Onu Kwube | Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe

Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe (1936 - 2007), often referred to as just Osadebe, was an Igbo Nigerian Highlife musician from Atani. His career spanned over 40 years, and he is one of the most well known Igbo highlife musicians. His most popular hit was the 1984 "Osondi Owendi" (Igbo: One man's meat is another man's poison.), establishing him as a leader in the highlife genre being the most popular record ever in Nigeria.
In March 1936, Osadebe was born in Igbo town of Atani, in Southeastern Nigeria. He came from a line of singers and dancers in Igboland. His genre, Highlife encompassed Igbo musical elements. Along with this, calypso, samba, bolero, rumba, jazz and waltz were also present in Osadebe's musical style. It was in his high school years in Onitsha, a major commercial city near Atani, that Osadebe grew interested in music.
Osadebe started his career performing at nightclubs in Lagos in the southwestern region of Nigeria. He gradually worked his way up to releasing his first album in 1958. In his career Osadebe went on to write over 500 songs; half of these songs were released commercially. He had been a part of The Empire Rhythm Orchestra, led by E. C. Arinze in which he had learned much of his music skills.
As he became better established, Osadebe's style matured to include social commentary, similar to, but not as confrontational as Fela Kuti. Personal trials and tribulations was usually the main topic of his commentaries. Osadebe often extended his tracks for his audiences enjoyment, allowing room for 'people on the dance floor' to indulge in the songs.
Following the Nigerian Civil War in the late 60's, the massive exodus of the eastern peoples of Nigeria (especially the Igbo) out of western Nigeria had caused the death of the Highlife's prominence in the then capital, Lagos. During the war and after the war Osadebe maintained his scheduled live performances. Juju music and later Afrobeat took precedence in Lagos, and in the 70's James Brown and various other music forms became popular in the city. In this same decade Osadebe's career had reached its zenith.
After turning 50 in 1986 Osadebe started to give priority to fatherhood and gave more of his time to his son Obiora and his other children from his wives. One of Osita Osadebe's last revered album's is "Kedu America".
Onu Kwube is a great display of Osadebe's gift for making epic highlife tracks, it was released in 1975 on his LP "Osadebe".

[@elizabethosadebe6565]

I am enjoying my husband music may his gentle soul continue to rest in peace Amen

[@PrinceJerrYah]

Amen 🙏🫂

[@alexanderagugoesi3684]

Nna egu ..contiune to rest Osakwa chief osita osadebe ...your music 🎶 will contiune to regin

[@dortmundbvb186]

Nne remain strong. Daddy is in Heaven ❤. We love him forever

[@kelvinmichael2767]

No one will ever be like chief osita osadebe,ezeafulukwe na atani

[@kelvinmichael2767]

Hay his soul rest in peace

[@nkechiuzoamaka5606]

After God, Osadebe is my second mental health giver.

[@ifechi3698]

Osadebe is the king of Africa’s highlife. There was none before & after him. I know bc I started listening to him as a little child after the Nigerian civil war. He used to come to play at then the only hotel in my town. I know every tune, every cranny of the guitar for each number. Now In my 60s Osadebe’s music keeps me awake. Living in Canada, I blast my Osadebe music as I drive - with pride. Today’s music cannot capture the originality, melody & texture of Osadebe, not to mention the wisdom of his sayings! If there’s anything like a second life, I’m definitely coming as onye Igbo! Can’t afford to miss Osadebe!

[@dortmundbvb186]

Tears falls from my eyes when ever i listen to this music. But it brings me Joy and makes me to think of where i come from. Igboland. One Love Umunne.

[@ezeimoekene3780]

Very proud of you

[@emekaamoke-im2bq]

Igbo amaka

[@ugochukwuogbuniba7099]

God bless you

[@sunnykalu9518]

Osankwa is the king of Music. Anaghi Amaaa Akaaa.

[@ezenwachibuike1965]

Whenever I play Osadebe music it makes me meditate on the cultures and traditions of Igbos i never learnt from my parents. I am blessed to have come from igboland and I don’t know where I would have loved to come from if not Igbo. From Chesapeake Shores. Lexington Park, Southern Maryland USA 🇺🇸

[@ikennaagu1430]

I love this song so much whenever I listing to this music I always remember my dead Father but I pray may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace in Jesus name I pray Amen

[@willingsongreen4635]

It takes you way back and humble you!

[@dembaba1609]

Amen my brother

[@emekanweke5621]

iseeee

[@chinonsostephen5019]

X

[@ezenwaugochukwu5153]

Our Fathers never die. They join the ancestors. Jisike Nna!

[@jefferytmt51]

We really miss a legend here. Osadebe music is for the matured men not for kids. Osadebe music is bestly enjoyed with chill bottles of 🍻. Nwa mmadu egbule nwa muo,nwa muo egbule nwa mmadu. Ejim ogu na ejim ofor, ofor mazi onye ji ya. Rest in peace daddy of highlife.

[@chibuikee7482]

Whoever they are, Osadebe is their father, achoromi ma!! Osankwaa!! Onyisi highlife Ndigbo!! Na n'udo

[@josephokeke2820]

Chief Of high life music Chief Ossy Osade .Your music has left unforgettable memories in our life life.RIP

[@festusndubuisi8607]

One of the best songs of king of highlife music that I loved listening to, thank God that I got to meet him in Oakland California in the 90’s. Rest in peace.

[@ikechinedu6184]

Daddy, l miss you so much you introduced me to the classics of Chief Osadebe.

[@ndoapex]

Ejim ogu na ejim ofo Jan 2021 ofo na ogu ka anyi ji aga Osankwa jee nke oma

[@franklinchigozie3580]

I love 💖 this song so much it calm my mind when ever am angry I have to listen to it with 3 bottle 🍾 🍾🍾 of alcohol

[@fredarinze5934]

Hahaha three bòò chai bro u too much

[@favorlinenmesoma2921]

Osadebe the king of igbo music my our soul rest in pace 🙏

[@skybench100]

This is awesome. It is one of Osadebe's best songs. The lyrics, vocal, beat and harmony is out of this world. This was when men made music not now boys mess up music.

[@ugwuanyipeter740]

Yes

[@ugwuanyipeter740]

The best

[@kenechinwafor8333]

2021 osadebe rip king proudly igbo and Africa Anambra to the world

[@chinwamercy346]

My Dad initiated me to this beautiful song wen I was 8 and I'm still on it till date December 2020 ❤️

[@francisonukwuli6566]

A masterpiece! Osita Osadebe was simply the best producer of soothing melodious Igbo Song. The Godfather of High Life Music. Continue to RIP. Prof. Francis Osita Onukwuli

[@amaechiumerah5442]

My brother and friend from before, before. Mechanical Advantage, the one and only Ichie Ochubaluenyi! I remembered you dancing to this and many other Osadebe’s jams, and our usual friendly arguments (of who the better dancer was until you showed me, lol) when my wife and I visited you and yours many years ago. There’s not going to be any other Osadebe! #Bahasma#Ugonnia#NotreDameBoys.

[@kingsleyojukwu9778]

If its not osadebe, it can never be like osadebe. RIP osankwa......From Athens Georgia USA.

[@samariche9423]

This man never be replace.nobody can play and sound like osaogene Rest in the lord

[@setigsCletus]

You made my night shift looks easy, your a legend. Rest in peace. No one like

[@setigsCletus]

No one like you

[@kevinokpala241]

Oyolima!

[@Ulifirstson]

Nkem dirim,what a word of wisdom from a musician per excellence?. Rest on baba, you are always on heart, we make meaning out this piece of art daily. Listening from Jakarta in July 2021 and will always do. ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️

[@ugochukwuobi2696]

Ka mkpuru obi gi zuo Ike n'ndokwa!

[@onyeadorlucky2848]

Reminiscence. Nostalgically refreshing memories of our golden era.. Song, a constant reminder of growing days. Was privileged to meet him in BRUSSELS BELGIUM in the eatly 2000. Highly reverred among peers indeed. Teack, arguably, . One of his best thrillers ashowcased during his performing days.. He will always be indelibly remembered. R.IP . OPURUICHE PG.

[@mokambedaile5183]

The man who blew the flute at the ending of this music really killed it. He is a genius. Take time to listen to the flutter

[@nnemeka8329]

Igbo kwenu

[@okwaraukoha323]

Evergreen any time, any day. Music full of advice and messages. Osankwa 4ever.

[@uchesolomon7900]

if not chief of high life music osadede it can never be like osadede RIP my legend, masterdan from United Arab Emirate.

[@frankdivine7828]

Greatest memories am listen to this music the day i hear that nnamdi kanu was catch i really share tears that day listening to this music but is well nwa chineke you must be free..ofu anya ji isi ugwo ohamadike ☝️

[@ifeanyichukwuawgu3525]

The destruction your Nnamdi Kanu has caused and brought upon peaceful ana-Igbo with his rogue and proscribed terrorist organisation will take years for ana-Igbo to regain from. We saw all of these and left in, 2017.

[@festusfaleye9831]

Remember He was given a state burial what can be more than this Rest in peace Arowolo festus Lagos

[@princeedwin8102]

The music is,outstanding......this man is very good. This music is outstanding

[@anthonyokoro9136]

The best musician of Igbo extraction.i can't stop listen to this music idol's music.He must have been inspired from beyond.osadebe you still live on

[@sunnykalu9518]

Music Maestro and Super Legend. There’s none like him.

[@hugotim1562]

Sure my man...What groovemaster left in his posting of this song,you have completed in this posting...This is Osadebe 75 gold-disc winning album...The lyrics are truly awe-inspiring...The instrunentation quite mesmerising...Here I can say in my humblest way,that I played in Osadebe's band in 1976...It was quite brief...I accompanied him to Obosi Town to play at the burial of Chief Clifford Eneli's mother...Let me say that much...To my late master,I say...May your soul RIPP...SoBe It...

[@waskyhenry6306]

Nice 👍 piece. Good to know that you knew him personally. Osaji the Commander himself was a good guy. Got to know him too as a very young boy and on through my adult years. Met his son Obiajulu in ATL. Chief Osita Osadebe is greatly missed.

[@onwura]

ECSTATIC JOY AS THIS SONG TAKES ME DOWN MEMORY LANE OF MY YOUTHFUL DAYS. IT'S SOOTHING. HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST HIGH-LIFE MUSICIAN IN HIS TIME. ADORED|||

[@anthonyokoro274]

The best and forever the best high life maestro of Igbo extraction.

[@DNA7URE]

Osadebe the king of Igbo highlife, continue to rest in peace. we will keep vibing to the music you left us with.

[@princenkemdirim9349]

This reminds me of my dad, what else do we play in the car while we travel,. why do good people die?

[@ikechinedu6184]

Chief Osadebe's music is classic.

[@kingsleyofor3274]

Osakwa ur music forever remained fresh

[@nelsontochukwu2872]

Osadebe onye egwu, continue to rest on the greatest of all time

[@everistonuigbo2014]

Lovely song I can't stop listening to this song inlove with it...from saint Kitts and Nevis island

[@ugochuwu]

I will never stop listening to this wonderful song. It never get old/ good memories. RIP osadebe

[@emekaezeuka1268]

Oh yes

[@asdutt8781]

After him nobody else

[@achilonualexander4002]

This man is a great hero.i really enjoyed your music when am lonely and fied up right here United Arab Emirates Dubai

[@bumezstephen9786]

originally we miss you osakwa, thank you for planting this tree before you left, it's giving us shade now

[@donval9412]

Osankwa

[@chinonyeojoechem8996]

osankwa played music for the growth and development both morally and entertainment of mankind hand he succeeded. osankwa R I p.

[@emekanweke5621]

This is classic

[@ugoo23]

Use to sing this song on stage while with my band group

[@isiomachigbolu1622]

Another one of numerous Chief Osita Osadebe’s melodious hits that soothes the soul, absolutely beautiful even in 2021,one of my many happy music from the maestro, the consummate story teller,Osadebe, RIP,from Los Angeles,California,USA

[@ikechinedu6184]

2021 still jamming this music.

[@udodimma9343]

IKE I AM STILL HERE ,THIS IS COMING FROM GOOD OLD DAYS MGBE EZI KA DI N"UKWU UKWA

[@PrincewillAnyakudo]

❤❤❤❤❤ AKUKO Uwa. Excellent. Exhibition of his......of himself.....Chief Steven Osita Osadebe

[@francisuzoma9021]

Even in 2020 I'm still listening and would always do. The greatest hit

[@ernestndubuizu167]

Rx

[@onyeomastan9190]

Osita ❤️❤️❤️ forever ⭐⭐⭐

[@ihezuougochukwu6489]

Osadebe, dike eji eje mba, olu gi ga eru na ngwusi uwa

[@EbereIgwe-ij5nl]

Great man of all time

[@uchennambah6611]

Osili nwa osadebe, mgbe ututu.😍

[@bravetv7218]

2020 we are here

[@charlieadams9294]

Ezenna, papa egwu....August 2020 RIP Osankwa. I wanted you to perform on my traditional wedding but u're no more

[@nwadijemoses9761]

Osadebe de highlife musical legend, oh' i remembered yestyears, well, life is ephemeral. rest on!!!

[@kingsleylance22]

My best high life musician Osadebe

[@henrygisumwa149]

This reminds my childhood times. The best benga music I can remember as a child dancing to dust. Misiani was a real artist

[@jamesunaegbu5002]

The songs are pure joy to listen to. RIP Ossy Nwamama.

[@chrisnnamdi524]

I'm still listening may18 2019

[@KingsReact24]

Who can send the full lyrics of this song. I want to understand this song word by word. This is my favorite Osadebe and it always takes my mind home.

[@joshuachukwu3023]

Osadebe no one has done it like you..though there have been many imitators, many trials o yes agreed. But they didn't measure up to your 2% even 20th generation will not forget Osankwa. Rest on papa. JØ$#ŲÀ from UAE

[@fredchindu5534]

Joshua Chukwu Gbam

[@lindaokoye124]

ODOGWU. ....

[@MrHarryMrHarry-lx4eb]

I love osedebe

[@ValOkafor]

Classic!! this is the time where there was no producer, director, songwriter, etc. He has to do it all. Does anyone know what happened to Osadebe on this trip that he is singing about? Was it when some of his band members left? Whatever happened look like it is a deep and bitter experience

[@waskyhenry3132]

Val, You know 🎶 music industry in Nigeria in those days was like politics. No permanent allies. It was between Osadebe and the guys that later became Ikenga of Africa. Apparently, they left Nigeria together for a European tour. It didn't end well. I don't really know the details but in those days, everybody loved Osadebe and his group. It was sad to see him lose his band "boys" like that. It's a very long story indeed. You got the jist of what made him compose a song about the experience.

[@harrisonchimezie6082]

It's all about music competition he went in northern state at his young age but the counterparts want finish him up with juju to the extent that he got afraid of going back home safely.Calling her mother for help because she's his only spiritual backup then, that's all I learnt about it

[@newworldezeudo1251]

The perfect tittle for this perfect sound should be ( #Nkemdirim )

[@divinevisitationdivine2153]

Osankwa onyem!!! My poeple I removed my cap for osadebe on the album kedu America 2 track 2(igiligi,ogidi Nnewi) the sound of that guiter effect in that track can make someone crazy.

[@emekaugwuanyi2706]

Nobody like him I swear .chaii I'm crying

[@victorchukwu1325]

great legendary icon indeed,good music. Victor Chukwu, in Memphis ,Tennessee,USA.

[@ikennasong8194]

Osankwa king of high life

[@bobshanga60]

Victor Chukwu Na so my brother!! Bobshanga frm Southafrica

[@harrisonnwosu5919]

The philosopher King .

[@user-op9zi2kt5c]

A nice piece from Osadebe

[@ogoonwosu1887]

❤❤❤❤❤ godfather.

[@ezeobiben2388]

Ohhhh my God! This is my best track from Chief Osadebe album

[@ikeaneke7587]

Legend at his best , rest in peace Osankwa

[@ifeanyiuba2927]

Sublime. Best of the best.

[@emmanuelokoli7083]

Ever green music for all generation #osamkwa#

[@brightbrown879]

Loving it die......❤️

[@markmac1631]

The correct title for this song should be Nkemdiri’m

[@newworldezeudo1251]

Perfect name indeed 👌.. #Nkemdirim

[@KingsReact24]

You are right. When I was searching for this music, I kept asking for Nkemdilim by Osadebe before I found the title here.

[@lindaokoye124]

Odogwu aburo guy name....lgbo Anyi Amaka....

[@emekanweke5621]

King of highlife music

[@ChineduGoodLife]

Osankwa !!

[@ezeupuemmadujiaku1253]

One of the best from this icon

[@nkechiuzoamaka5606]

Yes Oooh egwu eji eje mba,, ejim Ogwu n'ejim offor.

[@chuks4997]

Ejim ogu not ogwu they mean different things .ogwu refers to juju while Ogu mean clean hands.

[@solomonugwu6114]

@@chuks4997 Ogwu=medicine and voodoo Ogu = fight and uprightness Both are homonymes 😊

[@henryokoye1014]

@@solomonugwu6114 Actually, they are different. Ogu = clean or uprightness while Ọgu = fight or the farming hoe where as Ogwu = needle and Ọgwu = medicine or voodoo.

[@vincentinnocent2432]

Chief Stephen osita osadebe

[@ucnelsonagbo1757]

I love this music so much because when ever I am listening to the song it's take me back to some settle things that I am encountering in life, osankwa Rip

[@frankdivine7828]

2022 who Dee here 👂

[@waskyhenry6306]

'23 bro😅

[@emmanueluhiara8661]

Quite an intelligent and proverbial lyrics, wailing and depicts a lamentation song !

[@jamesuchenna6837]

Osita osedebe its king of high life

[@emekanweke5621]

Osa nkwa

[@kalistapeace1526]

no be small thing....egwu ndi jie ego!!

[@eugeneegbuna6455]

Osadebe '75 still remains one of his best; sold over 500,000 copies then, and winning a gold disc. Bought one in kingsway store in 1975 and it rests in my records library in Nigeria ,and still cherish the music.Thanks so much.

[@ajuluchukwuabadom1320]

A!!!

[@andrewhills711]

I agree...this very album should be one of his best. I am 50 years old and I remember my dad playing this in 1975 when I was 4 years old. I grew up with this music and it's still my best including host of other of his albums

[@christiannwala9630]

Love this song.

[@maduabuchichika3815]

Ubosi bulu gbo, oge ezi di na ukwu ukwa

[@pascalchima9115]

ohakwe pascal is in love withthis song

[@innocentanthony1228]

Father RIP.

[@ugochukwuogbuniba7099]

Igbo amaka

[@chibuikesunny9014]

Papa Nnukwu respect

[@uchechukwuemamanuel4890]

Nice one

[@kelechiosuala4935]

In your next generation you will remain they greatest musical

[@udoobike5162]

Sweet memories, started listening to this song as a child from 1975 today i listen to it with better understanding. The production, progression of the tune is super, it can be better. RIP legend and hero of highlife music.