As activities marking the 2026 World Oceans Day continue, cultural stakeholders have praised the acclaimed musical production, The Cardinal, for reviving the music, stories and enduring legacy of Niger Delta Highlife icons whose contributions helped shape Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

The production pays tribute to celebrated pioneers of Port Harcourt’s golden Highlife era, including Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson, Prince David Bull, Joe Nez and Boma Bonnie, whose artistry helped establish the Niger Delta as a centre of musical excellence in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Created by renowned theatre practitioner and cultural ambassador Yibo Koko and curated by SEKI KULTURE, The Cardinal follows the journey of a young dreamer navigating love, ambition and self-discovery against the backdrop of Port Harcourt’s vibrant Highlife scene.

Speaking on the significance of the production, Koko described The Cardinal as “a celebration of the musicians and cultural trailblazers whose creativity transformed the Niger Delta into one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of artistic excellence.”

He noted that the production serves as a cultural archive, preserving the memories and achievements of legendary artists whose influence continues to resonate across generations.

Victor Agih, a cultural advocate and stakeholder in the creative sector, said the production provides an important opportunity to reconnect younger audiences with the region’s rich musical heritage.

According to Agih, “The Cardinal not only honours the contributions of Highlife legends but also demonstrates the value of culture as a driver of tourism, social cohesion and sustainable economic development.”

He added that the stories of Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson and his contemporaries remain relevant because they reflect the resilience, creativity and identity of the Niger Delta people.

Agih further noted that preserving and promoting such cultural assets aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the region’s Blue Economy by leveraging its unique heritage and waterfront history.

Stakeholders observed that beyond celebrating the achievements of Niger Delta Highlife legends, the production highlights the historical connection between culture, waterways, tourism and economic life—issues that resonate strongly with this year’s World Oceans Day theme, “Reimagining Our Relationship with the Ocean.”

They said The Cardinal demonstrates how music, theatre and cultural heritage can serve as powerful tools for preserving indigenous knowledge, promoting tourism and inspiring a new generation to appreciate the artistic legacy of Niger Delta Highlife pioneers.

The production has continued to attract attention from cultural enthusiasts, historians and tourism advocates who view it as an important effort to document and celebrate the region’s artistic heritage.

As World Oceans Day celebrations continue, stakeholders maintain that initiatives such as The Cardinal underscore the importance of preserving cultural heritage alongside environmental and economic priorities, noting that the stories and music of Niger Delta Highlife legends remain valuable assets capable of inspiring future generations while contributing to a vibrant creative economy.