Prince Nico boys conquer Enugu with father’s music,  plan African tour

By Fred Iwenjora

Nico Jnr and Phils, two sons of famous musician Prince Nico Mbarga founder of Rocafiljazz band were in Enugu over the last weekend in what many consider a musical conquest of the coal city state.

And fans agree that they were victorious in this musical  battle.

This is in the family’s resolve to continuously work musically to keep their father’s musical heritage and legacies alive.

The duo backed up by the reconstituted band brought their father’s panco system brand of highlife music  first to Toscana, then at the International conference centre Enugu for an NGO anniversary before capping up at the Davids Hill centre on Saturday night.

In the tightly coordinated band,  Nico jnr, a master guitarist and singer backs his brother Phils (another multi instrumentalist) lead voice as they reeled out their father’s evergreen songs like Sweet mother, Simplicity, Good father, na my choice, music system,  Christiana etc

At the end of the 3 days musical onslaught, both Enugu fans and the band were grateful to each other for a strong symbiotic relationship.

In a post from the Enugu ICC on Sunday before their departure from Enugu, Nico thanked Enugu people for reception and hospitality.

Nico jnr had earlier said that getting older made them realise the legacy they are laden with and started preparing for whatever fans are seeing today.

He said “We first went to school before perfecting the songs we grew up with and now we are strictly in  performance mode. And no looking back” 

He further hinted that the band is ever ready for any kinds of invitations. 

Meanwhile  their sister Estelle who is one of the pillars of the Nico Mbarga Sweet Mother Foundation has announced an African tour for the Rocafiljazz band rebirth soonest.

According to Estelle, the singer and fashion designer third daughter of Prince Nico, “Rocafil jazz band is here to stay and not going anywhere.

“We are on a mission to take our father’s music around the world all over again. Please join us on this ride

She dropped  the tour plan which includes West, East and Central African countries. 

Pince Nico was one of the star artistes of Rogers All stars records label whose song Sweet Mother is still one of the best selling African songs of all time

He died in a ghastly motor accident on 24 June 1997.

He had ten children  most of whom are musically inclined.

A statue of him is standing at Ikom, Cross River state where he was raised.

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