Legendary Benin Musicians You Should Know

There are just some legendary Benin musicians you should know, chikena. It is a heinous crime not to know these legends. By Benin musicians, I mean singers who hailed from Benin, not necessarily people who do “Benin music”.

Without any further ado, here’s our list of legendary Benin musicians you should know.

Victor Uwaifo

In his prime, Victor Uwaifo was a superstar that makes Burna Boy and Wizkid of today look like a joke. He was a highlife champ, who, in addition to making fantastic music, was also a sculptor and music instrument inventor. The Guitar Boy also redefined what a hit was. I mean, even to this day, Joromi and Guitar Boy (Mami Water) are still bangers.

Osayomore Joseph

Once you saw that flute and that head bead, you knew you were in for a musical treat. Osayomore Joseph made music that everyone could chant to. I mean, with fantastic albums Kaki No Be Leda and hit songs like Ororo No Dey Fade, the witty lyricist left us reciting his songs like primary school pupils during assembly.

Akaba Man

The often bare-chested guitarist was a musical enigma. His hit song Osayuware spoke to the common man. The legend, whose real name was Igunma Igbinigie, inspired a generation with his gyrating music.

Olita

Dr. Agbakpan Olita made music that left you dancing regardless of who you are. Anyone who enjoys Benin music can attest to his upbeat songs and thumping beats that still gets airplay in certain Obito gathering; if you know, you know.

Ohenhen

Not so long ago, Owaguenomose and Wagienotaghata were hits in the Benin music scene, and for good reason. Ohenhen’s sound fused highlife and Benin music in a marriage we didn’t know we needed. The results were children dancing in the streets and adults bopping along.

Influence Akaba

Influence Akaba is a well-known Edo Funk musician renowned for his platinum album Osamakue, silky vocals, and superb songwriting. Songs like Osamakhue left people dancing hard like it was a job.

Adviser Nowamagbe

No person born and bred in Benin can say they have not heard of Adviser Nowamagbe. I mean, A Fool at 40 and Democracy on Trial are dope, funny albums rich with quips and smart observations about society.

Amin Man

With albums like Riekponmwen-Nosa, Usenomokase, Emwen Nosatayotor, Osarenkhokhohia, and Ibohiehghare, the AminMan left us dancing and cheering.

Notable mentions include Osahenoma Esewi, Akobe, Ukodo, Talents of Benin, and Ogie Super Sound.

Know any other legendary Benin musicians we didn’t mention? Please drop a comment.

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