This our own Ikwerre Sound. Beautiful. -chizzibright
Jack West Omodu aka Western, The Chief vocalist of garden city int band of ph, is my beloved Daddy, his from Orogbum community in rebisi kingdom in port harcourt. -Henry West
"Obu Ayiwa Ayiwa" (We are one people) by singer/composer Prince Jack West Omodu the legendary 1st Ikwerre highlife musician.
1st Ikwerre man to record with English instrument.
JACK-WEST OMODU (Alias Western)
1945 to 10th November 1999
GENRE: High life (Ikwerre)
ALBUMS: 5
BAND: Original Garden City Band of Port Harcourt
Prince Jackwest Omodu was born into the family of Late Chief and Mrs Joshua Mamaonu Omodu on 14th February, 1945 in Oro-Okwori Family of Orogbum, Rebisi in Port Harcourt City Local Government, Rivers State, Nigeria. While his mother hails from Oro-Etitinwo Family in Elekahia in Rebisi, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria.
He was the second son of his family but inherited the position of the first son after the death of his elder brother. He married his wife Mrs Fyner Jackwest Omodu from which the marriage was blessed with six children. His wife hails from Amadi-Oparaeli Family in Oro-Abali in Rebisi, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
Prince Jackwest Omodu worked briefly with Michelin with some other companies in Port Harcourt from where he saved some money to start his music recording. He started his music career in 1964 as a percussionist (Conga Player) and was introduced to "Akwa Dandy's Dance Band" located at Ambassador Hotel, Aggrey road Port Harcourt by Paul Roger. The same year famous highlife Late Cardinal Jim Rex Lawson won his first Highlife Music Competition. "Western" left Akwa Dandy's Dance Band and joined "Moderness Band" led by Emma Jumbo, aka "SPIRK". As a young percussionist, he also played drum and base guitar. Consequently, he discovered that his main talent was singing; without hesitation he composed and wrote many songs as he made sure the studio became his favourite home.
Few years past in his music career and Western took active role in singing and not too long the Rebisi Dance Band was formed by himself and Late Mr Tunde Amadi in 1978. Shortly after Tunde passed away and the band group came to an end as a result of the death of Tunde. Western then joined another dance band known as 'Akidoh's and His Miniges Dance Band of Port Harcourt,' where he released his first Ikwerre Highlife. He came into limelight when he formed "Garden City International Band" in 1977. The band was made up of Jackwest Omodu alias Western, Geoffrey Nwopara, Mighty Prince Amadi, Stanford Edu, Ebube Worlu and Geoffrey N. Nwannwa. The members of the band worked tirelessly both at night and day rehearsing, and contributing morally, financially and otherwise for the progress of the band. They had their first music instruments launched at Elekahia Community, Rebisi, Port Harcourt. The location of the band transited from Elelenwo to Elio-Ohani and finally to Orogbum Community at the resident of Late Jackwest Omodu aka Western. Their first album was titled "Osi Ye Gbu Ibea".
Jackwest later released his second album titled "Obu-Ayiwa-Ayiwa in 1981. The album consists of six (6) songs/tracks, where Western sang as a lead vocalist in five (5) songs while Mighty Prince led one. Years later, Mighty Prince left his friend Jackwest Omodu to start his own band while they maintained mutual friendship. Prince Jackwest Omodu continued and recorded more albums among which are 'Wayibiakwu Jealous Yo Bui,' 'Yegam Oke Kem' and 'Akam Zi Richa.' His last album was released in 1996 and was produced in United States of America.
His songs talked about unity, peace, love, togetherness and understanding. Jackwest Omodu in a simple word can be described as musical Prophet to the Ikwerre people. Amongst many who loved, admired and supported his music career were C.W. Orianwo, Sen. Dr. Obi Wali, Chief Okito (Okilton) of Rumuokwuta, Eze Hon. Anthony W. Akarolo among others. Jack West Omodu had a high esteem for Late Senator Obi Wali, Late George Ndabros among others. As part of his efforts to give back to society, he played a role in grooming and inspiring the likes of Chimoni, Dandy Boy, Duncan Mighty, Chimbiko Akarolo (C-Strokes) Christian Igwe, Arthur Pepple just to mention a few that later became known musicians and some did a remix of his songs.
Prince Jackwest Omodu aka Western was one of the earliest Ikwerre sons that advocated for an Ikwerre Governor and he expressed this view through his music.
He was married to Mrs. Fyner and they are blessed with six children. Jack West Omodu alias Western died on the 10th of November 1999 after battling with ill health.
Label: Ema Sounds – EMLP 003
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Nigeria
Released: 1981
Style: Highlife
Source: Vinyl / Thanks To Original Uploader Jack West (Jr)
A1 Obu Ayiwa - Ayiwa 5:52
A2 Anuwa Kwere Eri 5:25
A3 Ikwerre Murum Anu Kwuta Ikwu 5:15
B1 Boku Ganuma Yaa 5:22
B2 Nyele Bu Nwenem Weh 5:11
B3 Baka Bo - Gbume Maa 5:34
Credits
Drums – Sunny Ugo Jibunoh
Guitar [Second] – Paul Mbile
Lead Guitar – Sunny Ojey Otili
Lead Vocals – Jack West Omodu
Leader – Prince Amadi Wodi (Alias Mighty Prince)
Maracas – Patty
Percussion – King Chuck
Vocals, Bass Guitar – Prince Amadi Woli
Notes
Ikwerre Highlife