I just learned this evening that highlife musician Obiajulu Emmanuel Osadebe has died.This development is made doubly saddening by the fact that it occurs less than two years after the passing of Obiajulu's father, the legendary Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, and Obiajulu had taken it upon himself to keep the Osadebe legacy alive.
Highlife maestro Osadebe’s son dies
From Adimike George, Onitsha
The first son of the late highlife music maestro, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, Obiajulu, is dead.
According to a family source, Obiajulu, 43, died on Tuesday at Niger City Hospital, Onitsha, Anambra State, after a brief illness.
The body has been deposited at the Ozubulu Central Mortuary in Ekwusigo Council area of Anambra State.
Although the cause of his death could not be ascertained as at press time, there were speculations that he died of heart failure.
He had been bed-ridden for over five months at his Atani country home, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Obiajulu, who came back to the country after the burial of his father on February 8, last year, stepped into his father’s shoes, remixing some of his hit songs.
He also performed at some popular joints within and outside Onitsha.
Until his death, Obiajulu was married to Olayinka.
They have a daughter.
Besides, he is survived by an aged mother, brothers and sisters.
Unfortunately, I don't have any Obiajulu music on hand, so I'll put up some Osita Osadebe tracks instead. I would have liked to post the 1977 cut "Obiajulu" (which translates as "My Heart Has Found Rest") but I can't find the record right now.
Instead, let's enjoy 1988's "Ana Masi Ife Uwa" ("I am telling the story of my life") in which Osadebe Sr. declares that music his gift from God, his destiny and the journey of his life--as it also was for Obiajulu, who earned a Masters degree in Banking and Finance but elected instead to follow his father on the musical journey.
Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe & His Nigerian Soundmakers International - "Ana Masi Ife Uwa"
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
6 comments:
I didn't really know him well like his father.may his soul rest in peace.What a loss.
what a sad loss - our music legends are just passing away... I can only hope we keep preserving their music legacies... I pray God grants his soul eternal rest.
Thank you comb and razor for highlighting this sad news. It is unfortunate that Obiajulu didn't quite live to achieve the aim of matching the the genius of his legendary father, Chief Osadebe. His music was quite edgy and unrefined in comparison with his dad's but I guess that is a tough act to follow!
Found 6 out of his 8-track release of 1998 titled "Ifugo America" at likembe's: http://www.likembe.net/Sounds/?C=M;O=D
Very interesting stuff but not very good musically.
You can find the elder Osadebe's song on the Highlife Haven blog, http://highlifehaven.blogspot.com/2008/10/king-of-hypertension.html
i have that record obiajulu
Your translation for "Ana masi ife uwa is wrong. it means You dont know everything in this world. and such sad news
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