How time flies! Today, 14years ago, the great musician, Oliver De Coque died of cardiac arrest. Who would believe that a day like would come when many will forget and no longer talk about a man who once entertained millions and was loved and talked about by many around the world? The music icon was popularly known for his inexplicable abilities as a Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, and a Lead Guitarist.
Early Life and Career
Oliver Sunday Akanite was born on 14th, April 1947. He was from Ezinifite, Nnewi South, Anambra State. Better known by his stage name, Oliver De Coque, the music giant was a Nigerian guitarist and one of Africa’s most prolific recording artists.
Oliver De Coque started playing music at the age of 11 and was taught to play the guitar by a Congolese guitarist living in Nigeria. He was also an apprentice of the popular juju musicians, Sunny Agaga and Jacob Oluwale and became locally well known by the time he was a teenager. Oliver received international attention after performing in London in 1973, and his guitar work was featured in Price Nico Mbarga’s 1977 album Sweet Mother.
His debut album, Messiah Messiah, was released in 1977. In total, De Coque recorded 93 albums. Many of his songs were noted to be in the ogene genre, blending modern music with traditional Igbo harmonies. His singles included People’s Club of Nigeria, Nempi Social Club, Biri Ka Mbiri, One Enwe, Nnukwu Mmanwu, Nwanne di na mba, and Identity, the latter of which spent several weeks on Radio Nigeria was Top Ten in 1981. In addition to his solo work, Oliver De Coque frequently played with the Igede International Band, led by his brother Eugene.
Personal life and death
Oliver De Coque had at least four sons, including Solar De Coque, Safin De Coque (Darlington Akanite), Edu De Coque (Chinedu Akanite), and Ikenna Akanite. He was awarded an honorary degree in music from the University of New Orleans.
Oliver De Coque died on 20 June 2008 following a sudden cardiac arrest. His son subsequently noted that De Coque had prioritized performing 2008 but had planned to seek medical advice the after the month of his death.
In our today in Igbo History, Angel Network News remembers Oliver De Coque as a true Igbo son and Nigerian legend whose songs has impacted the lives of many Nigerians.
