Oliver De Coque: Born Sunday Oliver Akanite, he was a renowned Igbo Highlife musician, with over 71 Albums to his name with his debut album Messiah Messiah in 1977. He hailed from Ezinifite in Nnewi south LGA, Anambra state.

In June 2008 he joined his ancestors at the age of 61. He married four wives and is is a father of twelve children.

The Nigerian guitarist King (Dr.) Chief Oliver de Coque was one of Africa’s most prolific recording artists.

His dance-inspiring “Ogene” style of Nigerian high life, which blends modern high life and traditional Igbo music, produced such hits as “Biri Ka Mbiri,” “Ana Enwe,” “Naukwa Mmwanwu,” and “Identity,” which remained on Radio Nigeria 2’s Top Ten throughout most of 1981.

 


Playing music since the age of 11, Coque was taught to play the guitar by Piccolo, a Zairean guitarist living in Nigeria. Serving an apprenticeship with juju stars Sunny Agaga and Jacob Oluwale, he was a star by his late teens.

Attracting international attention with a London performance in 1973, he played on Prince Nico Mbarga’s album Sweet Mother four years later. Coque is often backed by his brother Eugene’s Igede International Band.

Oliver’s sons Edu de Coque, Safin de Coque and Solar de Coque are also musicians.

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