Lady Donli’s breakout album, Enjoy Your Life.
On the track “Suffer Suffer”, Kingsley’s bass lines carry the groove that would later define the Alté highlife movement. His work on this album was not only instrumental in shaping its unique sound but also led to Lady Donli co-executive producing The Cavemen.’s debut album, ROOTS.

3. Made Kuti – “Bolo Bolo”

• Year: 2021

In this collaboration with Made Kuti—grandson of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti—Kingsley contributes his distinctive highlife foundation to a track that merges Afrobeat, jazz, and traditional rhythms.
Kingsley’s bass provides a subtle, melodic backbone, reinforcing the song’s call for unity and cultural identity. The synergy between Kingsley’s highlife experience and Made’s Afrobeat lineage made “Bolo Bolo” a compelling generational dialogue through music.

4. Cobhams Asuquo – “Dance With Me”

• Year: 2021

In collaboration with the legendary producer and vocalist Cobhams Asuquo, Kingsley contributed emotionally resonant bass work to this romantic single.
The track, while rooted in contemporary Nigerian soul, features highlife flourishes that reflect Kingsley’s influence. His bass adds warmth and subtle rhythm, complementing Cobhams’ vocals and arrangements with an understated elegance.

5. Asa – Live Jam Sessions (Unofficial/Studio Work)

Kingsley has had multiple studio and informal jam sessions with the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Asa. While these sessions haven’t all led to official releases, they reflect Kingsley’s respected reputation as a live instrumentalist.
His contributions during these sessions often explore unplugged, soul-infused versions of Asa’s work, layering highlife-inspired bass with folk and alternative influences. These interactions underline his value not only as a performer but also as a musical interpreter.

6. Show Dem Camp – Palmwine Music Festival & Studio Sessions

The Cavemen. have become regular collaborators with Show Dem Camp (SDC), the influential rap duo behind the Palmwine Music Festival. Kingsley’s bass work has been central to live performances and studio sessions, where traditional highlife has been fused with hip-hop, Afro-fusion, and spoken word.
Their joint sets have helped bridge generational musical gaps, offering urban audiences a reintroduction to Nigeria’s indigenous music in a modern context.

7. Tems – Acoustic Session Support (Live Performances)

Though rarely credited on recordings, Kingsley has supported Tems in live acoustic sessions, lending his bass guitar expertise to minimalist R&B sets. His presence adds organic depth to Tems’ stripped-back performances, enhancing the emotional resonance of her voice and lyrics.
These collaborations further demonstrate his adaptability across genres—from traditional to contemporary soul and indie-pop spaces.

8. WurlD – Experimental Studio Collaborations (Unreleased)

Kingsley has also worked behind the scenes with genre-bending artist WurlD on a number of experimental studio projects that blend electronic music, soul, and African rhythms.
While many of these tracks remain unreleased, Kingsley’s involvement highlights his openness to sonic exploration and fusion, reinforcing his role as a forward-thinking bassist unafraid to challenge genre boundaries.

Kingsley Okorie’s collaborative portfolio reflects his unique ability to blend ancestral musical traditions with contemporary soundscapes, supporting a wide range of artists while staying true to his roots. Whether through mainstream hits or underground experimental sessions, he remains a cultural bridge-builder, continuously expanding the reach of highlife across borders and generations.

Estimated Net Worth

As of 2025, Kingsley Okorie, renowned bassist and co-founder of the celebrated Nigerian highlife band The Cavemen., is estimated to have a net worth ranging between $150,000 and $800,000. This valuation reflects a combination of income streams, including album sales, digital streaming revenue, live concert performances, music production credits, and high-profile collaborations with local and international artists. His involvement in multiple successful projects and the duo’s increasing global recognition have contributed to steady financial growth, positioning Kingsley as a rising figure in the African alternative music scene.

References

1. Afrokonnect. (2025). The Cavemen biography and net worth in 2025: Formation, rise to fame & financial profile. Afrokonnect
2. ArvidWeb. (2025). The Cavemen biography: Age, net worth, wiki, real name, family & journey. ArvidWeb
3. GistFlare. (2025). The Cavemen biography: Age, wife, origin, songs & net worth. GistFlare
4. NewsWireNGR. (2023, January 31). The Cavemen: Biography, education, career, marriage, net worth, achievements, and controversy. NewsWireNGR
5. People AI. (2025). The Cavemen (band) net worth & financial profile. People AI
6. TheCityCeleb. (2025). The Cavemen biography: Age, Instagram, songs, ROOTS album & net worth. TheCityCeleb
7. 360Dopes. (2025). The Cavemen biography: Early life, musical journey & net worth. 360Dopes
8. Wikipedia. (2025). The Cavemen (band). In Wikipedia. Wikipedia

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