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

The musical heritage of Prince Nico Mbarga, the legendary Nigerian highlife artist and founder of the Rocafil Jazz band, is experiencing a vibrant revival through the efforts of his sons. Over a recent weekend, Nico Jnr and Phils Mbarga brought their father’s timeless compositions to life in Enugu, captivating audiences and reaffirming their commitment to preserving and promoting his influential sound.

The brothers performed at several key venues across the city, including Toscana, the International Conference Centre during an NGO anniversary, and the Davids Hill Centre. Their rendition of iconic tracks such as “Sweet Mother,” “Simplicity,” and “Good Father” showcased the distinctive panco system style that their father pioneered. Supported by a reassembled band, the siblings delivered a carefully coordinated performance that highlighted both Nico Jnr’s guitar mastery and vocal abilities and Phils’ multi-instrumental talents and lead singing.

This series of performances was widely regarded by local fans as a triumphant reaffirmation of Prince Nico Mbarga’s musical legacy. The close rapport between the performers and the Enugu audience underscored the enduring appeal of the highlife genre and the special place Mbarga’s music occupies in it. The musicians expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality they received throughout their stay, emphasizing the mutual respect between artist and fan.

The Mbarga brothers’ journey into their father’s repertoire was marked by a period of intense preparation and study. Nico Jnr has reflected on the significance of inheriting such a storied legacy, noting that their readiness to perform comes after years of dedication to mastering the songs and deepening their understanding of the music that shaped their childhood. This foundation has enabled them to engage audiences with authenticity and passion, presenting the songs with both reverence and renewed energy.

Looking beyond Enugu, the family’s ambition to extend the reach of Prince Nico Mbarga’s music is gaining momentum. Estelle Mbarga, their sister and a key figure in the Nico Mbarga Sweet Mother Foundation, has announced plans for an upcoming African tour. This initiative aims to bring the revitalized Rocafil Jazz band to audiences across West, East, and Central Africa, signaling a determined effort to reaffirm their father’s place in the continent’s musical landscape.

The planned tour represents more than a series of concerts—it is a cultural mission to celebrate and sustain the artistic contributions of one of Africa’s most influential musicians. Prince Nico Mbarga, who was signed to Rogers All Stars Records, remains best known for “Sweet Mother,” a track that has achieved legendary status and is considered one of the best-selling African songs to date. His untimely death in a motor accident in 1997 left a profound void, but his extensive family, many of whom are musically gifted, continue to honor his legacy.

A physical tribute to Prince Nico Mbarga stands in Ikom, Cross River State, the area where he was raised, symbolizing the lasting impact of his work on Nigerian musical heritage. The ongoing efforts by his children to revive and disseminate his music reinforce the enduring relevance of his contributions to highlife and African music at large.

While details about the full itinerary of the upcoming African tour remain limited, the initiative underscores the Mbarga family’s dedication to both preserving their father’s legacy and introducing it to new generations of listeners. Their performances in Enugu serve as a testament to the vitality of this mission and the continued resonance of Prince Nico Mbarga’s music across diverse audiences.