The Ohafia community is reputed as being the home of several cerebral Igbo intellectuals and it is generally believed that the area is part of the intellectual headquarters of the Igbo nation.
Ohafia is also regarded as the home of warriors. The Ohafia intelligentisia, who have made their mark in Nigerian and world affairs, include Dr. Kalu Ezera, Prof. Eni Njoku (once described by Tai Solarin as the most intelligent man in Africa), Dr. Uma Eleazu, Eme Awa, Dr. K. U. Kalu, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Justice Agwu Anya, Chief Okwara Osonwa, Prof. U. U. Uche, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Barr. Awa Kalu SAN, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, Paulson Kalu, Etigwe Uwa SAN e.t.c.
Celebrities and famous musicians from Ohafia will be discussed in this article.
Below is the top 5 five musicians from Ohafia excluding gospel artistes.
1. PAULSON KALU
Paulson Kalu is a profound music artist who specialized in the genre of highlife music.
He sing his songs in Ohafia language with his philosophical touches in all his music. He was born in Akanu Ohafia in 1940.
He had his tutelage under his master Stephen Osita Osadebe of blessed memory. His contemporary under Chief Osadebe were Ali Chukwuma, Ozoemena Nwa Nzugbe and Gentleman Mike Ejiegha. His hit tracts are Okwudili, Ama ndianaeze, OnyekaChim, Uwa zuruonye and Jim ehele.
He was one time chairman of Abia state chapter PEMAN (Performing Musician Association of Nigeria).
2. RUGGEDMAN
Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, known professionally as Ruggedman, is a Nigerian rapper from Ebem Ohafia, Abia State.
He is a graduate of political Science from Lagos State University, Ọ̀jọ́.
Ruggedman started exploring music in 1999. He produced his own songs and released two tracks in 1999, both which were well-played on radio. Ruggedman launched himself into the music industry in 1999, eventually becoming the most featured rapper in Nigeria.
His albums are all released on his personal label, Rugged Records. Ruggedman has performed worldwide alongside international acts such as Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Akon, Maxi Priest, Kanye West, LL Cool J, T-Pain, and Nas.
Ruggedman’s record label, Rugged Records, signed its first act, singer MBRYO, in September 2012. MBRYO was featured on Ruggedman’s “Ruggedy Baba pt 2″, produced by Blaize Beatz. Money Making Music, Ruggedman’s 2012 album, is a collaboration with MBRYO as part of a promotion for the new artist, with guest appearances by Terry G and Funbi.
Ruggedman hosted the prestigious NB Plc sponsored Star Quest Reality TV Talent Show in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
3. HELEN IBE
Helen Ibe is a sensational guitarist, singer, songwriter and YouTube personality from Ndi Ibe Ohafia.
She has accumulated quite a lot of fame at a very young age with millions of followers across social media platforms.
Helen rose to fame in mid-2019 and many people in Nigeria recognizes her as “the goddess of the guitar.” Her soulful guitar music will make anyone feel orgasmic.
She is known for posting guitar tutorials for learners on her YouTube channel. She was interviewed by Mary Spender, Channels TV, Streetwise Guitar and Radio.com where she engaged lovers of music across the globe.
She is the first of three siblings born to middle-class Christian parents, and brought up by a single parent, raised in sprawling city of Lagos, Helen didn’t share the usual ambitions of kids her age, She has always dreamt of being a singer and a great entertainment mogul who would use her works to touch people’s lives.
4. J. MARTINS
Martins Okechukwu Justice (born September 29, 1979), popularly known by his stage name J. Martins, is a Nigerian musician, singer, songwriter and producer from Akanu Ohafia. He is best known for his song “Oyoyo” “Jupa” and “Good Or Bad”
J. Martins is also known to have featured on the song by P-Square, “E No Easy”. He has also featured Phyno, YCEE, Fally Ipupa, DJ Arafat, Koffi, Olomide etc.
5. FADA KANE
Professionally known as Fada Kane, Kanedrick K. Agwu is the first and only RAP artiste in Cross River State, Nigeria, to win the Benson & Hedges Golden Tone KingSize Rap Contest held in Port Harcourt, 2006.
He is a veteran in the industry and one of the very best in the country. The On Air Personality cum artiste is from Ohafia, Abia State.
