The album cover for Egwu Mmanwu Igbo: Music of Igbo Masquerade by Okwy Osadebe and Highlife Soundmakers International is an illustration. It prominently features Okwy Osadebe in traditional Igbo attire, adorned with red and green patterned fabric, gold jewelry, and a red cap. He gestures warmly, as if inviting the listener into the music. The background is an expressive mix of warm colors—orange, yellow, and black—depicting silhouetted musicians playing instruments like the saxophone, trumpet, guitar, and drums, emphasizing the highlife and Igbo masquerade music themes. The hand-drawn typography is bold, with a mix of yellow and red hues.
Album reviews

Highlife in Disguise: Okwy Osadebe Honors Igbo Masquerade Tradition

Tyler Bennet March 10, 2025 No Comments

Okwy Osadebe and Highlife SoundMakers – Music for Igbo Masquerade (Odogwu Entertainment / Palenque Records, 2025)

Okwy Osadebe and Highlife SoundMakers’ latest album, Music for Igbo Masquerade (Odogwu Entertainment / Palenque Records, 2025), expertly pays tribute to the colorful masquerade traditions of the Igbo people in Nigeria. Infused with magnetic traditional chants, unexpected whistles, intricate guitar lines, and highlife rhythms, the album gracefully weaves heritage with modernity, offering a fresh perspective on highlife music.

“I’ve woven chants from my musicians into the core of each song to capture the essence and grandeur of this tradition,” Osadebe explains. “I want listeners to experience the beauty and excellence of Igbo Masquerade, where traditional sounds meet contemporary expression.”

Author: Tyler Bennet

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