.Kalu mourns
By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
A renowned Igbo high-life musician, Prince Emeka Morocco Maduka, has passed on.
Morocco Maduka, a veteran highlife singer, was reported to have breathed his last on Thursday (yesterday) October 29, 2020.
The demise of Prince Morocco Maduka came shortly after celebrating his 60th anniversary as a musician this year.
Confirming the death, the chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Anambra State Chapter, Ikeme Mazeli, stated:
“With a 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 29th, 2020.
“All other arrangements as regards his planting to mother earth will be communicated to all of us later.
“One of the latest and famous songs of Prince Morocco Maduka is “Ochuba Aku” which is the most reigning song in the Igbo Land today.
“No burial arrangements has been fixed yet, but all other arrangements as regards his planting to mother earth will be communicated to all of us later.
“May his soul rest in peace, Amen,” Ikeme said.
On Morocco, the former governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu, described his death as “a big loss to Nigeria and the entertainment industry.
Saddened over the demise of the Igbo music maestro and social crusader, Senator Kalu noted the contributions of the late musician to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.
He pointed out that the late King of Ekpili music, through his songs, addressed social and moral issues, stressing that the late musician, used his music to advance the cause of the people.
In his condolence message to the family of late high-life singer, and the government and people of Anambra state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu commiserated with them over the demise of their illustrious son, adding that memories of the late social crusader, would remain evergreen in the minds of his fans and Nigerians in general.
“The passing of renowned musician, Chief Chukwuemeka Maduka (Morocco) is a huge loss to the entertainment industry and Nigeria at large.
“I recall early this year, the late musician celebrated his 60th anniversary on stage, with over 120 albums to his credit.
“The late musician alongside his contemporaries, the late Chief Stephen Osadebe and the late Chief Oliver De Coque, contributed immensely to the entertainment industry, locally and internationally. They all had exceptionality and musical depth on stage.
“The late Morocco’s music was a bridge between the old tunes and new breed of Ekpili music.
“Both the old and the young enjoyed the songs of the late King of Ekpili music.
“The late philosophical singer was the first Ekpili musician to perform outside the shores of Nigeria.
“He was popular in the United States of America, United Kingdom and South Africa.
“Above all, the music career of the deceased was remarkable, unbeatable and fulfilling”.
Kalu extended his condolences to the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Morocco Maduka Global Fans Club and members of the Maduka family.
He enjoined Kalu the upcoming musicians to emulate the worthy legacies of the late Ekpili musician and prayed God to grant the soul of the popular musician eternal rest.
