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{{Short description|Igbo highlife musician (1947–2008)}}
{{Short description|Igbo highlife musician (1947–2008)}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2014}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Oliver De Coque
| name = Oliver De Coque
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<!--[[File:Oliver-de-coque.png|center]]-->
'''Oliver Sunday Akanite''' (14 April 1947 – 20 June 2008), better known by the stage name '''Oliver De Coque''', was a [[Nigeria|Nigerian]] guitarist and one of Africa's most prolific recording artists.
'''Oliver Sunday Akanite''' (14 April 1947 – 20 June 2008), better known by the stage name '''Oliver De Coque''', was a Nigerian guitarist and one of Africa's most prolific recording artists.

Oliver's iconic stage name, '<nowiki/>'''Oliver De Coque',''' originated from his early days playing [[Ekpili]] music in 1976. His band was initially called ''''Oliver de coque and co-singers' ,'''and people affectionally referred to him as'<nowiki/>'''Oliver De Ka Okwe'<nowiki/>''' due to his love for playing '''okwe(Draft).''' <ref name="sons" />Overtime, he adapted this nickname to create the household name ''''Oliver De Coque'.'''<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=Oliver De Coque: Four tins you fit no know about di Nigerian Guitarist |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-56715627 |access-date=2024-10-08 |work=BBC News Pidgin}}</ref>


== Early life and career ==
== Early life and career ==
De Coque was born in Ezinifite, [[Anambra State]], Nigeria, in 1947, to an [[Igbo people|Igbo]] family. He started playing music at the age of 11 and was taught to play the guitar by a Congolese guitarist living in Nigeria. De Coque was an apprentice of [[juju]] musicians Sunny Agaga and Jacob Oluwale and became locally well known by the time he was a teenager.
De Coque was born in [[Ezinifite]], [[Anambra State]], Nigeria, in 1947, to an [[Igbo people|Igbo]] family. He started playing music at the age of 17 with the [[Ekpili]] music and was taught to play the guitar by a Congolese guitarist ''''Piccolo'''<nowiki/>' living in Nigeria. De Coque was an apprentice of [[juju]] musicians Sunny Agaga and Jacob Oluwale and became locally well known by the time he was a teenager.

De Coque received international attention after performing in London in 1973,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |date=2017-09-18 |title=How Oliver De Coque most kept secret took him to early grave |url=https://nationaldailyng.com/how-oliver-de-coque-most-kept-secret-took-him-to-early-grave/ |access-date=2022-03-06 |website=National Daily Newspaper |language=en-US}}</ref> and his guitar work was featured in [[Prince Nico Mbarga]]'s 1977 album ''Sweet Mother''.


In a landmark ceremony,the then [[Alaafin of Oyo]], [[Lamidi Adeyemi III]], crowned him 'The King of Highlife' of Africa in 1994,for his consistency in his craft.<ref name=":1" />
De Coque received international attention after performing in London in 1973, and his guitar work was featured in Price Nico Mbarga's 1977 album ''Sweet Mother''.


His debut album, ''Messiah Messiah'', was released in 1977. In total, De Coque recorded 93 albums. Many of his songs were noted to be in the ogene genre, blending modern music with traditional Igbo harmonies. Singles included "People's Club of Nigeria", "Nempi Social Club", "Biri Ka Mbiri", "One Enwe", "Nnukwu Mmanwu" and "Identity", the latter of which spent several weeks on Radio Nigeria 2's Top Ten in 1981.
His debut album, ''Messiah Messiah'', was released in 1977. In total, De Coque recorded 93 albums. Many of his songs were noted to be in the ogene genre, blending modern music with traditional Igbo harmonies. Singles included "People's Club of Nigeria", "Nempi Social Club", "Biri Ka Mbiri", "Ana Enwe Obodo enwe", "Nnukwu Mmanwu" and "Identity", the latter of which spent several weeks on Radio Nigeria 2's Top Ten in 1981.


In addition to his solo work, De Coque frequently played with the Igede International Band, led by his brother Eugene.
In addition to his solo work, De Coque frequently played with the Igede International Band, led by his brother Eugene.


== Personal life and death ==
== Personal life and death ==
De Coque had at least four sons, including Solar De Coque, Safin De Coque (Darlington Akanite), Edu De Coque (Chinedu Akanite), and Ikenna Akanite.<ref name="sons" />
De Coque had 12 children and at least four sons, including Solar De Coque, Safin De Coque (Darlington Akanite), Edu De Coque (Chinedu Akanite), and Ikenna Akanite.<ref name="sons" />


De Coque was awarded an honorary decree in music from the [[University of New Orleans]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|title=Why Oliver De Coque dey for Google doodle?|work=BBC News Pidgin|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-56715627|access-date=2021-04-14}}</ref>
De Coque was awarded an honorary degree in music from the [[University of New Orleans]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|title=Why Oliver De Coque dey for Google doodle?|work=BBC News Pidgin|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-56715627|access-date=2021-04-14}}</ref>


De Coque died on 20 June 2008 following a sudden cardiac arrest.<ref name="sons">{{cite news|url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/being-oliver-the-coques-son-has-been-demanding-yet-rewarding/|title=Being Oliver the Coque’s son has been demanding, yet rewarding|work=[[The Sun (Nigeria)|The Sun]]|first=Henry|last=Okonkwo|date=5 November 2016|access-date=16 December 2019}}</ref> His son subsequently noted that De Coque had prioritised performing 2008 but had planned to seek medical advice the month after his death.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nationaldailyng.com/%ef%bf%bchow-oliver-de-coque-most-kept-secret-took-him-to-early-grave/|title=How Oliver De Coque most kept secret took him to early grave &#124; National Daily Newspaper}}</ref>
De Coque died on 20 June 2008 following a sudden cardiac arrest.<ref name="sons">{{cite news|url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/being-oliver-the-coques-son-has-been-demanding-yet-rewarding/|title=Being Oliver the Coque's son has been demanding, yet rewarding|work=[[The Sun (Nigeria)|The Sun]]|first=Henry|last=Okonkwo|date=5 November 2016|access-date=16 December 2019}}</ref> His son subsequently noted that De Coque had prioritised performing 2008 but had planned to seek medical advice the month after his death.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nationaldailyng.com/%ef%bf%bchow-oliver-de-coque-most-kept-secret-took-him-to-early-grave/|title=How Oliver De Coque most kept secret took him to early grave &#124; National Daily Newspaper}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
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==Partial discography==
==Partial discography==
*''Messiah Messiah'' (1977)
*''Messiah Messiah'' (1977)
*Odiri(2002)
*Biri ka m biri
*People's Club
*Chukwu Kelu Uwa Cho Ya Nma
*Father Father
*Oppurtunity(1982)
*Nwanne Di Na Mba
*All Fingers Are Not Equal
*Onye China Azo
*Ka Anyi Bilibe Ndu
*Messiah Messiah
*Uwa Cholu Obi Umeana<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-06 |title=Oliver de coque Songs, Albums & MP3 Download 2024 |url=https://highlifeng.com/tag/oliver-de-coque/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=HighlifeNg |language=en-US}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Nigerian record producers]]
[[Category:Nigerian record producers]]
[[Category:Igbo highlife musicians]]
[[Category:Igbo highlife musicians]]
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[[Category:20th-century Nigerian male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Nigerian singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Nigerian singers]]
[[Category:20th-century guitarists]]
[[Category:20th-century guitarists]]
⚫
[[Category:20th-century male singers]]
⚫
[[Category:Nigerian people]]


{{Nigeria-singer-stub}}
{{Nigeria-singer-stub}}
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[[Category:Igbo guitarists]]

Latest revision as of 13:33, 8 October 2024

Oliver De Coque
Birth nameOliver Sunday Akanite
Born(1947-04-14)April 14, 1947
OriginEzinifite, Nnewi South, Anambra State,
DiedJune 20, 2008(2008-06-20) (aged 61)
GenresIgbo highlife
Occupation(s)Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Lead Guitarist
Years active1965–2008
LabelsOlumo Records Nigeria Limited

Oliver Sunday Akanite (14 April 1947 – 20 June 2008), better known by the stage name Oliver De Coque, was a Nigerian guitarist and one of Africa's most prolific recording artists.

Oliver's iconic stage name, 'Oliver De Coque', originated from his early days playing Ekpili music in 1976. His band was initially called 'Oliver de coque and co-singers' ,and people affectionally referred to him as'Oliver De Ka Okwe' due to his love for playing okwe(Draft). [1]Overtime, he adapted this nickname to create the household name 'Oliver De Coque'.[2]

Early life and career

[edit]

De Coque was born in Ezinifite, Anambra State, Nigeria, in 1947, to an Igbo family. He started playing music at the age of 17 with the Ekpili music and was taught to play the guitar by a Congolese guitarist 'Piccolo' living in Nigeria. De Coque was an apprentice of juju musicians Sunny Agaga and Jacob Oluwale and became locally well known by the time he was a teenager.

De Coque received international attention after performing in London in 1973,[3] and his guitar work was featured in Prince Nico Mbarga's 1977 album Sweet Mother.

In a landmark ceremony,the then Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III, crowned him 'The King of Highlife' of Africa in 1994,for his consistency in his craft.[2]

His debut album, Messiah Messiah, was released in 1977. In total, De Coque recorded 93 albums. Many of his songs were noted to be in the ogene genre, blending modern music with traditional Igbo harmonies. Singles included "People's Club of Nigeria", "Nempi Social Club", "Biri Ka Mbiri", "Ana Enwe Obodo enwe", "Nnukwu Mmanwu" and "Identity", the latter of which spent several weeks on Radio Nigeria 2's Top Ten in 1981.

In addition to his solo work, De Coque frequently played with the Igede International Band, led by his brother Eugene.

Personal life and death

[edit]

De Coque had 12 children and at least four sons, including Solar De Coque, Safin De Coque (Darlington Akanite), Edu De Coque (Chinedu Akanite), and Ikenna Akanite.[1]

De Coque was awarded an honorary degree in music from the University of New Orleans.[4]

De Coque died on 20 June 2008 following a sudden cardiac arrest.[1] His son subsequently noted that De Coque had prioritised performing 2008 but had planned to seek medical advice the month after his death.[5]

Legacy

[edit]

On 14 April 2021, a Google Doodle showcased De Coque to mark what would have been his 74th birthday.[4]

Partial discography

[edit]
  • Messiah Messiah (1977)
  • Odiri(2002)
  • Biri ka m biri
  • People's Club
  • Chukwu Kelu Uwa Cho Ya Nma
  • Father Father
  • Oppurtunity(1982)
  • Nwanne Di Na Mba
  • All Fingers Are Not Equal
  • Onye China Azo
  • Ka Anyi Bilibe Ndu
  • Messiah Messiah
  • Uwa Cholu Obi Umeana[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Okonkwo, Henry (5 November 2016). "Being Oliver the Coque's son has been demanding, yet rewarding". The Sun. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Oliver De Coque: Four tins you fit no know about di Nigerian Guitarist". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  3. ^ Admin (2017-09-18). "How Oliver De Coque most kept secret took him to early grave". National Daily Newspaper. Retrieved 2022-03-06.
  4. ^ a b "Why Oliver De Coque dey for Google doodle?". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2021-04-14.
  5. ^ "How Oliver De Coque most kept secret took him to early grave | National Daily Newspaper".
  6. ^ "Oliver de coque Songs, Albums & MP3 Download 2024". HighlifeNg. 2024-09-06. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
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