Reviving a Cultural Legacy Through Music

 Highlife Is My Life – Uzoma Obiora’s Return to His Roots

The future of Nigerian music continues to shine brighter with every beat. Among the driving forces behind this resurgence is Uzoma Stephen Obiora, a former broadcaster with the Imo State Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) and a passionate highlife musician determined to preserve and promote the indigenous sound of Africa.

From Village Orchestra to Global Stage

Uzoma’s musical journey began humbly — as a 12-year-old lead vocalist in his village orchestra. Since then, his path has led him across borders, from Nigeria to the United States, where he studied music and collaborated with more than 30 professionals across diverse genres.

“I am fully returning to Nigeria to make a point and contribute to the growth of our music industry,”
– Uzoma Obiora

The Heartbeat of African Culture

Although Uzoma plays various genres, highlife holds a special place in his heart. He sees it as more than music, it’s an expression of African values, unity, and heritage.

“Highlife is part of our African heritage. It’s the root of our rhythm, a true reflection of our culture and a bridge between the past and the future.”

With this conviction, Uzoma aims to reignite the highlife revolution in Nigeria, inspiring younger musicians to understand and embrace their roots.

A Return to Inspire the Next Generation

After years in the U.S., Uzoma returned home with a clear mission: to bring highlife back into the mainstream.
He believes Nigerian artists possess unmatched talent and creativity, but what’s needed is leadership, discipline, and commitment to preserve the essence of their art.

“Highlife is the foundation of every music in Africa. You can play reggae, afrobeat, or juju, but the rhythm of highlife must be maintained.”

Mentored by Legends, Driven by Passion

Uzoma draws inspiration from iconic highlife figures such as Oliver De Coque, Sir Warrior, and Chief Osita Osadebe. Sir Warrior, in particular, played a mentorship role in shaping his sound and philosophy.

His upcoming albums promise a refreshing yet rooted sound, blending the traditional rhythm of highlife with modern influences that appeal to today’s audience.

Spreading Highlife Beyond Borders

Beyond music, Uzoma’s vision is cultural — to spread the gospel of African rhythm to global stages and inspire young artists to celebrate indigenous sounds as proudly as Western ones.

“Our youth should understand and embrace our culture. Foreign music shouldn’t dominate our airwaves. Highlife connects us all — it’s who we are.”

The Mission Continues

Uzoma Obiora stands as a bridge between tradition and modernity, between memory and movement.
Through his music, he reminds us that highlife isn’t fading, it’s evolving, thriving, and ready to take its rightful place once again.