Nigerian guitarist and highlife music legend Oliver De Coque has been honoured by Google Doodle on his 74th posthumous birthday.
The illustration for the doodle was made by Lagos-based Ohab TBJ.
Born Sunday Akanite on April 14, 1947 in Ezinifite, Anambra State, the late musician is regarded as one of the most flamboyant artistes that ever came out of Africa.
He released his debut album Messiah in 1977 and recorded no fewer than 93 albums before his death.
His Ogene style of highlife blended Congolese-inspired guitar playing with traditional Igbo music.
The fusion produced hits like ‘People’s Club of Nigeria’, ‘Biri Ka Mbiri’, ‘Ana Enwe’, ‘Nnukwu Mmanwu’ and ‘Identity’.
Known for his signature beard, Olive De Coque broke ethnic barriers by serving as apprentice to Yoruba juju musicians Sunny Agaga and Jacob Oluwale. He was also signed on to Olumo Records.
Oliver De Coque died on June 20, 2008 at a hospital in Gbagada, Lagos.
He was aged 61.
