Album Review: Enu Mele Onye Sir Chuks Nwamama In The 60s by Sir Chuks Nwamama And His International Dandy Orchestra Of Nigeria
Alright, let’s dive into this gem of an album from the 60s. Enu Mele Onye is one heck of a ride through Nigerian highlife and soukous vibes, brought to life by none other than Sir Chuks Nwamama—yep, he did almost everything here! From arranging to composing, writing, leading, singing, AND playing alto sax? This guy was basically a one-man show with a killer band backing him up.
The album has that old-school charm where you can tell everyone involved just vibed hard in the studio. Like, you feel it—the energy, the groove, the sheer joy of making music. It's not perfect (and honestly, who wants perfection when you’ve got soul?), but it’s packed with those organic feels that modern tunes sometimes lack.
Let me talk about two tracks that really stuck with me: "Jisienu Ike" and "Nyarinya Mafara."
First off, "Jisienu Ike"—man, this track hits different. Right from the opening notes, the rhythm guitar lays down this bouncy pattern that makes your feet move without even thinking. Then Rob Akpan comes in on lead guitar with these smooth licks that are so effortless they almost annoy you (in a good way). But what really seals the deal for me is Sir Chuks’ vocals—he sounds like he’s telling a story over beats that could make anyone smile. I dunno what “Jisienu Ike” means exactly, but it doesn’t matter because the vibe says it all. You’re hooked before you know it.
Then there’s "Nyarinya Mafara," which feels like stepping into another world altogether. The percussion work by Willie Onyeka is next-level; it’s intricate yet laid-back, like someone casually showing off their skills. And the horns—oh man, the trumpet played by B/wire adds this jazzy flair that elevates the whole thing. There’s something dreamy about this track—it’s the kind of song that makes you stare out the window while pretending you’re in some classic Nigerian film. It’s chill but still full of layers that keep pulling you back in.
Now, shoutout to the rest of the crew too—I.K. Amechi holding it down on bass, Ody Ofuobi keeping time on drums, and Khaki Nweze adding those lush backing vocals. They weren’t messing around!
What strikes me most about this album is how timeless it feels. Even though it dropped decades ago, it’s still got that magic that grabs hold of you. Maybe it’s the rawness, or maybe it’s just the fact that Sir Chuks poured his heart into every note. Whatever it is, it works.
And here’s the kicker—listening to this album made me realize how much we take music for granted nowadays. Back then, no fancy software, no autotune, just pure talent and passion. Makes me wanna grab my own instrument and try to create something half as cool.
So yeah, if you’re into highlife, soukous, or just great music period, give Enu Mele Onye a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up dancing around your living room like nobody’s watching. Trust me, it’ll happen.