HighLife maestro, Prince Chijioke Mbanefo has that his breakthrough in music in 2005, after the release of his album, Ije Nwa Ogbenye Na Ogaranyaa, while Onye Mmacha and Achakegom gave him worldwide recognition.

He stated this during the launch of his charity foundation geared towards taking care of widows, orphans and the less privileged in the country, particularly, in his hometown, Atani, Ogbaru Council of Anambra State.

Mbanefo said his resolve to set up the foundation was to give back to the society that has been very appreciative of his efforts and contributions through music, adding that the foundation is his own way of contributing to the corporate social sustainability of the society.

He said, “anytime I look around and see people suffering, it pains my heart, knowing how it feels for one to be in such misery. My reason for establishing the foundation is my little way of giving back to the society that has been very appreciative of my efforts and contributions through music.”

Giving thanks to God who has seen him through the industry for these past 25 years, with over 50 albums in the market, the Mbanefo said the essence of the foundation was to ensure that widows, orphans and the less privileged in the country receive succour from him, from time to time.

Reflecting on his journey in the music industry, the Atani Prince said, “I started singing professionally in 1999, although my breakthrough came early 2005, after the release of my first hit album Ije Nwa Ogbenye Na Ogaranyaa. My best-selling albums Onye Mmacha and Achakegom gave me worldwide recognition.’

“I have recorded over 82 albums in my over 25 years in the music industry and it is on record that I am the online highlife musician with the highest number of albums; I have performed on stages in concerts in countries like Japan, Malaysia, Dubai UAE, South Africa, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana, among others,” he added.

Mbanefo described his early days in music as very tough, acknowledging the late Osita Osadebe as his role model.

On his discography, Mbanefo said: “After recording my first album, Eziafakaego (good name is better than money) in 1999, I went to my mentor, the late Chief Osadebe Osadebe for blessings, which he gave me and prayed for me to be successful in my music career.

“I have collaborated with artistes like the late Chief Osadebe, Prince Elogood, and Captain Otigba in 2014, among others. I like listening to a lot of old school musicians like Osadebe, Ali Chukwuma, Captain Mudibe, Celestine Ukwu, Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obe,” he stated.