Jazz Articles about Prince Nico Mbarga

Prince Nico Mbarga: Aki Special

by AAJ Staff
November 8, 2002

You wouldn't guess by his diminutive stature, but Prince Nico Mbarga was one of the greatest giants of Nigerian music ever. Nico's record Aki Special marked the high point in his career: it featured the tune “Sweet Mother," which sold over 15 million copies and stands as the most popular African pop song ever.

Nico came from Nigerian and Camerounian roots, a polyglot who spent enough time in both countries to absorb a monster share of music and culture. For ...