What are you listening to these days?
Afrobeat? Afropop? RnB?
Or maybe Highlife?
Yes, highlife, it’s back!
It’s no secret that when we think of highlife, we picture our parents swaying with their arms outstretched or in the air as though they believed the music connected them to something bigger than themselves. Their faces became a collection of different emotions expressed in pure heartfelt gestures; the nostalgia was always clear. Victor Uwaifor, Victor Olaiya, Oliver De Coque, and many others, connected our parents to life in a way that was surreal. I remember not understanding it and often thinking “ugh, old people” while rolling my eyes, until I found it myself.
I did not understand until I found it with The Cavemen.
The highlife band and brothers, Kingsley and Benjamin Okorie are something special and dare I say, they know it. They are connecting generations; bridging the present and the future with the past. They have taken a beautiful part of Nigerian history and are bringing it to life today. In their music, they have introduced a modern element to highlife that has reinforced its beauty and significance in a way that no one was ever probably thinking about… well, except them of course.
Their debut project, is their album titled ‘Roots’, released in August. The name of the album is perfectly representative of what their music clearly does so well; to remind and connect the younger generation to their roots. The Cavemen carry the magic of storytelling in their songs; they take listeners on a journey through life, love, hurt and uncertainty and leave us with the message that we will be alright.
Sung in Igbo, Pidgin and English; there is a message for everyone and whether or not you understand the words in their native tongue, the music still feels like home. It deepens feelings of wanting to live beautifully; flaws and all.
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Their music is essentially: peace.
Although the brothers had discovered their penchant for music growing up, The Cavemen was officially birthed in 2018 and we were given a taste of their musical prowess with their accompaniment in Lady Donli’s debut album ‘Enjoy Your Life’.
‘Roots’ is a 55-minute listen with sixteen songs. It is a pretty easy listen; the soft tunes, unique vocals, drums and distinct acoustics are a brilliant blend that will have you swaying, arms outstretched or in the air as though the music connects you to something bigger than yourself. Just like those before us.
The album has been nominated for the Best Alternative Album award for The Headies.
Question: What’s better than listening to The Cavemen?
Answer: Listening to The Cavemen live. Duh.
The band have put on a number of live shows over the last couple of months and they have one set for Saturday, 12th December at 6pm (today) at the Traffic Bar on Polo Road, Ikoyi. Tickets can be purchased via Nairabox. More details can be found on their social media handles provided below. The show is titled ‘Welcome to the Cave’; the title of the intro of their album, where they tell us “the cave is the heart of a man”: a noteworthy reminder that their music flows from the heart and sounds from the cave, are simply, sounds from the heart.
In the intro song they speak on their journey and say
“They will change Nigeria. They will change Africa. They will change the world” and then nudge listeners to “enjoy the sounds from the cave”. The response to their music has introduced a peace and unity; breaking cultural barriers that have often been a source of contention for Nigeria. The Cavemen tell the story of wanting to take this from a small scale and allow it resonate through the world.
It does not get better this: music that stirs our humanity.
With an open mind and receptive heart, give The Cavemen a chance to take you on a journey and be sure to let the music flow from their cave to yours.
Their new single ‘Who No Know Go Know (WNKGK) is out now.
