Okwy Osadebe and Highlife Soundmakers International

Okwy Osadebe is the son of Nigeria's legendary Igbo Highlife musician Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, who was acknowledged as one of the pioneering creators of West African highlife music in the late-1950's and is widely considered to be one of the genre's most important figures.

Okwy brings a youthful energy to his father's iconic guitar and horn driven sound while adding modern embellishments.  On stage, he captivates audiences with his sensual “cool ruler” swagger, with colorful stage costumes and charm. As Chief Stephen's eldest son, Okwy is proving to be a true protégée.

His message is deliberate, intense and articulate. His live performances leave concert goers with sweltering goose bumps. He embraces what his father left behind, with his music conveying his hopes and aspirations for humanity and traditions. To watch Okwy Osadebe express and interpret his traditional highlife on stage is human.  To be moved by his soulful voice and the smooth contemporary up-tempo beat and songs delivery is beyond divine. 

Okwy’s has assembled a remarkable ensemble of Nigeria’s most accomplished ex-Pat musicians who are now based in the USA with full US citizenship.    The core of the group has decades’s of historic recording and touring experience with the likes of Nigeria’s most accomplished and renown performers including Fela’s Africa 70 and Egypt 80 ensembles, King Sunny Ade, Sonny Okosun, African Rhythm Messengers, West African Highlife Band and other historic ensembles.

Okwy is the heir-apparent to an iconic legend and is a rising star whose music is determined to sing about the dignity for all people with a benevolent voice and rhythm.