By Christian Nwokocha
August 9 (Newshour.com.ng) – In few weeks time, an International acclaimed Highlife musician Ezeribe Bishop Onwukwe from Nigeria, precisely in Umuori, Umuoda, Amuzu Nweafor in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State would celebrate his over 22 years nonstop in the music profession.
This revelation was made to Journalists in Owerri soon after he came back from United Kingdom where he had gone on three months music tour, which was cheered by his numerous fans in the area.
He added that during the music tour, his fans used the opportunity to inform him of preparations to celebrate his achievements in the music industry since 22 years ago.
During his music tour, he performed both highlife and traditional music (Abigbo Mbaise), during which he revealed himself to the people particularly on when he made his first recorded album in 2001.
Ezeribe Bishop said, “I have two musical bands known as Abigbo Mbaise Wuotu Cultural Dance & Bishop and His Foresight Band of Nigeria”.
On how he started, Ezeribe said, “My gift for music started in my primary school days (primary 4). I played in minor occasions and on the streets as well. I had my first album in 2001 which was a high life album called Ahia Rod and another part was called Ahia Rod part 2 with the title Ejealo Umu Africa with NDSS and Company Limited in 2005.
For him Ezeribe, it was a season of numerous awards in recognition of his ingenuity and artistic achievements in the music industry.
“I won the award for the best male traditional artist in Imo State and best high life artist in 2007 also in Imo state. I have a total of 23 awards.
“Several albums on traditional music titled: IGBE CHUKWU GA EBIDO NA NZUKO – Abigbo still under NDSS and Company limited and the second is “UGWO NDI OCHA
KPORO AFRICA” – Abigbo under patro limited”.
Ezeribe Bishop stated that he promoted Igbo culture, morals and traditions. Despite music he disclosed that he tried his hands in other meaningful activities including farming.
“I am married and have seven children all in Nigeria. Apart from music i am a farmer and I plant oji(kola nut), I promote Igbo culture, morals and traditions. This accounted for why PMAN as an organsition conferred on me the EZE JI(King of Jam) title in the South Eastern part of Nigeria”.
