African Music Network

 Joe Nez our Artiste in Focus today. Joe Nez  Joseph Onyenegecha Iwuchukwu popularly known as JOE NEZ. Was born in Mbaise near the city of Owerri, Eastern Nigeria, in 1923. He joined the Nigerian Army when he was 19 years of age, and left Nigeria in 1944 for further military training in the United States of America. It was in the US that he was discovered as a vocalist when he was singing on a night duty, for which the officer in duty put him on a charge, the offence being "disturbance of the peace". Soon afterwards, Joe Nez's troubles were over, as the same officer, recognizing his talent, arranged his transfer to the Entertainment Camp where he became very popular as "THE VOICE OF NIGERIA" Back in Nigeria after the war, he made singing his profession, first he was a soloist, accompanying himself on the Guitar. Later he formed his TRIO, which afterwards grew into his Combo and later metamorphosed to JOE NEZ AND HIS TOP SIX BAND.  His various PHILIPS WEST AFRICA...

  COC NZE (Ogechi album art cover)  Mazi Christopher Obioma Cyprian(COC) Nze is a Highlife/Bongo musician, An Actor and also a former Retired Airforce officer. As young man Mazi Nze was enlisted in the Biafran Army during the Biafran war, when the war ended Mazi Nze formally joined the Nigerian Air force where he became the pioneer member of the N. A. F BAND in the 70's  He was part of the Nigerian contingent during the FESTAC 77. While in the Nigerian Air force he started his musical career as far back as 1976 releasing his debut album Titled LELE AKANYI (see our hands). Commander went solo in the early eighties after leaving Nigerian Air force to pursue his musical career. He formally formed his band called "IMO STARS BAND". His hit album titled "OGECHI" brought him to limelight and brought him lots of fame. Commander received award Not long Mazi Nze found himself in the movie industry after visiting his friend at a movie production site. He quickly rose to th...

Dr. Olololo was a freelance vocalist who later formed his own band called "Mbaise Brothers Band" after stints with the skylark Band led by Nze Dan Orji and the Oriental Brothers International. Dr. Olololo performing on stage  After the final split of Oriental Brothers between Sir Warrior and Dansatch in 1980. Dr. Olololo went on to become Dansatch's back up vocalist Where he backed up Ishmael "Dansatch's lead vocalist.  After his apprenticeship with Oriental Brothers led Dansatch, he kicked off his solo career in 1985 with OKE OCHUCHO ALBUM which had a smash hit titled IJE MAMMA, before he started his solo career he was blessed by his mentor and brother Dr. Sir Warrior, also his (Oga) Dansatch gave him a blessing.  Dr. Olololo on stage  His 1985 album had legendary guitarists and other instrumentalists such as. Lead Guitar – Akus Oriental, Rhythm Guitar - Okechukwu Uzodimmah Bass Guitar -John Okere  Drums – J. T. U. Okoro Congas – A. N. Nwosu Shekere – A. N. Nw...