Let’s take a journey back in time to explore the legacy of the renowned Oriental Brothers International Band.
Formed in the aftermath of the three-year Nigerian Civil War that devastated Eastern Nigeria, the Oriental Brothers emerged as the first Nigerian highlife boy band. The group, named “Oriental” to reflect their eastern origins, started in the 1970s as an in-house band at Easy Going Hotels in Owerri, owned by Chief James “Ewele” Azubuike. Over the decades, they became a prominent fixture in the Igbo highlife music scene, touring across Africa and beyond.
The original members of the Oriental Brothers were Godwin “Kabaka” Opara, Ferdinand “Dansatch” Emeka Opara, Livinus Akwilla (Aquila) Alaribe, Fred “Ichita” Ahumaraeze, and the famous Christogonus Ezebuiro “Dr. Sir Warrior” Obinna.
The band faced its first split in 1977 when Godwin Opara, the founding member and initial leader, left to form his own band, “Kabaka International Guitar Band,” following a dispute. He was replaced by Aloysius Anyanwu, a former guitarist with Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe’s Nigerian Sound Makers Band and a founding member of the Ikenga Super Stars.
Subsequently, Ichita and Livinus Akwilla Alaribe also left to form the Great Oriental Band. In 1978, tensions rose again, leading to a legal battle between Dansatch/Warrior and Aloysius Anyanwu over copyright issues. This dispute resulted in Aloysius Anyanwu leaving the band to pursue a solo career with “Aloy Anyanwu and His State Brothers Band.” After this, only Dansatch and Warrior remained from the original lineup.
To relaunch the band, they brought in freelance musicians from Owerri and migrant musicians from Ghana. Despite the shakeups, the band continued to produce hits.
However, a disagreement between Dansatch and Warrior over the band’s artistic direction led to their split after the success of their 1980 album “Obi Nwanne.” Warrior retained the core of the band’s musicians, rebranding as “Dr. Sir Warrior & His Oriental Brothers International Band,” while Dansatch continued with “Oriental Brothers International Band led by Ferdinand Emeka Opara.” Although the two groups developed distinct sounds, they both maintained a unique blend of Congolese guitar rhythms with traditional Igbo percussion.
As noted by “Kwenu”, an Igbo magazine, the Oriental Brothers played a vital role in spiritually uplifting the Igbo people during a time of deep trauma following the war. They became a symbol of pride, creating a brand of highlife that was deeply rooted in Igbo culture while also having universal appeal. Warrior, in particular, introduced the “Oyorima” concept, an Igbo term that signifies a refined sense of rhythmic movement and balance.
Some of their timeless classics include:
- Amaghim Onye wu Onye
- Nwanyi Di Ya wu Eze
- Onye Si Nani Ya Biri
- Nwa Ada Di Mma
- Obi Nwanne
- Ozo wu Iwe m
- Anam Ele Chi
- Ochichi Nigeria
- Ofe Owerri, and many more.
