Celestine Ukwu : Asili

[@chukschuks34]

A TRIBUTE TO CELESTINE UKWU: He was an Igbo musician, songwriter, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, multi-linguist, philosopher, poet, music-mentor, etc. He was born in Enugu, Eastern Nigeria in 1940. In 1966, at the age of 26, he started his band “Celestine Ukwu & His Music Royals of Nigeria” which later became “Celestine Ukwu & His Philosophers National”. He quickly became a household name in Nigerian and African Highlife music arena. Despite his meteoric rise and popularity he never sought the limelight. Very disciplined, he never smoked nor drank alcohol. He was humble and treated all members of his band with utmost respect, always acknowledging and praising their contributions. His work ethic was phenomenal. Even though he was active for only about 10 years as a musician before his tragic death on May 8, 1977 from a motor-vehicle accident at the tender age of 37; he left an amazing collection of euphonious, delightful, awe-inspiring, evergreen, classic and philosophical songs for us to enjoy for generations to come. He was ahead of his time in terms of music talent and prowess. His compositions, arrangements and lyrics attest to this. Even though he released many songs in a short period of time he still maintained his high standards in terms of the quality of his songs. On top of all these he was blessed with a rich and soulful voice which enabled him drive home the philosophical content of his songs. He sang fluently in Igbo, Efik and English languages. He played the maraca, xylophone and various percussion instruments. Shortly after the outbreak of the Nigerian civil war in 1967 he released a song entitled “Hail Biafra”. It was so good that there was a popular demand for it to be adopted as the Biafran National Anthem. Just before his death he had processed travel documents to embark on a grand music tour abroad. This was shortly after his traditional marriage. As we enjoy his music and appreciate his legacy, let’s ponder on the philosophical content of his songs and celebrate his life on earth. Another positive update: His daughter, who was conceived before his death, is now a Barrister and Solicitor. God will continue to bless her.

[@chiedozienzube7986]

Thanks my brother for the beautiful info about the great philosopher

[@EVARISTUSNWACHUKWU-vf9vt]

Woow, thanks for sharing this information. He is a legend.

[@alfalfred8722]

One day we will have our own Hall of Fame where people like this genius will be immortalized and studied. We waste money going abroad to study foreigners while leaving our own legends. Too bad! Rest In Peace, Master!

[@mybeautifuljourney7540]

He is a legend! His music cuts across all generations. He forever remains relevant!

[@PeterSunday-yk9zq]

He is a great man rip

[@ndinnakwe7927]

A personal friend. Right after the civil war in Nigeria, I played with this legend at Day Spring Hotel, Ogui road as his pop singer doing tunes like "Knock on wood." He use to own a car called "HOLDEN". This legend was ahead of his time musically. Sad that he passed so young, but his music gets better with age like a good wine. May his soul rest in peace, Amen. Signed: Jay U Xperience.

[@ikechukwuokorie9354]

Justus Nnakwe Chaiii!!!!

[@kenslay]

Justus Nnakwe Waoh, intresting. I grew up near day spring hotel. Carter st Enugu.. Cele was ahead of his time for sure, what a consummate performer.. He was well before my time but I appreciate this great talent..

[@Josh-hp3ml]

@Justus Nnakwe why cant all of you legends organise yourself to reinvent those good music of the past .

[@shadrachb.2786]

Sir Nnakwe Justus, goodevening. My belief us that you are well and your time is going as should. I thank you for the lines you presented to us. I wish I can reach you to enquire about this icon.

[@kofibanana9643]

@Sir Justice Nnakwe i am glad that people like you are still alive to tell us stories about this great philosopher.. I wish to meet you someday if possible. I love the company of elders because I Iearn much from them especially history.

[@ezechinyerenwaigbo1062]

Each time I listen to this tune, I try to play a strong lion's heart, holding back tears, but I'm always overwhelmed. I remember in the seventies when as kids we would go to the then Ugwu ndi ocha as we used to call the area then,I mean the present day G.R.A in Onitsha, to fetch water. We would climb the block fence and watch this legend play live at phoenix hotel. I remember and visualize this with nostalgia each time I listen to this tune. I was devastated by your death my Icon. Rest in peace

[@ispeakblessingsintoyourlif8683]

I hope you have peace within, Nwannem. Yah bless.

[@ngozi777]

Nwa Ukwu, onye isi egwu R.I.P. Celestine, after many years of your departure, you are still the best muscian ever from Igboland. Thank you alkis09 for posting this ever instructing song from Igbo's best. Celestine was not one of the best. Celestine Ukwu was the best and he is still the best singer, musician and songwriter from Igboland. Oh may our God be praised and may our God raise for us great musicians, singers and songwriters like Celestine Ukwu.

[@emmanuelbiachi6299]

God bless you.

[@ugohanyanwu5551]

Indeed, Sis... I love your write up. God bless you.

[@InhouseDR]

Celestine ukwu is a man I describe as unreplaceable legend. I was only a small boy during his days but I grew up to love him and his philosophical lyrics. This man's songs personally changed my perception of life till date. His songs made so much impact in me that I regretted not meeting him before his demise. And to think that he died in a road traffic accident after coming to play in abakaliki my state capital somewhere close to my village ezzangbo on his way going back to Enugu is very worrisome to me. It's well, keep resting on hero, legend. Posterity will judge you very fairly legend.

[@stanleyekweaga7375]

I wasn’t born when he wrote all his songs and even died,! Thanks to my Dad who played all his tune to my hearing. I agreed totally that he’s like Fela in the content of his music, real philosophical, true and relevant to today’s issues. Rest on, the best musical story teller from Igboland.

[@eddieogbaturuenyi1387]

Great song with great concept

[@quacci247]

this song reminds me of my Dad may he's gentle soul rest in peace I can't say much!!music of the soul

[@afostervold01]

And even now. Again. I love and feel love and joy! Lets drink wine together!

[@udochukwuosuji4286]

Love keeps all igbos together 🤜🤛

[@ezechinyerenwaigbo1062]

Each time I listen to this tune, I try to play a strong lion's heart, holding back tears, but I'm always overwhelmed. I remember in the seventies when as kids we would go to the then Ugwu ndi ocha as we used to call the area then,I mean the present day G.R.A in Onitsha, to fetch water. We would climb the block fence and watch this legend play live at phoenix hotel. I remember and visualize this with nostalgia each time I listen to this tune. Rest in Peace my beloved Celestine Ukwu. I love you.

[@umahifelixemeka5980]

I don't have much to say about Celestine ukwu but all I know is that you are in a better place. Anytime I listen to his music I feel like crying.Continue to rest in peace.#Legend.

[@thoniofunne8272]

Where have we gone wrong as a people? I miss the old days, my late grannies, my late uncles and aunts, my late parents... I feel so alone listening to this evergreen song.

[@ugochukwuihezuo4611]

Egwu n'akpotu mmuo.the message says that gossiping is dangerous in the society and its the major course of break up in most relationships.beware of gossipers

[@princekelechi4836]

Am prince Lecturer Kelechi and I love all celestine ukwu's music, it's fundamental keep it up my buddy, just taking my beer and listening to the music (uwa mgbede di mma)

[@dr.kellyscomedy3101]

Celestine okwu. U are a legend. Every music lover young and old loves ur evergreen music of rhe soul. May your soul continue to rest well.

[@thaddeuschigozie2089]

Indeed Asili ajoka..! My childhood memories with this song. Always playing on Salt FM radio Abakaliki

[@chimachima4784]

Hit 👍 if you're here June 2021 listening to this Legend we love you Celestine Ukwu ,,God loves you mostly

[@dumebiobanye]

High life at it´s finest ..........big boys club .wise men association ....food for the soul

[@ikechukwuokorie9354]

May the Almighty God continue to granting your soul eternal rest Celestine Ukwu. De legend

[@nwaazundu8080]

Who is still here 2020, Legendary doings

[@davideze7151]

Very nice music ☑️

[@nwaforsolomon9923]

Jire, I knew this music when I was young and loved it without knowing the musician. God bless your memory,Celestine Ukwu.

[@1987Viking]

The baseline to this music is FANTASTIC. And, that laugh!

[@skidoshef189]

Chai .. I remember those olden dayz

[@benjaminamaefule3468]

Ever green, the iconic high life maestro. U came, u saw and u conquered. Though you were ahead of time, but your prints still stand on the sands of time. Very nostalgic tune,high grade instrumental, adieu great patriot

[@godwillokpara1105]

the older one gets the more one values cele's songs

[@ebukaeze8026]

I can't stop playing this song

[@edwardnonso5994]

Each time I listen to this tune it brings back memories of the oldings.Adieu Gr8 Celestine Ukwu

[@wandawandagoodgod2997]

Edward Nonso nice song

[@ifeanyibarth5137]

Listening to this great tune from one of the world's best in June of 2020. Great tune from my Legend

[@zululion8249]

Wayyyy before my time but I appreciate it already

[@uchennavitus8436]

We can never forget dee Celestine, rip

[@onyezeable]

The greatest of all time. Icon and Legend!

[@ugomprinceerics71]

Chai! This is legendary. Oh. Ya dị ba

[@brightchijindu124]

celestine ukwu. ..you're indeed great as your family name appears. ..thanks for your inspirations behind all your meaningful musical tracks and good messages to the world. ...your words never dies....adieu great warrior

[@ugohanyanwu5551]

God bless the soul of the faithful departed... Celestine Ukwu

[@omonaiyemere2427]

So true and thank you for all these philosophical lyrics that you left behind for us to enjoy. Learn some lessons from them, reason and mend our ways. You were so right in all your sayings. Thank you for the music and may your soul rest in peace, amen!

[@uchennavitus8436]

Remember those days with my junior brother .

[@chukwudaluegboh204]

What a legend what a hero rest in peace Nnam

[@emecca123]

"..,2 much gossips in this world. men convene, gossip, women meet, gossip, kids get 2gether, gossip. Ppl, resist gossip 4 it is evil. Our ppl, we r explaining 2 u, there's 2 much gossip in this world, what it does is immeasurable. Reason how friends love one another, but when gossip starts.., trouble. Reason how siblings live together, but when gossip starts.., separation. Reason how couples live 2together in peace, but when gossip starts.., break-up. So let's 4sake gossip, it destroys." rip!!.

[@nicholasnwanzi2973]

Celestine Ukwu lives in his words of wisdom and deep philosophical insights. Indeed his were (are) words of life. God bless you Celestine, the man with foresight.

[@lambdalex]

Even if I can't understand one single word, I feel like home when I'm listening at the voice & music of Celestine Ukwu. I was born in France, half a year before he died, and if I know almost nothing about his roots & culture, his art moves me like no one else... I'm thankful about what he had expressed to the world. Wishing all of us to turn a little smoother, I have to admit that it is challenging to get as smooth as he did !

[@emmapeter4312]

rip Master we all really missed you so much

[@centinoezeimo1345]

which year did he died? Oga

[@emmapeter4312]

Born 1940 in Efik, Nigeria Died 1979 in Onitsha, Nigeria

[@ugohanyanwu5551]

emma peter... I'm sorry U're wrong there... Celestine Ukwu died in a ghastly motor accident on 8th May, 1977... & not in 1979

[@Sam-fd5yj]

YES, WE MUST IMORTALISE HIS NAME IN BIAFRA REPUBLIC, AS ONE OF THE VERY BEST IN AFRICA

[@anyaegbuchukwuma9672]

He is a great man

[@patricksalignon7232]

✨Great ✨

[@paschalekene9599]

nice tone great lyrics

[@obinocker7063]

Evergreen

[@okaforsunny7908]

rip legend

[@vanderheno4428]

celestine ukwu, Nice song

[@tonymajor4444]

best of best

[@bartholomeweziagbala4729]

Things fall apart

[@springoflifeeyeclinic901]

Music that penetrates bone

[@ugbobenjamin7226]

My chose music

[@chrisifeco3192]

onye egwu celestine....rip.

[@samray9994]

He is better than your best high life musicians

[@joyanoje635]

This is the type of music that tells my mom that her husband is having affair outside her marriage

[@emecca123]

@ngozi777 Amen sis, amen!!!.

[@alaskaboy108]

Evergreen