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Three days after its release, Abialam, the new album of Kabaka and His Oriental International Brothers, has shot to number 19 spot on the global Apple Music Top 100 chart.
Formally unveiled at Art Nouveau Centre, Owerri, Imo State on September 15, 2023, Abialam came 17 years after Kabaka’s album, Madu Bu Aja (We Are Sand), a tribute to his friend and former band member, the late Sir Warrior, in 2006.
The chart topping achievement makes Abialam the first highlife album from Africa to ever reach this global milestone.
Abialam, which means ‘I have returned’, is an intricate tapestry of traditional rhythms and modern beats, capturing the essence of highlife music while resonating with a broad international audience. The album features six tracks that pay homage to the highlife genre’s rich history, while also incorporating contemporary elements that make it accessible and relevant to today’s music scene.
Speaking, Derda Promotions’ COO, Anyanwu Ammarachi, stated: “We are beyond thrilled to see this level of engagement and support from our fans around the world.”
On his part, Kabaka said, “It’s an honour to represent highlife music on a global stage and make history with this album.”
Abialam has not only topped charts but also garnered critical acclaim from music critics, who lauded the album’s rich instrumentation, lyrical depth and innovative sound.
Meanwhile, arrangements are being finalised for Kabaka to embark on global promotional tour of Abialam, with dates to be announced soon.
