Emma Sunday
All is set for the 2nd edition of the Highlife Legendary Concert and Awards, scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The President of World Icon Enter10ment (organisers of the event), Amb. Dr. Barnabas Eberechukwu Nwagbo, while briefing journalists yesterday in Port Harcourt, said preparations have been concluded for what he described as a historic celebration of Nigeria’s highlife music heritage.
Amb. Nwagbo said this year’s edition will honour highlife music legends Oliver De Coque (posthumous), the Oriental Brothers, Lawrence Obusi and Victor Olaiya for their contributions to Nigerian music and society.
He added that the night will feature live performances by Kcee, Professor Onye-Egwu, Peter The Rock, Nwaeze Dcomradeking, and comedy acts including K-O Baba and Akpan Okon, and special appearance by Chief Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money who will chair the event.
Nwagbo, who is also the CEO of Belburge International Limited, Roseluxe Hotels Limited and Irish Homes Limited, said “The event will bring together icons and enthusiasts of the genre. It’s going to be more than just a show. It will be a night of history, honour, gratitude, and cultural pride, a night of music, culture, and entertainment at its finest, with performances by top Nigerian artistes and powerful live bands.”
He added that the concert is also aimed at reviving highlife music, which he noted is gradually being forgotten by younger Nigerians, and to appreciate the legends whose works shaped the country’s cultural identity.
“Highlife Legendary Concert and Award 2.0 is here to remind this generation why our fathers and mothers fell in love with this sound, the energy, the elegance of the music that refused to let anybody sit down.”
He recalled that the maiden edition in 2025 honoured highlife music icons including; Sir Fubara Orutugu, Victor Uwaifo, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, Gentle Mike Ejeagha, Madam Theresa Onuora, Rex Lawson, Celestine Ukwu, Chief Bright Chimezie, Jack West, Chief Barrister Smooth, and Chief Paulson Kalu.
“It was a night of emotions – nostalgia, joy, laughter and even tears. The legends relived their magic through live performances, comedy, and unforgettable moments,” he said.
Amb. Nwagbo decried the poor living conditions of many highlife legends despite their contributions in the industry and the society, noting that most of them did not benefit from digital streaming royalties.
“As a younger musician, I played guitar severally in the house of late legend, Gentle Mike Ejeagha. Most of these legends, if you attend occasions today you see people enjoying their music being played but no one cares about their affairs,” he said.
He said World Icon Enter10ment provided Christmas packages, HMO health insurance and other welfare support to the awardees from last year’s edition, which led to increased streaming of their music.
“These legends really require a better life. At the time they were doing their music, there were no internet streaming to generate funds for them.
“Today, its like they are living but then forgotten, so as World Icon Enter10ment, we decided to come up with an idea where there music will be remembered again, and by remembering them they will in a little way find life again. We are here to make sure that the people who deserve their flowers get their flowers,” he said.
Co-Convener, Barr. Churchill, said the support had direct impact. “The lives of these legends were actually impacted during the 1st edition last year. The likes of Sir Fubara Orutugu actually testified. He never expected that somebody would actually call him again to appreciate his music. In fact, he called last week to say how elated he was for being remembered.”
Ndudi Eboh, member of the organizing committee, described the awards as “the first step” in a sustained effort to revive highlife.
“The journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. We are creating awareness so that governments, private individuals, and the public can join hands in appreciating these legends,” he said.
Nnenna Okwor on her part, said the event will also feature TikTok and Instagram dance and music challenges to discover new highlife talents.
On hosting the event in Port Harcourt, Mr. Olumati Isaiah said highlife belongs to all Nigerians and that the concert would boost the local economy of the Garden City.
They however encouraged the public to participate by securing their tickets for the event via:
