Ebube Izuogu: The new torchbearer of Igbo highlife music

Ebube Izuogu, widely known by his stage name Prince Perry, stands as one of the most vibrant and culturally rooted voices in Nigeria’s contemporary music scene. More than an entertainer, he is a bri...

Ebube Izuogu, widely known by his stage name Prince Perry, stands as one of the most vibrant and culturally rooted voices in Nigeria’s contemporary music scene. More than an entertainer, he is a bridge — connecting the golden age of Igbo highlife with a new generation of listeners eager for authenticity, rhythm, and storytelling.

Raised in a community where music is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, Ebube grew up immersed in the sights and sounds of traditional life. From village squares to family celebrations, he was surrounded by melodies that did more than entertain — they told stories, taught morals, and celebrated communal identity. Inspired by Igbo musical legends like Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe and Oliver De Coque, his early fascination quickly evolved into a mission: to keep Igbo highlife alive, relevant, and evolving.

As Prince Perry, he has cultivated a sound that blends the timeless grooves of highlife with subtle contemporary influences. His discography — including standout tracks like “Onye Jekwu,” “Yawu Ihe,” “Oku Aza Mmuo,” and “Otu Mgbadike Special” — is rich with the lyrical wisdom, humour, and traditional cadence that define the genre. For Prince Perry, music is not just for dancefloors; it is a living archive of Igbo life, philosophy, and pride.

Albums and singles such as “Izuogu Na Ihe Eme,” “Ndi Nkem,” “Ogom Egbunem,” and “Izuogu Kworom Onu M” explore deeply resonant themes: love and betrayal, family and resilience, community and memory. His songs are both a celebration and a documentation — played at urban gatherings and rural festivals alike, uniting generations under the spell of melodic guitar riffs, rhythmic talking drums, and spirited Igbo choruses.

Through his independent label, Pericomo Records, Prince Perry has maintained a commitment to authenticity while ensuring accessibility to broader audiences. His live performances — notably “Oku Aza Mmuo (Live) Mp3” — capture the essence of traditional music in real time. To watch him perform is to witness a musical revival, where nostalgia meets innovation and ancestral echoes find new voice.

Today, Ebube Izuogu is more than a musician — he is a cultural custodian. In an era where digital trends often eclipse cultural depth, he is preserving and renewing a musical tradition that once dominated West Africa’s dance floors. His work is a vital thread in the larger tapestry of Igbo identity and African music history.

As he continues to create, perform, and inspire, Prince Perry ensures that highlife is not just remembered, but relived. For those seeking the true spirit of Igbo music, Prince Perry is both the sound and the soul of a tradition that lives on, proud, powerful, and ever vibrant.

 

'Sola Akinsanmi

Guardian Life

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