Prince Nico Mbarga (January 1, 1950 – June 24, 1997) was a Nigerian-Cameroonian highlife musician, songwriter, and bandleader best known for his timeless hit song “Sweet Mother.” A cultural icon in Africa, his music celebrated themes of love, family, and African traditions. Born in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, to a Nigerian mother and Cameroonian father, Mbarga’s career and life were marked by immense success, controversies, and personal struggles. This detailed biography explores his life, family, scandals, achievements, and associations, offering a comprehensive view of an extraordinary figure in African music.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Prince Nico Mbarga was born on January 1, 1950, in Abakaliki, located in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. His father, Mr. Jean Mbarga, was a Cameroonian migrant, while his mother, Madam Christiana Mbarga, was a Nigerian trader from the Igbo ethnic group. Nico was the eldest of five siblings and grew up in a culturally diverse environment that influenced his music.
Education
Nico Mbarga attended St. Patrick’s Primary School in Abakaliki and later proceeded to Bishop Shanahan College, Orlu, for his secondary education. His passion for music began during his school years, where he learned to play the guitar and piano.
Career
Early Career
Nico’s professional music career began in the late 1960s when he joined the local band The Melody Orchestra as a guitarist. After the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), he moved to Onitsha and formed his own band, Rocafil Jazz.
Breakthrough with “Sweet Mother”
In 1976, Prince Nico Mbarga released “Sweet Mother,” a song that became a cultural phenomenon. The song, a tribute to mothers, sold over 13 million copies and remains one of the best-selling African songs of all time. It earned him the title “Father of Modern Highlife.”
Other Notable Songs:
- “Aki Special”
- “Free Education”
- “Christiana”
Decline in Popularity
The 1980s saw a decline in Nico’s popularity due to the rise of Afrobeat and changes in musical tastes. Despite this, he continued to perform at local events and remained a beloved figure in highlife music.
Personal Life
Marriages and Family
Prince Nico Mbarga was married to Mary Mbarga, a Nigerian Igbo woman, and they had five children. He also had children from other relationships, leading to rumors of tensions within his family.
Rumors and Gossip
In the mid-1980s, rumors circulated about Nico’s financial difficulties, fueled by reports of declining album sales. He addressed these claims in a 1987 interview, stating, “I am not wealthy, but my music has made me rich in spirit.”
Controversies
Feud with Osita Osadebe
Nico Mbarga’s career was not without controversy. He had a well-documented rivalry with highlife legend Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe. The feud allegedly stemmed from Nico’s claim that his music was more modern and appealing to younger audiences. Osadebe, in a 1982 interview with West Africa Music Journal, dismissed these claims, calling Nico’s style “too simplistic.”
Allegations of Copyright Infringement
In 1985, Nico faced allegations from the band Oriental Brothers that his song “Aki Special” copied elements of their 1978 hit “Akwete.” The case was never taken to court, but it sparked debates about originality in Nigerian music.
Political Involvement
Although Nico Mbarga was not directly involved in politics, his music often carried social and political messages. His song “Free Education” advocated for accessible education in Nigeria, earning him recognition from educational advocacy groups.
Achievements and Legacy
Awards and Recognitions
- African Music Legend Award (1980): For his contributions to African music.
- Inducted into the Nigerian Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
Influence
Prince Nico Mbarga’s music continues to inspire generations of African musicians. “Sweet Mother” remains a classic anthem celebrated on Mother’s Day across Africa.
Death
Prince Nico Mbarga tragically died on June 24, 1997, in a motorcycle accident in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. He was 47 years old. His death marked the end of an era but solidified his status as a cultural icon.
Associations with Igbo Figures
Prince Nico Mbarga collaborated with several Igbo musicians and was associated with figures such as:
- Oliver De Coque: Shared the stage during cultural festivals in the late 1970s.
- Sir Warrior: Partnered on live performances promoting highlife music.
- Chief Tony Okoroji: Worked on music distribution and promotion.
References
- Nwosu, Emeka. “The Legacy of Prince Nico Mbarga.” African Music Journal 32, no. 2 (1998): 45-60.
- Vanguard Newspaper. “Remembering Sweet Mother’s Prince.” June 26, 1997.
- Osadebe, Stephen. Highlife Chronicles: The Story of African Music. Lagos: Harmony Publishers, 1995.
- West Africa Music Journal. “The Nico Mbarga and Osadebe Rivalry.” March 1982.
- The Guardian. “Prince Nico Mbarga: A Legend Remembered.” June 24, 2017
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