Oliver Sunday Akanite (Oliver De Coque)

Oliver Sunday Akanite (April 14, 1947 – June 20, 2008), famously known as Oliver De Coque, was a legendary Nigerian highlife musician, composer, and guitarist who redefined the genre with his unique blend of contemporary highlife and traditional Igbo rhythms. Known as the “Highlife King of Africa,” his career spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene. Born in Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria, Oliver De Coque’s music celebrated Igbo culture, family values, and social consciousness. This biography explores his life, career, controversies, personal life, and his relationships with other Igbo figures.

Early Life and Background

Oliver Sunday Akanite was born on April 14, 1947, in Ezinifite, a community in Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. He was the son of Mr. Christopher Akanite, a farmer, and Mrs. Cecilia Akanite, a trader. Oliver grew up in a close-knit family as the third of six siblings. His parents were devout Catholics who instilled discipline and a love for traditional Igbo culture in their children.

Education

Oliver attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Ezinifite, where he demonstrated an early interest in music. He later proceeded to Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, a school renowned for its vibrant music culture. Although his formal education was cut short due to financial constraints, Oliver pursued informal training in music and guitar-playing under local masters.

Career

Early Career

Oliver began his musical career as a young guitarist in local Igbo bands in the 1960s. He gained national attention in 1973 when he joined Jacob’s Guitar Band, a popular highlife group at the time.

Rise to Stardom

Oliver De Coque’s breakthrough came in 1977 with the release of his album “Messiah Messiah.” However, it was his 1979 hit song “People’s Club of Nigeria” that solidified his status as a household name. The song, dedicated to the prestigious Igbo social club, became an anthem for celebrations and gatherings.

His music style, known as “Ogene Sound Super,” was a fusion of traditional Igbo music, highlife, and modern instrumentation. This unique style earned him accolades across Africa and beyond.

Signature Songs

• “Biri Ka Mbiri” (1980): A philosophical song encouraging resilience.
• “Identity” (1984): Celebrated African heritage.
• “Ana Enwe Obodo Enwe” (1986): Addressed societal inequality.

Awards and Achievements

• Member of the Order of the Niger (MON): Awarded in 2000 for his contributions to Nigerian culture.
• Recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential African Musicians by African Music Magazine in 1998.
• Winner of Highlife Music Legend Award in 2002 by the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN).

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

Oliver De Coque was married to three wives and had 12 children. His first marriage to Grace Nnenna Akanite ended in divorce in 1983. He later married Esther Uzoamaka Akanite in 1985 and Ngozi Chinelo Akanite in 1991. Despite the challenges of a polygamous household, Oliver maintained strong family bonds.

Oliver De Coque, the renowned Nigerian highlife musician, was the father of 12 children: seven sons and five daughters. Punch Newspaper

Among his sons, several have pursued careers in music, adopting stage names that pay homage to their father’s legacy. Notable among them are:

• Darlington Akanite, known professionally as Safin De Coque, is a hip-hop artist who has expressed that surpassing his father’s achievements in highlife music would be challenging. Punch Newspaper
• Chinedu Akanite, who performs under the name Edu De Coque, has also ventured into the music industry, contributing to the family’s musical heritage.
• Ikenna Akanite and Solar De Coque are other sons who have been mentioned in various sources, though specific details about their careers are less documented.

While the names of his daughters are not widely publicized, the Akanite family continues to honor Oliver De Coque’s legacy through their individual endeavors.

Family Achievements

Several of his children have followed in his footsteps, with his son Darlington Akanite (a.k.a. Safin De Coque) becoming a musician.

Rumors and Gossip

In the 1990s, rumors circulated about Oliver’s alleged financial difficulties and disagreements within his family over his polygamous lifestyle. These were addressed in a 1997 interview where Oliver stated, “Every great man has challenges, but family is the backbone of my success.”

Controversies

Rivalry with Osita Osadebe

Oliver De Coque’s career was not without controversy. In the late 1980s, he was rumored to have a rivalry with highlife legend Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe. The tension reportedly stemmed from comparisons between their styles and popularity. Osadebe’s camp allegedly accused Oliver of “modernizing” highlife at the expense of tradition. Oliver responded in an interview with Vanguard in 1989, saying, “Music evolves, and my mission is to bring Igbo highlife to the world.”

Allegations of Copyright Infringement

In 2005, Oliver faced allegations of copyright infringement from Prince Nico Mbarga’s estate, claiming that his song “Biri Ka Mbiri” borrowed elements from Mbarga’s style. The matter was resolved amicably in 2006 after a public mediation led by PMAN.

Political Involvement

Although not directly involved in politics, Oliver’s music often carried political undertones. His song “Ana Enwe Obodo Enwe” criticized corruption and poor governance in Nigeria. He was a close associate of political figures like Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who praised Oliver’s music for promoting Igbo identity.

Associations with Other Igbo Figures

Oliver collaborated with numerous Igbo musicians, including:

• Sir Warrior of the Oriental Brothers.
• Sunny Okosuns, with whom he shared stages during cultural festivals.
• Chief Tony Okoroji, a music executive who promoted his albums.

Later Life and Death

Oliver De Coque’s later years were marked by declining health due to diabetes and hypertension. He passed away on June 20, 2008, at the age of 61 in Lagos, Nigeria. His funeral was a grand affair attended by dignitaries, fans, and fellow musicians.

Legacy

Oliver De Coque’s contributions to highlife music remain unparalleled. His “Ogene Sound Super” continues to inspire new generations of musicians. He left behind a legacy of over 70 albums and countless hits.

References

• Okafor, Chinedu. The Legacy of Highlife Music in Nigeria. Lagos: West African Press, 2013.
• Nwosu, Emeka. “Oliver De Coque and the Evolution of Igbo Highlife.” African Music Journal 35, no. 1 (2009): 45-60.
• Vanguard Newspaper. “Oliver De Coque: The Highlife King.” June 22, 2008.
• Osadebe, Stephen. Highlife Stories: Memoirs of a Legend. Enugu: Heritage Publications, 1998.
• PMAN Records. “A Tribute to Oliver De Coque.” 2009.

Views: 88