Celestine Obiakor Ukwu also known as Celestine Ukwu was a popular Nigerian musician known for his highlife music during the 1960s and 1970s. He became famous for songs like "Ije Enu," "Igede," and "Money Palava."

Celestine Ukwu

Celestine Ukwu was Born in Enugu State, Nigeria, he grew up in a musical family. His father played traditional Igbo music, and his mother was a lead singer in a women's music group. 

Ukwu showed an early interest in music and learned to read music and play the harmonium with the help of his uncle.

Celestine Ukwu Early Life

After finishing primary school, Ukwu attended a teacher training school but left to pursue music as his career. He joined different music groups, including Mike Ejeagha's Paradise Rhythm Orchestra and Mr. Picolo's band, which toured the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Celestine Ukwu Career

In 1966, Ukwu formed his own band called Celestine Ukwu & His Music Royals of Nigeria. They gained popularity, but their journey was interrupted by the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. Ukwu responded to the war by releasing a song called "Hail Biafra" that expressed the feelings of the time.

After the Civil war, Ukwu formed another group called Celestine Ukwu & His Philosophers National. They released several albums, including the successful "Igede Fantasia."

Celestine Ukwu's Death

Sadly, Ukwu's life was tragically cut short when he died in a car accident on May 7, 1977 along Owerri-Onitsha road.

However, his music continues to be celebrated. His unique style, combining traditional Igbo melodies with highlife influences, has been featured in popular world music compilations like The Rough Guide to Highlife and The Rough Guide to Psychedelic Africa.

Celestine Ukwu remains an influential figure in Nigerian music, and his songs continue to inspire musicians today. Despite his untimely passing, his musical legacy lives on, and he is remembered as a talented Igbo highlife musician who made a significant impact on the Nigerian music scene.