Meet Prince Nico Mbarga-The Man Behind the Hit Song “Sweet Mother”

‘Sweet Mother’ song released in 1976 is undoubtedly one of the most popular song in Africa which never gets outmoded in the ears of many people in especially our mothers.

Most readers here will testify that they first heard this song when they were kids except some few people who were already grown-ups before this hit song. This song, ‘Sweet Mother’ has done a lot of magic in the music industry and has had a great impact on our mothers even till date, it is one of the most favorite song every African mother will not hesitate to listen.

The person behind this song is Prince Nico Mbarga. He was a highlife musician, born to a Nigerian mother and a Cameronian father in Abakaliki, Nigeria. He became popular after his hit song ‘Sweet Mother’, recorded with his band Rocafil Jazz, which has been described as the best-selling song in history by an African recording artist.

His greatest hit song “Sweet Mother” is sometimes called “African Anthem” and has been voted Africa’s favorite song by BBC readers and listeners.

Nico was a phenomenal person who started his career in his early days in school. He played the xylophone, conga, drums, bass guitar and electric guitar. He first started playing in school bands and he made his professional debute as a member of a hotel band in 1970.

Prince Nico Mbarga, however, was killed in a motocycle accident on 23rd June, 1997, leaving behind “Sweet Mother” as the most popular song among Nigerians and some parts of Africa.

Although he only recorded one significant hit, "Sweet Mother," in 1976, but sold more than 13 million copies (and which is recognised as one of Africa's greatest songs), Mbarga played an important role in the evolution of African popular music.

It was sometimes called Africa’s Anthem after it was voted Africa’s favorite song by BBC readers and listeners in 2004.

By Enter10Gh (self media writer)