Video By Kenechukwu and Joez Ibedu / Nigeria, Onitsha 2021. Executive production by Lucas Silva
Hollywoodoo Films. Bogota, Colombia.
OLIVER NAYOKA
Nigerian singer and guitarist, Oliver Nayoka, born Okwudili Oliver Anisiobi from Ekwulummili, Nnewi south of Anambra State, Nigeria, rose to prominence within the country and its diaspora with his resonating vocal and rare heavy guitar expertise which he does a lot of fusion with.
Nayoka's style of music was influenced by the Legendary Sunday Akalite popularly known as ' Oliver Decoque'. His heavy Congolese guitar expertise is a skill he believes was passed down to him from Decoque. The singer stated that he was inspired at an early stage of life by Decoque's music, a Legend he would have called his alter ego in a very different pleasant situation and an icon he reverence so much. As the next highlife master guitarist after Oliver Decoque, Nayoka has released applaudable hit songs that have reached his audience via audio and video medium. He has and is still working hard to reshape the history and conception of highlife thereby earning himself the name, 'Jimi Hendrix of highlife'.
Nayoka at an early stage of life started playing the guitar, a skill he self-developed due to his undiminished passion and intense practices. His musical accolades sprung up from when he first started in the year 1993 till date.
He started off playing the guitar from church to church in Anambra State, Nigeria and due to some financial restraints, he traveled to Warri for his apprenticeship with the intent of starting up a business afterwards, a fruitless effort that took away eight years out of his musical life which according to the singer was not regretted since it has helped to sum up his experiences of life. His first debut as a singer took place in Warri, Delta State and in the year 2006.
Nayoka started his band, 'Talented fellows’ band of Africa', a band that has waxed strong alongside him as the lead singer. When asked why his band has proven to be distinct from other bands, the singer summed it up in three words; "Passion, Practice and Consistency". He further said that it wasn't easy the first time they made a debut but over the years, the journey has been a smooth paddle and the plan to leave behind a perpetual musical dynasty.
Nayoka is not only an acclaimed singer but an energetic performer who always holds the interests of his audience at his grip when on stage. His master handling of the strings has and is still proving to be an enigma to his audience's perception. His works have been recognized all over the nation and beyond and from his story, it is believed that passion, hard work and persistence have played huge roles to his attained success so far.
Speaking on the challenges faced as a singer, Nayoka affirmed that it hasn't been easy balancing family life and musical career but he is ever grateful that the strength to be quite responsible has never been found diminishing.
Nayoka is a household name that has come to stay for Aeon’s of time to come. The awe-inspiring guitar handling and meritorious band will continue to be appreciated and applauded as they keep flooding the media with hit songs where his video contents on Facebook have hit over five (5) million views.
Oliver Nayoka recently released an album titled “Aja Wele-Wele”, rich in African sound and highlife music. The album is streaming on all digital platforms across the globe.
Connect with him on all social media platforms through the handle @OliverNayoka.