Ekpili highlife music king, Morocco dies at 76

THE Nigerian entertainment industry was again thrown into mourning yesterday following the exit of minstrel music maestro, Chukwuemeka Edward Maduka, popularly known as Emeka Morocco.

 The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Governor, Anambra State chapter, Ikem Mazeli, broke the news of Ekpili music legend’s demise.

According to him, the Ozonweluibe, as Maduka is also called, passed on yesterday afternoon.

“With heavy heart of sorrow, we the entire Anambra State PMAN announce the exit of a music legend, Dr. (Prince) Morocco Maduka…Ozonweluibe. He passed on this afternoon, Thursday, October 29, 2020. Arrangements as regards his planting to mother earth will be communicated to all of us later. One love,” Mazeli wrote. 

Born 1944 in Ukwulu, Anambra State, the music maestro was regarded as a bridge between the old and the new breeds of musician in the highlife genre. He waxed strong on the career path that offered him fame and fortune despite his advanced in age.

Although Morocco did not invent Ekpili music, he is regarded as the genre’s king. He is acclaimed the innovator of the modern day Ekpili music, as it is both life and passion to him.

His tireless effort to promote and preserve the music is notable, as he has 72 albums to his credit. It was for his perseverance that people now identify with Ekpili across the borders of the Southeast zone.