ROCAFILJAZZ REBIRTH: The journey of Nico Mbarga Jnr & Philip Mbarga.

Odu Owan

In the annals of music history, the legacy of the Rocafiljazz Rebirth Band stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and a profound connection to heritage.
Directed by the prodigious duo of Nico Mbarga Jr. and Philip Mbarga, this band embodies a stirring narrative of perseverance and homage to their legendary father, Prince Nico Mbarga.

Theirs is a story that begins with tragedy, as the illustrious Prince Nico Mbarga departed in 1997, leaving behind a musical legacy that would echo through generations.

Yet, despite the tender age at which they bid farewell to their father, Nico Jr. and Philip refused to let his legacy fade into obscurity. Born into a household where music permeated the very air they breathed, their father’s performances at the beloved Sweet Mother Hotel Bush Bar laid the foundation for their musical journey.

From their earliest days, the brothers immersed themselves in the artistry of music, honing their skills with makeshift instruments fashioned from everyday objects. It was a childhood steeped in rhythm and melody, where the cadence of their father’s songs became the soundtrack of their lives.

Nico while studying in the University of Jos dedicated part of his academic years to mastering the guitars and music production while Philip in University of Cross River State radically developed his musicianship mastering the piano and vocal dexterity. Little wonder why their stagemanship and craft is coated with flamboyancy and style that draws from the classical and contemporary style.

The dawn of 2017 marked a pivotal moment for them, as they orchestrated a triumphant 20th-anniversary celebration at the iconic Janged Resort in Ikom. This event not only commemorated their father’s enduring legacy but also served as the genesis of the Nico Mbarga Sweet Mother Foundation, a testament to their commitment to preserving the musical heritage.

In crafting their own musical identity, the duo infused their father’s beloved Panco sound with contemporary flair, captivating a new generation of listeners with their innovative fusion of tradition and modernity.

Through a series of captivating singles and an upcoming album in the works, they have embarked on a musical odyssey that has taken them from the South to the vibrant streets of Lagos, the bustling cities of the North and East as well.

Yet, it is not merely their musical prowess that sets Nico Jr. and Philip apart; it is their stage presence, their flamboyance, their ability to command an audience with the same magnetic charm that defined their father’s performances. In every note they play, every lyric they sing, echoes of Prince Nico Mbarga resonate, a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and space.

In the annals of music history, the names Nico Mbarga Jr. and Philip Mbarga will undoubtedly be etched alongside that of of other music legends, a testament to their unwavering dedication to preserving the musical legacy and forging their own path in the world of music.

I urge you to look for any of their records and add to you playlist and you will unconsciously put in on replay mode because of the unique melody & rhythm…

Owan Odu. (Writing from Calabar)

Nico Mbarga Jnr
Phils Mbarga