Oliver de Coque, also known by his birth name Oliver Sunday Akanite, was a prominent Nigerian musician and guitarist. Born on April 14, 1947, in Ezinifite, Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria, he developed a passion for music at a young age and was inspired by the works of Bobby Benson and Victor Olaiya.

Chief Oliver De Coque

Early Life

Oliver de Coque began his music career in the mid-1960s as a member of the Paradise Rhythm Band before forming his band, Expo '76. He rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s with his unique style of highlife music, which he dubbed "Ogene Sound Super of Africa."

Career

His music was characterized by socially conscious lyrics that addressed issues that affected Nigerian society. He released several albums, including "Identity," "Biri Ka Mbiri," "Uwa Bu Aja," and "Ana Enwe Obodo Enwe," which were a fusion of traditional Igbo music, highlife, and modern African pop.

In addition to his music career, Oliver de Coque was a charitable person who utilized his music to support various causes. He was a patron of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights and supported their efforts to promote human rights in Nigeria and other African countries.

Oliver De Coque's Death

Oliver de Coque passed away on June 20, 2008, at the age of 61, after a brief illness. He left behind a rich legacy in Nigerian music and is remembered as one of the greatest highlife musicians of all time.