Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished highlife musicians and an essential figure in the genre’s widespread popularity. Osadebe as he was fondly called was born in Atani, Anambra State. It was from these humble beginnings that he rose to become a towering figure in Igbo highlife, crafting a rich, distinct sound that resonated across Nigeria and globally. He was the frontman of the Nigeria Sound Makers International band. Alongside the band Osadebe enjoyed incredible success for his unique blend of traditional African rhythms with contemporary instrumentation to deliver music that is refreshing and timeless. A master of narrative, Osadebe’s mellifluous register was often utilized in the propagation of positive messages. In the aftermath of the Nigeria-Biafra war, Osadebe’s “Ebezina,” which translates to don’t cry anymore, was one of the songs that urged the Igbo people to move on from the war’s devastating tragedy, an advice the ethnic group took with gusto, quickly becoming some of the most successful people in Africa. Asides his powerful messages, Osadebe’s preference for slower and laid-back rhythms distinguished him from the robust sounds of other highlife musicians, making his music ideal for relaxation and gatherings.  Even at that, Osadebe’s songs retained their introspective and philosophical edge. One of his most popular records is “Osondi Owendi,” a groovy entreaty that recognizes the acceptance of life’s differences. The record was also interpolated by Flavour, a contemporary highlife great who has often expressed the influence of Osadebe. Chief Osadebe released over 30 albums, with the likes of Kedu America, Ebezina, and Adamma all becoming classics. Undoubtedly one of the greatest figures in Nigerian music history, Osadebe’s genius continues to manifest in subtle forms across the stylings of current African music.