Discography of Oliver de Coque (Oliver Sunday Akanite) (1947 - June 20, 2008)

King Chief Oliver de Coque died on June 20, 2008 in a hospital in Gbagada, Lagos, after struck by heart failure.
Together with Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe and the various Orientals off-shoots, Oliver De Coque (b. Oliver Sunday Akanite) can be considered one of the prime exemplars of and chief innovators in contemporary Igbo popular music. Of these musicians, he has done the most to integrate contemporary highlife and traditional Igbo music. Indeed, his trademark "system" or "style" takes its name from the Ogene, a double-headed bell used in traditional Igbo music. One of Africa's greatest guitarists, he has been much inspired by Congolese soukous, and this is shown to good form in such releases as 1985's "Nne Bu Oyoyo / Ezigbo Nna." "Omumu Onye Nzoputa (Jesu Kristi) / Olu Ebube Nke Onye Nweayi" from 1983 shares a guitar line with the tune "Nanu Lubutu" by Congolese group Minzoto Wella-Wella.

De Coque hails from Ezinifite, Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State, and got his musical start in 1965 at the age of 17 playing ekpili, a form of Igbo traditional music. In 1970, following the defeat of the Biafran war of independence, he got a job playing with a Lagos group, Sunny Agaga & his Lucky Star Band. Shortly after he engaged with Jacob Oluwole & his Friendly Unity Band, and was featured on their hit "Agbasisi." De Coque's stint with this group was also short-lived, and in 1973 he took up with Sule Agboola & his Moonlight Star Band.

As this discography shows, De Coque has continued into the '90s with his usual fecundity. In addition to his singing career he has also branched out into the acting field, appearing in several Nigerian video releases. While De Coque still delivers a great stage show, his last few releases have been rather weak. His younger brother Eugene, however has ably carried on the "Ogene" tradition with his updated "Igede" sound (see his separate discography below).
Two of De Coque's sons have also recently entered the musical field. One, Oliver Sunday Akanite Jr., released his first album, Onye Juru Ase in early 2004, while Darlington Akanite hopes to make his mark in the burgeoning Nigerian hip-hop field.
Oliver De Coque has many more recordings than are listed here.Oliver De Coque has 73 albums to his credit, many more than are listed here. It is hoped that future updates of this discography will feature information on all of these unlisted recordings. Information on these would be very much appreciated. - John Beadle.
Early 1970s
Jacob Oluwole & his Friendly Unity Band
Agbasisi / ? (7" 45; recording information not available)
-- De Coque plays guitar on this recording.
1976
Oliver de Coque & The Expo '76
"Ogene Sound" Super (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 48)
[A] Messiah Messiah / Mbanese Ayi Ekene
[B] My Cherry/Ekeoha Fire Disaster (Aba) / Kaduna Special
1977
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Ten Commandments (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 62)
[A] Ten Commandments / Igwe Bu Ike
[B] Anazo Eze Azo? / Olumo Records Special
1977
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Oje Mba Ewilo (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 68)(CD; Olumo [Lagos] ORPSCD 068 [as Abada])
[A] Oje Mba Ewilo / Odi Ili Eri Aku Special
[B] The Tragedy Journey of Two Friends / Oma Obi Dia
1978
Oliver De Coque & his Expo '76
Ife Chi Kwulu Geme (Sound Ogene) (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 78)(CD; Olumo [Lagos] ORPSCD 078)
[A] Ife Chi Kwulu Geme (Sound Ogene) / Onye Zogbulu Nwambe?
[B] Baby Don't Cry / Go Call Policev
1979
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Jomo Kenyatta - Hero of Africa (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 94)
[A] Ife Uwa Abu Nike / Nke Chi Nyelonye
[B] Jomo Kenyata / It Is Good To Be Good
1979
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
I Salute Africa (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 100)(CD; Olumo [Lagos] ORPSCD 100 [as People's Club Of Nigeria])
[A] People's Club of Nigeria / Kayi Bilibe Ndu
[B] I Salute Africa / All Fingers Are Not Equal

1980
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Identity (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 108)(CD; Olumo [Lagos] ORPSCD 108)
[A] Uwa Bu Aja / Ije Ewele / Kano-Gombe Special
[B] Identity / Nwa Bu Ife Ukwu
1980
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Ugbala (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 118)
[A] Omeokachie Social Club of Nigeria / Kuwa Kilibe
[B] Ugbala/Ukadinobi / Ife Chi Nyelonye
1982
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Udoka Social Club of Nigeria (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 124)(Olumo [Lagos] ORPSCD 124)
[A] ?
[B] ?
1982
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
People's Club of Nigeria 10th Anniversary (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 126)
[A] People's Club Tenth Year Anniversary / Libe Olili Nechi Ebuka
[B] Milimalugo Asago Ugo Aru / People's Club National Anthem
1982
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Easter Special (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 128)
[A] Chi Kelu Uwa Cho Ya Nma / Akam Di Ocha
[B] Easter Special / Chief Ezeanyi Oruefi Uwa Nacho Ndi Oma
1982
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Opportunity (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 129)
[A] Opportunity / Ajuju Ajighi Ama Agbaba
[B] Ezinifite Star United Club of Nigeria / Oganiru Kasinma
1982
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Nnata Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (LP; Olumo [Lagos] ORPS 130)
[A] Uwa Cholu Obi Umeani / Ajirike Eso E Nu Uwa
[B] Nnata Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu / Ikemba-Nnewi / Dike Di Oru Nma of Igbo
1982
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya (LP; Ogene [Lagos] OGRLP 01)
[A] Ekueme Youth Club of Nigeria / Ndi Amama N'Enuwa
[B] Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya / Onye Nwe Lumadu Nuwa Kene Chukwu
1983
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Anyi Cholu Uwa Silili Welele (LP; Ogene [Lagos] OGRLPS 02)
[A] Anyi Cholu Uwa Silili Welele / Ozo Emezinam
[B] Egwu Bu Ife Chi Nyelanyi / Ngozi Si Naka Ndi Okenye Abia
1983
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Omumu Onye Nzoputa (Jesu Kristi) (LP; Ogene [Lagos] OGRLPS 03)
[A] Omumu Onye Nzoputa (Jesu Kristi) / Olu Ebube Nke Onye Nweayi
[B] Odenigbo United Industrial Harp Club of Nigeria / Enibe Uzo Nibe Efi
1984
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Atutu Gepu Mpi Ekwe Gesiya Ike (LP; Ogene [Lagos] OGRLPS 04 )
[A] Atutu Gepu Mpi Ekwe Gesiya Ike / Chukwu Ekwena Kifififele Meayi
[B] Klub Nationale / Egwu Omenani
1984
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Mbulubia Uwa (Destiny) (LP; Ogene [Lagos] OGRLPS 05)
[A] Mbulubia Uwa / Ndi Mgbamele
[B] Onyeaghana Umunneya Social Club of Nempi (Nigeria) / Kpolibe Ndu
1985
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Nne Bu Oyoyo/Ezigbo Nna (LP; Ogene [Lagos] OGRLPS 06)
[A] Nne Bu Oyoyo / Ezigbo Nna
[B] Ediye Nka-Fere / Ibeto Ind. (Colour Lab. Division)
1986
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
My Woman (LP; Ogene [Lagos] OGRLPS 07)
[A] My Woman / Togetherness
[B] Ochichi Nigeria / Chukwu Gozie Obodo Anyi Nigeria
1987
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Born Singer (LP; Agumba [Lagos] ARLP 001)
[A] Born Singer / Late Chief Ezigbo Obiligbo
[B] Odiri Social Club of Nigeria / Udo Nifunanya
1987
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Engerigbo (LP; Ogene [Lagos] ORLPS 01)
[A] Engerigbo / Ife Gadi Nma na Nigeria
[B] Klub Nationale / Uwa Bu Ofu Mbia
1988
Oliver De Coque & His Expo 76 Ogene Sound Super Of Africa
Nwannedinamba Association Of Washington D.C., U.S.A. (LP; Ocean [Lagos] ORLP 001)
[A] Nwanneninamba Association In The Americas, Inc. Washington D. C., U.S.A. / Ojemba Enwe Ilo
[B] Chima Ije Onye / Onye Na Nkeya
1988
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
In USA - Nke Nakpa Onye (LP; Ogene [Lagos] ORLPS 02)
[A] Oliver de Coque in U.S.A. / Ogene Makossa
[B] Nke Nakpa Onye / Uwa Ozulu Onye
1989 Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Naira Power! (LP; Ogene [Lagos] ORLP 03)
[A] Naira Power / Economic Revival / Ka Anyi Bili Nudo
[B] Egena Asili/Gbado Okwu Ukwu
1989
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Sam Okwaraji Special (LP; Ogene [Lagos] ORLPS 04)
[A] Sam Okwaraji Special / Respect
[B] Sekpulu Sekpulu / Nne Nwanyi Oma
1990s
Oliver de Coque
Sabotage (Video; Bonag Industries. Ltd & Perfect Pictures [Lagos])
--De Coque has a supporting role in this non-musical video feature, described as "an engaging movie about adoption, marriage and friendship, starring Liz Benson and Zack Orji." Director: Moses Eberi
1990
Oliver de Coque and his Expo 76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Ugwuochi Social Club of Nigeria (LP; Ocean [Lagos] ODQ 002)
[A] Ugwuochi Social Club of Nigeria / Ugwuochi Di Anyi Nma
[B] Ogene (Instrumental)
1991
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Musik Afrika (LP; Ogene [Lagos] ORLPS 05)
[A] Music Africa / Ena Enwe Obodo Enwe
[B] Olisa Kanyi Nayo / Etoo-Dike
1992
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Live and Let Live (Biri Ka Mbiri)?(LP; Ogene [Lagos] ORLP 06)
[A] Biri Ka Mbiri / Chief Abdulaziz Chivuzo / Otimkpu / Nnukwu Mmanwu
[B] I No Wan wahala / Sympathy/Otu Abughi Nezi
1993
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Destiny (Akalaka) (Ogene [Lagos] ORLP 07)
[A] Destiny (Akalaka) / Onye Chi Nyere Ochichi / IBB Special
[B] Better Life for Rural Women / Dr. (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida / Onye Na Chi Ya
1993
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Appreciation (Leader LD 8637)
[A] Appreciation / Tolerance (Elete Aghara) / Love Dey See Road
[B] Nwanne Di Na Mbo / Akuchinyere Nwata
1994
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Onye Ruo Orie (He Who Works Should Eat) (Ogene [Lagos] ORLP 08)
[A] Onye Ruo Orie (He Who Works Should Eat) / Ofu Obi / Chief (Barrister) Fred C. Ajudua / Alusi Ibusa, Alusi Ego / The Highest
[B] Why Africa Why? / Ogene Na Him Dey Reign / Commercial Trust Bank (Nig.) Ltd.
1995
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
No More War (Ogene [Lagos] ORLP 09)
[A] No More War / Onye Kwe Chiya Ekwe / Alaafin of Oyo
[B] Anyi Zulu Ka Emee / Ndi Ogiliga Walu na Nwa
1995
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
People's Club of Nigeria Lagos Branch (Ogene [Lagos] ORLP 003)
[A] People's Club / Father Father
[B] Ndi Oma Eji Eje Mba / People's Club Umennem
1995
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Anaedo Special (Ogene [Lagos] ORLP 10)
[A] Anaedo Special / Ugo Di Nma nacho Ibe Ya / Ife Di Na Anaedo
[B] Odinma Anaedo / Idi Nofu Amaka
1995
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Orue Na Omume (Time for Action) (Ogene [Lagos] ORLP 11)
[A] Orue Na Omume / Ekeututu Special / Orsu L.G.A. Imo State
[B] Ahia Oma Nere Onwe Ya / Eketutu Azubago
1996
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Umu Nnem Bina America (Ogene [Lagos] ORLP 13)
[A] Umu Nnem Bina America / Ekene Dili Umu Nigeria
[B] Enebe Onye Ije / Africa Anyi Ekene
1996
Oliver de Coque & his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Democracy (Ogene [Lagos] ORMC 15)
[A] Democracy / Abacha Loves Niveria / Abacha's Great Work
[B] Nigeria Na Our Home / F. S. P. / Otu Chukwu Si Cho (The Will of God)
-- Clearly this cassette is propaganda for Abacha, which looks just irony now.
1996
King Oliver de Corque & his Expo 76 Ogene Super Sound of Africa
The Best of King Oliver de Corque & his Expo 76 Orgene Super Sound ofAfrica (CD; Ogene Records Ltd. [Lagos]/Mossiac Music [NY] MMCD0078)
Rise Up Africa / Adi Aku Orji Aku / Xmas Highlife / Uwa Aburo Ebe Ezumike / Onye Chi Nazo / Father, Father (People's Club) / Ndi Ogiliga Walu Na Nwa
-- Name of De Coque & his group are misspelled on the CD.
1996
Oliver de Coque
King Oliver de Coque in USA [CD; no recording information available]
?
1999
Chief (Dr.) Oliver de Coque and his Expo '76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Obi Sari Sari (Clean Mind) (cassette; Ogene Holdings Ltd. [Lagos] no reference number, CD; Ossy Affason EMC 27)
[A] Obi Sari Sari / Nexie Onwe Gi Anya / Gam Gam / Year 2000/ Oligbuonye Okagbuonye
[B] Obi Sar Sari (Remixed) / Dedicated to My Friends With Thanks
--The CD version doesn't have the tracks on side 2 of the cassette.
Late 1990s?
Oliver de Coque
The Best of Oliver de Coque (CD; Mossiac Music [NY] MMCD0078)
?
2000
Oliver de Coque
Classic Hits (CD; Leader [Lagos] no reference number)
Tolerance (Eleta Aghara) / Ana Enwe Obodo Enwe / Appreciation / Olisa Kanyi Nayo / E TooÐDike / Nwanne Di Na Mba / Music Africa / Love Dey See Road
2001?
Oliver de Coque
Millenium (CD; Ogene [Lagos] no reference number)
Millenium / Stand Up and Dance
2001
Oliver De Coque
Vintage Hits Vol. 1 (CD; Olumo [Lagos] ORCD001)
Ekeoha Fire Disaster / Uwa Bu Aja / The Tragedy Journey Of Two Friends / Easter Special / Chief Ezeani Oruefi / Messiah Messiah
2001
Oliver De Coque
Vintage Hits Vol. 2 (CD; Olumo [Lagos] ORCD002)
Opportunity / Identity / Mbulubia Uwa (Destiny) / All Fingers Are Not Equal / Akalaka / Bonus Track
2001
Oliver De Coque
Vintage Hits Vol. 3 (CD; Olumo [Lagos] ORCD003)
Uwa Cholu Obi Umeani / Oma Obi Dia (Abada) / Omeokachie / Ugbala
2001
Oliver De Coque
Vintage Hits Vol. 4 (CD; Olumo [Lagos] ORCD004)
People's Club of Nigeria / Udoka Social Club / Club National / Ezinife Star United Club
2001
Chief (Dr.) Oliver De Coque and his Expo 76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Love Your Neighbour (Cassette; Ogene Holdings Ltd. [Lagos] OGRLM003)
[A] Onye Ndidi Nwe Mmeri / Chimo Chimo / Ego Julu Oyi / Igbanda Bu Ego Oyibo / Flag Fa Nefe
[B] Love your Neighbour / Nwanne Di Na Mba / Kwuba Aka Gi Oto
2004?
Chief (Dr.) Oliver De Coque and his Expo 76 Ogene Sound Super of Africa
Nwa bu Nwa Pickin na Pickin (CD; E.D.U. EDU 7)
?
Eugene de Coque Discography
Oliver De Coque's younger brother has served for many years in his brother's band, Expo '76. These initial releases, recorded in the US with a contemporary sound, show the way forward for Igbo highlife in the twenty-first century, combining the usual praise-singing and philosophical musings with elements of traditional music. - John Beadle
1995 (?)
Eugene de Coque & Igede Band International
Egwu Igede (Victory Productions (US) cassette; no reference number)
[A] Ojinbe-Eyimegwu / Egwu-Igede
[B] Asi Si Jebe
1998 (?)
Nze Eugene De Coque nwa Akanite & Igede Band International
Igede II: One Africa One Language (CD; Uju UJ002)
Ama Ndi Aneze [Mama Hausa / Luba Luba / Rapum Ka Mbiri / Ugbo Ndi Oma / Taxi Driver / Kpoba Eugene / Trouble Na Goodo! / African Baby / Domitemikan / We Le She She Eye / Love M Adure / Ebe Ewellemdi / Aboh Nwe Egwu] / Anya Ukwu Adiro Nma / One Africa, One Language / Ife Onye N'eme / Ujimbe / Uwa Ibe in America / Egwu Igede Original
2000?
Nze Eugene De Coque & the New Igede Band International
Shokolo...Ije Uwam (Igede IV) (CD; recording information unavailable)
?
Oliver Sunday Akanite Jr. Discography
2004
Oliver Sunday Akanite Jr.
Onye Juru Ase (Recording format unknown; P. & Co. Music)
?
Oliver De Coque & John Beadle in Awo-Omamma, Nigeria, December 26, 1994.
-- This discography was compiled, in collaboration with T. Endo, by John Beadle at P.O. Box 100174, Milwaukee, WI 53210 USA.