When it comes to the commercialization of Eastern Highlife music, no one is doing it better than The Cavemen. right now. Officially formed in 2018, The Cavemen. is a Highlife group consisting of two brothers Benjamin, the drummer and the lead singer in the group, and Kingsley Okorie, the group’s bassist. Although there is a European band with the same alias, the brothers styled their band name differently, adding a period (.) to its end. They did so to avoid copyright infringements and to differentiate themselves.
The brothers have built a reputation of putting on live shows that ensure their audience enjoys the music they play while connecting with the very essence of their sound. The musical duo rose to prominence in 2020 after their first single, Osondu, was released. Months later, they released their first studio album, Roots, which earned them the Best Alternative Album award at The Headies in the same year.
Unlike many new artists in the industry who venture into Afrobeats and Afro-Fusion and their various subgenres, The Cavemen. chose a musical path uncommon among the younger generation, Highlife. In an interview with Nataal.com, the brothers revealed they regarded Highlife as the music of their ancestors. They further cited that the connection it gives them to the history and struggle of their people as their reason for venturing into the genre. When listening to The Cavemen., you can hear their passion in their lyrics and their sound, and this passion is one thing that gravitates people from all works of life to them. Their ever-growing fanbase consists of people from various tribes, countries, and social classes, proving the universality of music. They also have been able to hold the attention of numerous veteran musicians such as Wizkid, Asa; with whom they’ve collaborated, and so many others.
Besides being known for being incredible performers and multi-instrumentalists, the brothers are also slowly establishing themselves as talented record producers. They produce their music and also helped co-produce Lady Donli’s 2019 album Enjoy Your Life.
In the last few months, the band has held a series of live performances across various Nigerian states. They also recently sold out their very first international show in Ghana.
The Cavemen. released their second single for the year Selense, a feel-good song that reminds listeners of the simple but relaxing Highlife love songs from the ’80s.
The authenticity in their craft passion is one trait that helps them stand out from many other talented acts in the industry. Their current path and success make their mission to modernize Highlife and reintroduce it to the younger generation attainable.
Stream Selense by The Cavemen. Available on Apple Music.
