: The Nigerian Civil War dealt a massive blow to the genre. Disruption in cities like Onitsha caused many musicians to struggle, initiating a "slow fade" from its overwhelming popularity in the early 60s.
The civil war (the Biafran secession) scattered musicians and devastated the Igbo heartland. In the 1970s and 80s, highlife experienced a renaissance, but with a harder edge. emerged as the undisputed king. His band featured a larger, brasher horn section and a more aggressive rhythm guitar. His 1984 hit Osondi Owendi became an anthem, its infectious groove and simple but profound philosophy (no man is an island) transcending ethnic boundaries to become a pan-Nigerian classic. igbo highlife
Igbo Highlife is distinct from other Nigerian genres (like Juju or Apala) due to its specific melodic structure and instrumentation. : The Nigerian Civil War dealt a massive blow to the genre