Alhaji Waziri Oshomah is a celebrated Nigerian musician. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of a distinct fusion of Highlife and Islamic music. An Edo state native, specifically the Etsako region, Alhaji Waziri  is a pivotal figure in the evolution and modernization of traditional Edo and Etsako music styles. His sound was a unique fusion of local Etsako traditional rhythms with elements of highlife, Afrobeat, and Islamic influences. His lyrics often incorporated Quranic recitations as Alhaji Waziri was proudly muslim and reflected his Islamic faith alongside lively highlife grooves and traditional drumming. He often explored themes that focus on moral teachings, reverence for God, communal unity, and social values, making his music both spiritually uplifting and celebratory. His sound was a potpourri of indigenous instruments and modern ones, creating a fusion of tradition and contemporary sound. Instruments often used include talking drums, congas, local percussion, guitars, and keyboards, alongside traditional Etsako instruments such as the agogo (bells) and udu (clay pot drums). Alhaji Waziri Oshomah’s music reflected the cultural heritage of the indigenous Etsako people. By incorporating the values and traditions of his community into his music, he became a cultural ambassador for Edo State and Nigeria. Regardless of his local origin, his music enjoyed widespread acclaim and global recognition. He has been featured in international compilations of African highlife and spiritual music. Many of his albums, originally released in the 1970s and 1980s, are now regarded as hall of fame Nigerian albums. His well-known records include “Ikwekiame Nedumhe”, “Eyemaya Erayemare”, and “Omhona – Omhona,” all records that resonated deeply with both local and international listeners. In 2024, the Edo state native Shallipopi sampled Alhaji Waziri’s “Ikwekiame Nedumhe” on his hit record “Asap”. This is a testament to the fact that his music continues to influence contemporary Nigerian musicians and continues to serve as a reference point for musicians to come. His sound was a unique fusion of local Etsako traditional rhythms with elements of highlife, Afrobeat, and Islamic influences. His lyrics often incorporated Quranic recitations as Alhaji Waziri was proudly muslim and reflected his Islamic faith alongside lively highlife grooves and traditional drumming. He often explored themes that focus on moral teachings, reverence for God, communal unity, and social values, making his music both spiritually uplifting and celebratory. His sound was a potpourri of indigenous instruments and modern ones, creating a fusion of tradition and contemporary sound. Instruments often used include talking drums, congas, local percussion, guitars, and keyboards, alongside traditional Etsako instruments such as the agogo (bells) and udu (clay pot drums). Alhaji Waziri Oshomah’s music reflected the cultural heritage of the indigenous Etsako people. By incorporating the values and traditions of his community into his music, he became a cultural ambassador for Edo State and Nigeria. Regardless of his local origin, his music enjoyed widespread acclaim and global recognition. He has been featured in international compilations of African highlife and spiritual music. Many of his albums, originally released in the 1970s and 1980s, are now regarded as hall of fame Nigerian albums. His well-known records include “Ikwekiame Nedumhe”, “Eyemaya Erayemare”, and “Omhona – Omhona,” all records that resonated deeply with both local and international listeners. In 2024, the Edo state native Shallipopi sampled Alhaji Waziri’s “Ikwekiame Nedumhe” on his hit record “Asap”. This is a testament to the fact that his music continues to influence contemporary Nigerian musicians and continues to serve as a reference point for musicians to come. Dr. Orlando Owoh Dr. Orlando Owoh is a legendary Nigerian highlife musician and guitarist. He was born Stephen Oladipupo Olaore Owomoyela in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. It is widely accepted that he is one of the most influential figures in the history of Yoruba highlife music. His band the African Kenneries International were pivotal to his incredible success and became synonymous with his unique style, a fine blend of highlife, Afrobeat, and traditional Yoruba rhythms. Dr. Orlando Owoh’s music is defined by a unique, soulful highlife sound deeply rooted in Yoruba culture. His music combined elements of traditional Yoruba music with highlife. Dr Orlando’s voice was emotive and highly recognizable and carried his messages with emotional depth and authenticity. His lyrics were often stories, advice, and social commentaries. Throughout his career, Orlando Owoh released more than 40 albums and scored multiple chart topping records like “Awa Kaba,” “Logba Logba,” “Yoruba Ronu,” and “Omo Pupa.” He was a cultural ambassador for Yoruba highlife music and played a crucial role in the preservation of indigenous music styles, earning an honorary doctorate degree for his contributions to music and culture. Dr. Orlando Owoh’s music has continued to enjoy transgeneration acceptance. His music remains a must play at Yoruba celebrations where his melodies provokes positive reaction and elicits joy. His legacy continues to live through his loaded discography as well as the innumerous musicians who have been inspired by him.