Agorehmi Bright, Reporting
ALL is now set for the second edition of the Highlife Legendary Concert and Awards, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 9th August 2026, at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The President of ICON World Enter10ment Platform, Amb. Dr. Barnabas Eberechukwu Nwagbo, who briefed journalists yesterday in Port Harcourt, declared that preparations had been concluded for what he described as a historic celebration of Nigeria’s highlife music heritage.
This year’s edition will posthumously honour highlife music icons including Oliver De Coque, alongside the Oriental Brothers, Lawrence Obusi and Victor Olaiya, in recognition of their immense contributions to Nigerian music and society.
The night promises a rich line-up of live performances from artistes such as Kcee, Professor Onye-Egwu, Peter The Rock, and Nwaeze Dcomradeking, with comedy acts from K-O Baba and Akpan Okon. A special appearance by the Chairman of Air Peace, Chief Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, who will chair the event, is also anticipated.
Amb. Nwagbo, who also serves as 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 is 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 aims to revive highlife music, which he noted is gradually being forgotten by younger Nigerians, while also appreciating 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 said.
Recalling the maiden edition in 2025, which honoured legends 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, Nwagbo described it as “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 significant contributions, noting that most of them did not benefit from digital streaming royalties.
“As a younger musician, I played guitar several times in the house of the 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 lamented.
He disclosed that ICON World Enter10ment provided Christmas packages, HMO health insurance and other welfare support to awardees from last year’s edition, which consequently 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 platforms to generate funds for them. Today, it is as if they are living but forgotten. So, as World Icon Enter10ment, we decided to come up with an idea where their 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, confirmed that the support had made a 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, a member of the organising 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, revealed that the event will also feature TikTok and Instagram dance and music challenges aimed at discovering new highlife talents.
Speaking on the decision to host 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.
The organisers encouraged the public to secure their tickets for the event via: https://pv.rsvp/highlife-legendary-awards.
