Roland Onageise and His Amunataba Dance Band of Benin
Roland Onageise And His Amunataba Dance Band Of Benin
Roland Onageise is a notable Nigerian musician from Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria who captivated audiences with his distinctive blend of highlife music for decades. Also known as Rowland Onaghise, he established himself as a significant figure in the vibrant musical landscape of Benin City through his masterful bandleading.
Onageise rose to prominence as the leader of the Amunataba Dance Band of Benin, where he made substantial contributions to the region’s thriving highlife scene. His musical approach skillfully merged traditional Edo cultural elements with the contemporary highlife rhythms that were sweeping across West Africa.
In 1978, Onageise released his self-titled album “Roland Onageise And His Amunataba Dance Band Of Benin.” This landmark recording exemplified the band’s unique sonic identity, showcasing their innovative fusion of indigenous Edo musical traditions with modern highlife sensibilities.
His album “Akenzua” featured standout tracks such as “Akenza,” “Eronmwon,” “Atalakpa,” and “Evbarunegbe,” each demonstrating the band’s exceptional ability to weave traditional Edo musical patterns with infectious highlife grooves. These compositions highlighted Onageise’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while embracing contemporary musical developments.
Another significant release, “Endurance and Our Father,” stands as a vintage highlife masterpiece that evokes nostalgic memories of Benin’s rich musical traditions. This album cemented Onageise’s reputation as a custodian of authentic highlife sounds while continuing to innovate within the genre.
Throughout his career, Roland Onageise and the Amunataba Dance Band crafted songs that resonated deeply with audiences across Nigeria, particularly in the Edo-speaking regions where their cultural references and musical motifs struck a powerful chord with listeners. His contributions to Nigerian music established him as an essential voice in the development and preservation of highlife music from Benin City

Artist:
Roland Onageise And His Amunataba Dance Band Of Benin
Original Release Year:
1,01,1978
Genre(s):
Highlife
Subgenre(s):
World
Release Country:
Nigeria
Artist Country:
Nigeria
Language(s):
Edo
Producer(s):
Roland Onageise
Composer(s):
Roland Onageise
Publisher(s):
Unearthed African Music Ltd
track listings
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Enoyogiere
7:29
Please note that preview tracks are limited to 30 seconds. To listen to the album in full, click here
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Evenige Atevie
5:43
Please note that preview tracks are limited to 30 seconds. To listen to the album in full, click here
-
Asimo-Ya
4:31
Please note that preview tracks are limited to 30 seconds. To listen to the album in full, click here
-
Ikhianyadagbon
6:58
Please note that preview tracks are limited to 30 seconds. To listen to the album in full, click here
-
Ohoghe-Ghina
7:03
Please note that preview tracks are limited to 30 seconds. To listen to the album in full, click here
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