Osita Osadebe is a name that is synonymous with highlife music in Nigeria. He was a singer, composer, and bandleader who rose to fame in the 1960s and remained a prominent figure in Nigerian music until his death in 2007. In this article, we will take a look at the life and career of Osita Osadebe, including his early beginnings, music career, personal life, net worth, and more.
Early Life and Education
Osita Osadebe was born on March 1936 in Atani, a town in southeastern Nigeria. He was raised in a musically-inclined family and started playing music at a young age. Osadebe attended St. Catholic School in Onitsha for his primary education and later moved to the Modern School in Asaba for his secondary education.
Music Career
Osita Osadebe began his music career in the 1950s, playing with several bands in southeastern Nigeria. He eventually formed his own band, the Soundmakers International, in the early 1960s, and released his debut album, “Atamga” in 1965. The album was a hit, and it marked the beginning of Osadebe’s rise to fame.
Over the course of his career, Osita Osadebe released over 70 albums, many of which became classics in Nigerian music. Some of his popular songs include “Osondi Owendi”, “Ije Awele”, “Odindu Nyuliba”, and “Oyolima”.
Osita Osadebe was known for his unique fusion of traditional Igbo music with highlife and jazz elements. His music was characterized by its use of call-and-response vocals, steady percussion rhythms, and intricate guitar work. He was also a composer, and many of his songs carried social and political messages.
Personal Life
Osita Osadebe was married and had children. However, details about his personal life are scarce as he was known to be a private person.
Net Worth
Osita Osadebe’s net worth has been a topic of interest among his fans and the general public. While it is difficult to estimate his exact net worth, it is safe to say that he was one of the wealthiest musicians in Nigeria before his death.
In USD, Osita Osadebe’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million. In Nigerian Naira, his net worth was approximately ₦700 million. In Canadian dollar, it was estimated to be around CAD 2.5 million, while in Ghana Cedi, it was around GHC 11 million. In Kenya Shilling, his net worth was estimated to be KES 203 million. In South Africa Rand, it was approximately ZAR 27 million. In Uganda Shilling, his estimated net worth was UGX 7.5 billion, and in Indian Rupee, it was approximately INR 147 crore.
It is worth noting that these figures are estimates and may vary depending on various factors, including the source of income and currency exchange rates.
Discography
Here is a list of some of Osita Osadebe’s most popular albums:
- Atamga (1965)
- Osondi Owendi (1984)
- Ije Awele (1991)
- Kedu America (1997)
- Kedu Nigeria (2002)
- Eje Uwa (2006)
Cars and House
Osita Osadebe was known to be a wealthy musician and owned several cars and properties. However, details about his cars and houses are not publicly available.
Social Media and Boomplay
Although Osita Osadebe passed away in 2007, his music continues to be celebrated by his fans, and his legacy lives on. His music is available on various platforms, including Boomplay, where fans can listen to and download his music. Visitors can find Osita Osadebe’s profile on Boomplay, where they can listen to and stream his music. Additionally, his fans can follow his social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
In conclusion, Osita Osadebe was a legendary musician whose impact on Nigerian music can still be felt today. He was a gifted singer, composer, and bandleader who created timeless music that has stood the test of time. Although he is no longer with us, his music will continue to be cherished by generations to come.