Discography of The Oriental Brothers & Related Groups
The "Oriental Brothers" label actually describes five or six different groups. The original band, led by Godwin Kabaka Opara, was founded by the Opara brothers of Mbaise, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria - Ferdinand Dan Satch Emeka Opara, Christogonous Ezebuiro Obinna ("Warrior") and Kabaka, along with Nathaniel Ejiogu ("Mangala"), Hybrilious Alaraibe ("Akwilla"), and Prince Ichita. Mangala died shortly before the band became popular in the early seventies.
Then there are the "Oriental Brothers" group with Dan Satch and Warrior after Kabaka left; and the "Oriental Brothers" led by Dan Satch after the final split. With each defection the sound of the group has changed subtly. Until his death in June of 1999, however, Warrior continued to call his backup band the "Original Oriental Brothers" concurrently with the Dan Satch "Orientals." To keep things simple, this discography lists under "Oriental Brothers International Band" all of the various incarnations of the group that carries that name. Kabaka's group, Kabaka International Guitar Band, has its own listing, as do Warrior and his "Orientals."
To confuse matters more, on at least two occasions since the final split the Opara brothers reunited to record albums under the "Orientals" moniker. As if that weren't complicated enough, there has been at least one other "Orientals" group led by Prince Ichita (see below). In addition, there are the ORIGINAL Brothers, also from Owerri, led by Warrior sound-alike Sir Major, who may or may not be connected with the Orientals, but have a quite similar sound.
There are at least two other groups that originate in splits from one of the Orientals bands - the State Brothers International Band led by Aloy Anyanwu, and Chuks Nnadiekwe's Orlu Brothers International Band. Both groups' recordings are listed here.
For all this evident factionalism, there is no disputing the great influence of ALL the Oriental groups on contemporary Nigerian music. Their great contribution was fusing Congo-style guitar work with various traditional Igbo rhythms to create a fast-paced musical style that was beloved by Nigerians from all ethnic backgrounds and walks of life. Their sound emerged at a time of great crisis for the Igbo people in the wake of the Biafran war. As Maurice O. Ene, editor of "Kwenu" magazine, writes: "... the Orientals played a very important spiritual role in keeping many Ndiigbo sane. They were the pride of a people traumatized by a war so vicious."
I am greatly indebted to Vitus Johnson Laurence for the invaluable information he has provided for this discography and several other discographies included in Dr. Endo's African Music Home Page. - John Beadle
Oriental Brothers International Band
1974
Oriental Brothers International Band led by G. Kabaka Opara
Uwa Atualamujo b/w Ihe-Chi-Nyerem (7" 45; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWA 106)
-- Information couresy of Duncan Brooker
1974
Oriental Brothers International band led by G. Kabaka Opara
Orientals Special (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 44 & Decca [France] 278.164)
[A] Oriental's Special / Osa Enwe Aku / Onyeoma Nmadu 'Eji Egbuya
[B] Ihe Onye Eche / Ihe Oma Adighi Onye Oso / Otu'Nwa
1975
Oriental Brothers International led by G. Kabaka Opara
Nwa Ada Di Nma
(LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 59)(CD; Flame Tree [UK] FLTRCD 527)
[A] Nwa Ada Di Nma / Onye Si Nani Ya Biri / Anam Ele Chi / Onwetarani Nye Ibe Efe
[B] Akwa Uwa / Onye Oma / Nwayi Di Ya Bu Eze / Chi Awu Otu
1975
Oriental Brothers International led by Godwin Kabaka Opara
Taxi Driver b/w Uwamesi Special (7" 45; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWA 144)
1977
Oriental Brothers International
Oriental's Special (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 44)
[A] Oriental's Special / Osa Enwe Akwu / Onyeoma Nmadu 'Eji Egbuya
[B] Ihe Onye Eche / Ihe Oma Adighi Onye Oso / Otu 'Nwa
1977
Oriental Brothers International led by G. Kabaka Opara
Murtala Muhammad (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 71)
[A] Murtala Muhammad / Nkwa Pt. 1
[B] Nwoke Ezuike / Ndidi
1977
Oriental Brothers International led by G. Kabaka Opara
Nnedinobi (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2020)
[A] Aluta Agbogho / Aku Udo
[B] Nnedinobi / Oke Na Olulu
1977
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Ugwu Manu Na Nwanne Ya (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2024)
[A] Ugwu Manu Na Nwanne Ya
[B] Kele Chi
-- First LP after Kabaka left the band.
1977
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Origbu Onye Ozo (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2034)
[A] Origbu Onye Ozo
[B] Ihe Eme Uwa Adimma
1978
Oriental Brothers International Band
Ibezim Ako (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2057)
[A] Ibezim Ako
[B] Elu Rie Ala Rie
1978
Oriental Brothers International Band
Nwanne Awu Enyi (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2065)
[A] Nwanne Awu Enyi
[B] Ama Onye Wu Onye
1979
Oriental Brothers International Band
Onye Egbula Onye Agbata Obi Ya (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2071)
[A] Onye Egbula Onye Agbata Obi Ya
[B] Ozo Wu Iwem
1980
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Obi Nwanne (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2090)
[A] Obi Nwanne
[B] Ebele Onye Uwa
-- The last recording of the "Dan Satch-Warrior" incarnation of the Orientals.
1980
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Onye Ma Uche Chukwu? (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2103)
[A] Akwamibo
[B] Onye Ma Uche Chukwu?
1980
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Rarama Ndu (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2137)
[A] Uba Di Iche-Iche
[B] Rarama Ndu
1981
Oriental Brothers International
The Best of Oriental Brothers International (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2146)
[A] Ihe-Chi-Nyerem / Uwamesi Special / Ihe Onye Eche / Akwa Uwa
[B] Uwa-Atualamujo / Uwa Ewe Nmeta / Onwetaran Nye Ibe Ya / Onyeoma Nmadu Eji Egbuya
-- Tracks by the original lineup from the early-mid seventies.
1981
Oriental Brothers International Band Original led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Udo Ka Nma (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2158)
[A] Oriental/Origina
[B] Udo Ka Nma
1981
Oriental Brothers International Band Original led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Chukwu Nwe Anyi (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2176)
[A] Chukwu New Anyi
[B] Onye Chi Nyere Eze
1983
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Onye Nwe Ala (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2193)
[A] Onye Nwe Ala
[B] Messama Ahu
1984
Oriental Brothers International Band led by F. Dan Satch Opara
Ihe Eji Aku Eme (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2204)
[A] Ihe Eji Aku Eme / Dan Satch Emeka Opara
[B] Ego Ka Nma Nna / Okoro Bia
1987
Oriental Brothers International Band
Anyi Abiala Ozo (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2274) (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 098 [as Onye Egbula Nwanne Ya Series])
[A] Onye Egbula Nwanne Ya
[B] Anyi Abiala Ozo
-- Dan Satch, Warrior & Kabaka reunite.
1990
Oriental Brothers International Band
Heavy on the Highlife! (CD; Original Music [US] OMCD012)
Uwamwesi Special / Ihe Chinyenre / Uwa Atu Alamujo / Ihe Eji Aku Eme / Anyi Abiala Ozo / Na Kwa Echeki
-- Sampler containing tracks from several different incarnations of Oriental Brothers - Tracks 1-3 from the early united band, track 4 from the "Dan Satch" group, Track 5 from the 1987 "reunion" album, and Track 6 by Warrior.
1996
The Oriental Brothers
Oriental Ge Ebi (LP; Super International Records [Lagos] SI 071) (CD; Sontec Digital SON 38CD)
[A] Oriental Geebi / Obi Ejile Ekwelam
[B] Imo/Abia Special / Nnoram Neiuwa
-- Dan Satch, Warrior & Kabaka reunite once again.
2000?
Oriental Brothers International Band
Onye Egbula Nwanne Ya Series (Cassette; Super International [Lagos] SI 098)
[A] ?
[B] ?
-- Reissue of DWAPS 2274?
2001
Oriental Brothers
Vintage Hits Vol. 1 (CD; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWACD 001)
Nwanne Awu Enyi / Amaghim Onye Bu Onye / Oriental's Special / Osa Enwe Akwu / Onyeoma Nmadu Eji Egbuya / Ihe Onye Ekavchi Onye Oso / Ihe Oma Adighi Onye Oso / Bonus Track
2001
Oriental Brothers
Vintage Hits Vol. 2 (CD; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWACD 002)
Onye Egbula Onye Agbata Obiya / Ozo Wu Iwem / Murtala Mohammad / Nkwa (Part 1) / Nwoke Ezu Ike / Ndidi
Dan Satch & the Professional Atomic "8" Band
Since a copy of the album sleeve is not available, I cannot say for sure, but I am assuming that this "Dan Satch" is Dan Satch Opara. In the late sixties, he made this interesting 10" LP of classic dance-band highlife with some "Afrobeat" touches; quite different from the guitar-based sound that the Orientals would later popularize. - J.B.
1969
Dan Satch & the Professional Atomic "8" Band
Ikoro's 70 Special (10" LP; Philips 6386 008 (PR))
[A] Ikoro's 70 Special / Take Your Time / Tamuno Emi Dan Satch / Akadi Nwata Ma / Kente
[B] My Girl in Love! / Adiaha Obong / Ocho Okuko Nwe Ada / Calabar "O" / Onye Huru Odum
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Godwin Kabaka Opara's band has continued into the nineties with a vigorous touring schedule throughout Nigeria, and of all the Orientals off-shoots, its lively sound comes closest to that of the early pre-split band. I caught them at a Christmas Eve 1995 show in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, where they thrilled the crowd with renditions of early Oriental hits like "Ihe Onye Eche," "Chi Awu Otu" and "Uwamesi Special ." His music is often referred to as Nkotonko as well as high-life, native blues and merengue. - J.B & T.E.
1977
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Izu Kamma Na Nneji (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DLPS 004 /LP; Decca [France] 278.165)
[A] Izu Kamma Na Nneji / Chukwu Kere Mmadu / Chineke Wetuo Ekwensu
[B] Mangala Special / Ichere Chi Amaghi Onye Iwu / Ajam Ashi-Mi
1977 Kabaka International Guitar Band
Ijeuzoije Amunkpa (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DLPS 010)
[A] Ijeuzoije Awunkpa / Onuru Olu Nwa Bia Za
[B] Nmawu Ego Special / Onye Ikekwere Mekeya
1977
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Ewu Nla Ala Oduya Di Na Miri (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DLPS 012)
[A] Ewu Nla Ala Oduya Di Na Miri
[B] Ndidi Kanma Nu Uwa / Bia Luru Nwa Ada
1978
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Onye Mere Ihe Akeya (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DLPS 015)
[A] Onye Mere Ihe Akeya
[B] Isuolam / Oh! Dear Jesus
1979
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Obiara Nga Onye Egbulaya (LP; Afrodisia/Deram [Lagos] DLPS 016)
[A] Ijemana Iyomana
[B] Obiara Nga Onye Egbulaya / Ebemam
1979
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Ewu Nga Onye Eze Na Okuko Nwaogbenye (LP; Afrodisia/Deram [Lagos] DLPS 017)
[A] Ewu Nga Onye Eze Na Okuko Nwaogbenye
[B] Omemara-Chi Ekwe / Kema-Ako-Lam
1980
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Late Florence Mbakwe (LP; Afrodisia/Deram [Lagos] DLPS 018)
[A] Agaracha Eru Uyo Ije Atoama
[B] Ijuru Chim Ajuju / Late Florence Mbakwe
1981
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Onye Ma Ka Nma (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2122)
[A] Egbula Nwa Onye Ozo
[B] Dr. Agwu Nwaukpa-Ohaozara Special / Onye Mam Ka Nma
1981
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Ego Di Nkpa (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2141)
[A] Ego Di Nkpa
[B] Osumunu Gburu Ama-Kaya
1982
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Nwanne Di Namba Social Club of Nigeria (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2142)
[A] Nwanne Di Namba
[B] Onye Di Ukpa-Odi (Anyi Amarala)
1989
Kabaka International Guitar Band
Ezi Nwanne (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2282)
[A] Ezi Nwanne
[B] Uwa Owu Nkeonye / Osinachi
1995
Kabaka Opara's Oriental Brothers International
Do Better if You Can/Onye Ikekwere Mekeya (CD; Original Music [US] OMCD 034)
Oh Dear Jesus / Ebemana / Mmawu Egbu Special / Onye Ikekwere Mekeya / Ijemana Iyomana
-- Although it is labeled as by "Kabaka Opara's Oriental Brothers International," this isa compilation of older material by the Kabaka International Guitar band, as spoken comments at the beginning of the opening track clearly indicate. A copyright dispute?
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers - Original
Chief Christogonous Ezebuiro Obinna, better known as "Dr. Sir Warrior," died on Wednesday, June 2, 1999, and was buried on June 19 in his hometown of Umuhu Enyiogugu, Mbaise, in Imo State. Leader of the best-known and most popular of the "Orientals" groups, Warrior was famed for his powerful voice as well as his mastery of traditional Owerri men's dance.
>From an article by Ben Duru, "Musicians, Others Remember Sir Warrior," in the July 2, 1999 edition of the "Post Express" (Lagos):
"Eminent highlife musicians and ordinary Nigerians alike have continued to pay tributes to Chief Christogonous Ezebuiro Obinna who died last month. Obinna, better known as Sir Warrior, was the leader of the famous Oriental Brothers Band of Owerri which ruled the highlife music scene for several decades in the country...
"'He did not enjoy the fruits of his labour,' said Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, the venerable highlife maestro, of Sir Warrior. 'When I confirmed the news of his death, I was almost paralysed. I was shocked to my bones,' Osadebe told our reporter. Chief Oliver De Coque, the Ogene superstar, also spoke in a similar vein, praising the musical genius of Sir Warrior. 'He was a very good and amiable person. I am sad because we have lost such a genius. When I heard the news, I was dumbfounded... The first thing that occurred to me was that we have lost a genius in highlife.'
"'General' Ferdinand Dansatch Emeka Opara, the man who brought Warrior into music, also pays glowing tribute to his friend, colleague and erstwhile partner. 'I cried and cried,' said Dansatch. 'I felt that I had lost a rare gem, a genius, a powerful vocalist.'
"Mr. Chris Osuji, a furniture maker, also remembers the great Warrior with deep sorrow. 'We, from Mbaise have lost a lot in the death of Warrior. I hope one of his sons will take over from him,' said Osuji.
"A patent medicine dealer, Mr. Hezekiah Okoro, sums up the feelings of millions of Nigerians over the death of Sir Warrior: 'He was an illustrious son of Nigeria. Warrior brought happiness to us through the music he played.'"
Since the death of Sir Warrior, two of his sons, Uchenna and Ajuzieogu Obinna, have vowed to carry on their father's legacy. Their first performance with the Original Oriental Brothers was at Warrior's wake in June. Since then the group has performed in Onitsha, Aba, Port Harcourt, Onu, Benin City, Umuahia and Lagos, among other localities. No recordings have yet been made.- J.B.
1980
Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International
Onye Oma Nmanu (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2098)
[A] Aneri Aku
[B] Onye Oma Nmanu
-- Warrior's first solo outing with "his" Oriental Brothers.
1980
Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Hapum Meberi (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2117)
[A] Hapum Meberi
[B] Gi Nyem Ugwum Mu Enye Gi Nke Gi
1981
Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Onye Obula Zoba Isi Onweya (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2130/LP; Oti Records [UK] OTI[LP]2130)
[A] Ndo Ma Ike
[B] Onye Obula Zoba Isi Onweya
1981
Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Jide Nkeji (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2157)
[A] Jide Nke Gi
[B] Ome Nma
1982
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Original Oriental Brothers International Band
Chi Awu Otu (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2164)
[A] Ihe Onyeche
[B] Chi Awu Otu
1983
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band
Onye ije ( LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2175 )
[A] Onye ije
[B] Omumu
1983
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Original Oriental Brothers International Band
Agwo Loro Ibeya (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2188)
[A] Agwo Loro Ibeya
[B] Nwa Enwe Nne
1983
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Ugo Chinyere (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2197)
[A] Ugo Chinyere
[B] Madu Mezie Ndu Ya
1984
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Ndi Ji Ego (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2207)
[A] Uwa Safe
[B] Ndi Ji Ego
1985
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band - Original
Warrior in London (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2227)
[A] Anyiyiriodo
[B] Chinaemenma
1986
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Original Oriental Brothers
Ndi Adudu (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2267)
[A] Akaraka
[B] Ndi Adudu
1988
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band
Udo Ndi Oma (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2277)
[A] Udo Ndi Oma
[B] Oruole
1988
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band
Na Kwa Echeki (LP; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWAPS 2287)
[A] Na Kwa Echeki
[B] Lekwenum / Onye Huru Chim Anya
1993
Ultimate Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band of Nigeria
Nke Onye Diri Ya (LP; Super International [Lagos] SI 055)(Video CD; Super International [Lagos] SIV 055)
[A] Warrior Abiala Ozor / Onye Di Nma Na Azu
[B] Nke Onye Diri Ya
1994
Ultimate Dr. Sir Worrior & his Oriental Brothers
Ofe Owerri (LP; Super International [Lagos] SI 063, CD; CD World/Sontec SON 37, CD; Mossiac Music [New York] MMCD 0074) (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 063)
[A] Ochichi Nigeria / Omebunwa Ogbenye
[B] Ofe Owerri / Uwa Chia Chia
-- "Warrior" is mis-spelled "Worrior" on the album cover. The Mossiac reissue of Ofe Owerrii also includes the contents of Super International LP SI 055, Nke Onye Diri Ya
1995
Ultimate Dr. Sir Worrior & his Oriental Brothers
NigeriaAny-Ga-Ebi (LP; Super International [Lagos] SI 065)1) (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 065)
[A] Anyi-Ga-Ebi(We Shall Live)
[B] Kwu-Kwa-Ezi-Okwu (Say The Truth)
1996
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers
Who Goes There (LP; Super International [Lagos]SI 070) (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 070)
[A] Who Goes There / Oko Nke Gi
[B] Uwa Bu Nke Onye / Oko Nke Zik
Late 1990s?
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International Band of Nigeria
Ndi Ji Ego (CD; Mossiac Music [New York City] MMCD 00510)
Uwa Self II / Chi Na Eme Mma / Uwa Di Egwu / Ndi Ji Ego
2001?
Dr. Sir Warrior & Oriental Brothers International Band
Vintage Hits Vol. 1 (CD; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWALCD 004)
Ihe Onye Eche / Chi Awu Otu / Onyebula Zoba Isi / Ndo Ma Ike
2004?
Ultimate Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers Band of Nigeria
Aneri Aku Special (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 103)
?
2004?
Dr. Sir Warrior & Co.
Aku Udo Special (CD; Super International [Lagos] SI 104)
?
2004?
Dr. Sir Warrior & his Oriental Brothers International
Vintage Hits Vol. 2 (CD; Afrodisia [Lagos] DWACD 0005)
Uwa Safe / Ndi Ji Ego / Hapum Mebiri / Ginyem Egum Mu Enye Gi Nke Gi
Uche & Ajuzieogu Warrior & the Oriental Brothers Band
Since the death of Sir Warrior, two of his sons, Uchenna and Ajuzieogu Obinna, have vowed to carry on their father's legacy. Their first performance with the Original Oriental Brothers was at Warrior's wake in June 1999. Since then the group has performed across southern Nigeria. They have just released their first CD. - J.B.
2000
Uche Warrior & Ajuzieogu Warrior & the Oriental Brothers Band
Tribute to Dr. Sir Warrior (LP; Super International Music Agency Ltd. SI 094. CD; World Son 0ll)
[A] Awuruse Biri Na Osisi / Ihe Onwu Mere Nayi Na Uwa
[B] Sir warrior Si Anyi Tiwe Egwu / Sokwa Onye Ulo Aso
Emperor Teddy Obinna
Although he calls himself "Junior Warrior," Teddy Obinna is in fact the late Warrior's half-brother (Warrior's father had three wives). He has made a big splash in recent years with his new soukous-flavored update of the classic Warrior sound. J.B. & V.J.L.
2002
Emperor Teddy Obinna (aka Junior-Warrior)
Uwa Wu Paw-Paw (CD; label unknown SW 2192)
Onyegbula / Onye-Ugwu / Nsogbu-Uwa / Gwupiti N Zu / Uwa Wu Paw-Paw
2004
Emperor Teddy Obinna (aka Uwa Wu Paw-Paw)
Uwa Shekiga e Shekiga (Cassette; C. Meks & Sons [Onitsha, Nigeria] CMS 14)
[A] Uwa Shekiga e Shekiga / Onye Nchem
[B] Ikwe Mmegbu / Alafegam Nsogbu
Prince Ichita & The Great Oriental Brothers International Band
Prince Ichita and Lyvinius "Akwilla" Alaraibe, founding members of the Oriental Brothers, left in 1977 to form their own "Great Oriental Brothers Band" with a very similar sound. Itchita died in poverty in the 1980's. Warrior then took Akwilla on as a member of his Orientals, where he stayed until Warrior's death in 1999. - V.J.L.
Late 1970s?
Prince Ichita & The Great Oriental Brothers International Band '78
Onye Shi Mu Na Ya (LP; EMI Nigeria NEMI 0382)
[A] Onye Shi Mu Na Ya Adeghi Mma / Uma Elu Uwa Aparala Anyi Gama
[B] Nyem Obi Gi / Satan Worshippers
Early 1980s?
The Great Oriental Brothers International Band Led by Ichita Ahumareze
Ebube Nkwa (LP; EMI Nigeria NEMI 0466)
[A] Oguawuike
[B] Okara ozo eme ozo
Early 1980s
Prince Ichita & The Great Oriental Brothers International Band
Nchekwube (LP; EMI Nigeria NEMI 0549)
[A] Ashishi Uka / Hie Eji Aku Eme
[B] Nchekwube / Onu Ya Ka Onu Gi
Orlu Brothers International Band
"Sir Cardinal" Chuks Ndadiekwe, who hails from Isunjaba, Isu LGA, Imo State, was a founding member of the "Warrior" faction of the Oriental Brothers in 1980 and left several years later to form the Orlu Brothers International Band, based in the city of Orlu, Imo State. With several members from Ghana, the Orlu Brothers' style differs somewhat from the punchy, hard-driving Orientals sound. Characterized by lyrical guitar work and close-knit vocal harmonies, their "O Boro Chi Kele Chi" was one of the standout highlife releases of the eighties. - J.B. & V.J.L.
1982
Cardinal Chuks and His International Guys
Uba Akagi Nwa (LP; Zonto [Nigeria] ZRLP 001)
[A] Charity / Ome Nma / Nke Iruka
[B] Uba Akagi Nwa / Akaraka
1983
Orlu Brothers International Band of Nigeria
O Boro Chi Kele Chi (LP; Top [Nigeria] TOP 003)
[A] Uwa Shiri Ike / O Boro Chi Kele Chi
[B] Ada Nne / Gwam Okwu
1987
Orlu Brothers International Band
Onye-Ejile-Eme-Onu (LP; Super International [Lagos] SI 007)
[A] Cheremu Nwannem / Ochiri Ozuo
[B] Onye-Ejile-Eme-Onu (Akwa Ariri)
1990
Sir Cardinal Chuks Ndadiekwe & Orlu Brothers International Band of Nigeria
Igboshirike (LP; GCI Records [Nigeria] GCIB 001)
[A] The Nigerian Community in United States of America
[B] Igboshirike
Aloy Anyanwu & his State Brothers International Band
Like the Opara brothers, Aloysius Anyanwu hails from Mbaise, a locality that has produced several other Igbo musical notables like Joe Nez. He was a founding member of the original Ikenga Super Stars led by Vincent Okoroego. Following Kabaka Opara's departure from the Oriental Brothers he was invited to join the band by Dan Satch & Warrior. Like Kabaka, Anyanwu is a talented guitarist.
Ironically, like his former mentor, Vincent Okoroego, Anyanwu would be involved in an act of musical larceny. In the early seventies, the Ikengas were founded when Okoroego & other members of Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe's Nigeria Sound Makers hijacked a master tape from the band to release under the name "Nkengas." In 1978, Anyanwu likewise stole an Oriental Brothers tape to release under his own name. Before he could do so, he was caught and dismissed from the group. Subsequently the band took out an injuction in the Owerri Chief Magistrate's Court stopping him from using their work. This episode inspired the Orientals' song "Ozo Wu Iwem," meaning "This is My Annoyance".
With his own group, the State Brothers International Band, Anyanwu is still playing but is not very active. - V.J.L.
1982
Aloy An,yanwu & State Brothers International
Nwannem (LP; Homzy [Enugu, Nigeria] HCE 060)
[ A] Nwannem
[ B] Uba / Okpom
1985
Aloy Anyanwu & his State Brothers International Band
Egwu Onu-Nnwa (LP; Rogers All Stars [Onitsha, Nigeria] RASLPS 055)
[A] Egwu Ono Nwa / Ekwensu Anwazinam
[B] Ezi-Nwanemu / Me and You Nwa One
1986
Aloy Anyanwu & his State Brothers International Band
Chi Nwe Ndu (LP; Rogers All Stars [Onitsha, Nigeria] RASLPS 070)
[A] Chi Nwe Ndu / Late Madam Eunice Anyanwu
[B] Ihe Onye na Eme / Uwa Na Enye Nsogbu
Original Brothers International Band
Owerri-based group led by Warrior sound-alike Sir Major. Possibly no connection with the Orientals but listed here for the sake of inclusivity. -J.B.
1980
Original Brothers International Band
Obi Nwanne (LP; Rogers All Stars [Onitsha, Nigeria] RASLPS 011)
[A] Ihe Onye Atula / Onye Akpola Nwanne Ya Ugwuo
[B] Obi Nwanne
1981
Original Brothers International Band
Iheoma Ogo Egbulem (LP; Rogers All Stars [Onitsha, Nigeria] RASLPS 020)
[A] Iheoma Ogo Egbulem
[B] Ndu Ka Ego / Agwo Mu Na Nwannem Gbulu
1990 (?)
Original Brothers International Band of Imo State
Expo 90 (LP; Afro Sound [Nigeria] ASLPS 2201)
[A] Elu-Uwa / Nwanne Di Nobi
[B] Ezinne
-- This discography was compiled, in collaboration with Toshiya Endo, by John Beadleat P.O. Box 100174, Milwaukee, WI 53210 USA.
For weblog, visit (http://likembe.blogspot.com/), and
E-mail to John Beadle
Special thanks to: Gilbert Hsiao, Vitus Johnson Laurence, Claire Nzerem, Duncan Brooker, David Noyes, Zim Bida...
Last updated on February 27, 2016.
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