Legendary Highlife Maestro, Mbanefo Launches Charity Foundation In Anambra 

The highlife maestro and king of highlife in Nigeria, Dr Chijioke Mbanefo, has launched a charity foundation, geared towards taking care of widows, orphans and the less privileged in the country, in Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In his welcome address at the official launch of the foundation, Prince Chijioke Mbanefo, said he is humbled because of what God has done for him over the years. He thanked God who has seen him through the industry for over 25 years, with a record history of over 50 albums in the market.

He stated that anytime he looks around and see people suffering, it pains his heart, knowing how it feels, for one to be in such misery. He stated that he resolved to set up the foundation as a way of giving back to the society which has been very appreciative of his efforts and contributions to the society.

Continuing, he said that the essence of the foundation was to ensure that widows, orphans and the less privileged in the country receive succour from him, from time to time.

He however stated, that it will be his own way of establishing his corporate Social responsibility to the society that has given so much to him.
In his first official function, Prince Mbanefo doled out over 500 bags of rice, school paraphernalia, and also promised to pay tuition fees of the very indigent ones among them.

While speaking with newsmen, a beneficiary commended Mbanefo for his great vision and for carrying his people along. He stressed that he will do everything to support the foundation towards achieving greater heights. He also appreciated him for his style which he said, was different from other musicians, whose stock in trade was to show off, without contributing anything to their society.

Speaking to Voice of Nigeria about his journey in the industry, Prince Chijioke Mbanefo said, “I started singing professionally since 1999 although my breakthrough in music came early 2005, after the release of my first hit album “Ije Nwa Ogbenye Na Ogaranyaa” . My best bestselling albums “Onye Mmacha” and “Achakegom” gave me worldwide recognition. 

“I was born on October 10, 1983, and I am blessed with 7 illustrious children; 4 sons and 3 daughters. I did my primary education in his hometown, Atani, before moving over to Nnewi where I had my secondary school education. I was awarded a honorary doctorate degree by the Institute of Chartered Economics, Kaduna in 2016. I have performed on stages in concerts in countries like Japan, Malaysia, Dubai UAE, South Africa, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, among others.I have recorded over over 82 albums in my over 25 years in the music industry and it is on record that I am the online highlife musician with the highest number of albums.”

Describing his early days in music industry as very tough, and acknowledging that late Chief Osita Osadebe was his role model, he said,

“After my studies in Nnewi, I went to Lagos to learn a trade. I did business for a while but all these while, I knew music was my calling and passion. In 1999, one day i woke up and told myself that i must face my destiny which is my musical career. I had to sell all my properties and goods in my shop and invested the money in music. At the studio, I met some men that worked with late Chief Osita Osadebe, I did the recording of my first album with them in 1999.

“I was looking at the
music industry in Nigeria and I was absolutely bored by the highlife genre. Everyone is doing the same thing. It’s all about dance-able beats and microphone. That’s why Osadebe came out and blew the world up because he brought back the entertainment and inspiration factor that highlife is known for. He
gave me something to be inspired with, which others did not. What Osadebe has done for the highlife community is what I am going to continue doing for the highlife and music industry in general.

“After recording my first album “Eziafakaego”( good name is better than money) in 1999, I went to my mentor, Osadebe, for blessings. Late Chief Osadebe gave me his blessings and prayers to succeed in my music career.I released “Ome ogo Adi afu njoo” in 2012 to console patients of the dreaded Ebola disease. The release of “Ewu akpu akpu” in 2013 brought me the award of the title “Eze-egwu” ( King of Highlife) after I recorded the album “Willie is Working” in 2013.I have collaborated with artists, like late Chief Osadebe, Prince Elogood, Captain Otigba in 2014, among others.

“I like listening to a lot of old school in musicians like Osadebe, Ali Chukwuma, captain Mudibe, Celestine Okwu, Sunny Ade, and Ebenezer Obe. I am not afraid anymore, When you are first starting out, you try so hard to get in the business and get noticed and when you finally do get in, you don’t want to
step on anybody’s toes. I remain grateful to God and Nigerians,” Mbanefo said.

Victoria Ibanga