Stakeholders in South East and South South regions of Nigeria who met in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have expressed delight over the outcome of the recently concluded Highlife Legendary Concert and Awards organised by World Icon Enter10ment.
The stakeholders, who cut across music and entertainment industries, entrepreneurs, religious and political divides, security chiefs and top dignitaries in the society, commended organisers of the event which they described as historic and awesome.
The event, endorsed by the Chairman of Cubana Group of Companies, Dr Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, also had top Nigerian musician, Chief Emeka Okonkwo also known as E-money, throwing his weight to it.
Twelve highlife music legends, both living and dead were honoured and celebrated during the maiden edition of the event held at the EUI event centre, Port Harcourt.
Highlife music legends; Jack West Omeodu, Chief Steven Osita Osadebe, Cardinal Rex Lawson, Victor Uwaifo, Gentle Mike Ejiagha and Celestine Ukwu (of blessed memories), were honoured with posthumous highlife legendary awards, while Chief Bright Chimezie, Elder Fubara Orutugu, Madam Theresa Onuora, Chief Barrister S. Smooth, Chief Paulson Kalu were physically present at the event and were honoured and celebrated.
The event, was attended by highlife music icons, enthusiasts of the genre across the country, including Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, legendary nollywood actress, Hilda Dokubo, Governor of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, in Rivers State, Moses Mabadeje, Wife of the Convener, Lady Nwagbo Catherine Ugonma, and Barr. C. C. Udedibor, Co-founder of World Icon Enter10ment, among others.
Top comedians, highlife music artistes and entertainers such as KO Baba, Akpan Okon, Induz, Wizard Chan, Umu Obiligbo, Chido Obidiegwu, Ojete (the Drunk), SoulPlusMusic Band, Big6 Band, Kings Band and Dream Band, including the convener, Ambassador Dr. Nwagbo Eberechukwu Barnabas among others all thrilled the mammoth crowd through their performances.
Speaking, the Founder/President of the World Icon Enter10ment, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Belburge International Limited (Customs Bonded Terminal/Warehouse), Amb. Dr. Nwagbo Eberechukwu Barnabas, said he was inspired to put up the programme due to his passion and love for highlife music especially those that improved and promote the nation’s cultural heritage.
Amb. Barnabas who is also the CEO of Roseluxe Hotel Limited, and Irish Homes Limited (a real estate firm), said “The South East and South South Highlife legendary Concert and Awards was aimed to honour and celebrate legends in the industry. These legends, after making us proud, most of them are not actually living wonderful lives so, we decided to bring them to the limelight, support them and also celebrate them.”
“I must say that I feel fulfilled after the event. Because am a lover of music. I grew up as a young man playing highlife music, I have done rehearsals with Late Gentle Mike Ejiagha about 20 years ago in Enugu State so, the passion has been there.
“We love every genre — hip-hop, Afrobeat, they all have their place. But there’s something about highlife that speaks differently. It carries maturity, soothes the soul, brings nostalgia, and reminds us of the joy we saw in our parents as they danced, laughed, and celebrated when we were younger.
“At the event, we sang along, we laughed, we felt the culture and we went home refreshed and happy.”
Dr. Banny, as he is fondly called used the medium to call on both the Federal and State governments to partner with the World Icon Enter10ment platform in encouraging highlife music legends, also urging them to invest in the music industry.
“I am appealing to the government to partner with us to ensure this brand is upheld because its for humanity. The programme is about remembering and celebrating our legends. This is the maiden edition, and we intend to make it an annual event, and we believe that by next year, government will fully be involved.
“So, we are calling on the government to come and support the World Icon Enter10ment in improving the lives of our music legends, and encourage those who want to join highlife music.”
He however, advised current and upcoming musicians not to forget their cultural heritage, rather they should promote it, encouraging them to do more of highlife music.
He also thanked his wife, Mrs. Nwagbo Catherine Ugonma, for all her support saying, “She brought the shine and the whole support, thank you.”
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju who spoke while present an award to the family of Late highlife music legend, Chief Steven Osita Osadebe, said he was overwhelmed with the event and commended the organisers for finding it worthy to celebrate and honour the Icons both living and dead.
CP Adepoju expressed satisfaction with the performances of the artistes at the historic event, especially from the living legends.
Our Correspondent reports that the award recipients, Chief Bright Chimezie, popularly known as King of Zigima and the Duke of Africa, Elder Fubara Orutugu, Chief Paulson Kalu and Madam Theresa Onuora, including the families of the departed legends, in their separate speeches thanked the organisers led by Amb. Barnabas for honouring and celebrating them.
Bright Chimezie said, “I had to cancel every other engagements I have to make sure I am here today to receive this award in person since I am still alive. It is unprecedented that legends are being honoured and celebrated this way in Nigeria, and this is coming from young set of people.
“This award means the world world to me, and I believe its same to my colleagues. Because you remembered and honoured me and other highlife music legends, God and men shall remember, honour and celebrate you.”
High points of the event was the marking of a special birthday celebration of the convener of the event and founder/President of the World ICON Enter10ment, as well as the special performances by the legendary awardees; Chief Bright Chimezie, Elder Fubara Orutugu, Madam Theresa Onuora, Chief Paulson Kalu among others.
