“Onuigbo,” a timeless classic by Chief Dr. Stephen Osita Osadebe from the 1996 album “Kedu America,” is not only a musical masterpiece but also as a poignant tribute to the Enugu Coal/Iva valley Miners who met a tragic fate in November 1949. The song serves as a memorial for the 21 workers who lost their lives while peacefully demanding a pay raise, a somber reflection on the historical injustices faced by the Nigerian labor force.

The lyrics of “Onuigbo” capture the essence of the tragedy, expressing sorrow for the defenseless miners and condemning the violence perpetrated by the British Police. The lines, “Onuigbo Onuigbo oh, Onuigbo nwanne mụ jelu igwụ coal na Enugwu na-ọbụzi na ọnwụ,” vividly convey the pain and loss experienced by the community.

Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, often credited with bringing the highlife music genre from Ghana to Nigeria and infusing it with Igbo flavor, used his artistry to address social issues and historical events. Born in March 1936 and passing away on May 11, 2007, Osadebe’s impact on the music landscape endured for over four decades. Hailing from Atani town in Anambra state, he became a prominent figure in Eastern Nigeria.

His iconic track “Osondi Owendi” remains a cultural phenomenon, solidifying Osadebe’s status as one of Nigeria’s greatest highlife musicians. Nicknamed “The doctor of hypertension,” Osadebe was not only a singer but also a skilled songwriter and record producer, contributing significantly to the development and popularity of highlife music in Nigeria.

As “Onuigbo” echoes through time, it serves as a poignant reminder of Chief Osita Osadebe’s ability to intertwine musical excellence with social commentary, creating a lasting legacy that extends far beyond entertainment.