Let us go down memory lane and reminisce on the music groups that used to serenade us while in college. These music groups, both local and international were old time favourites. Virtually, every household had a copy of their CDs. It is unfortunate that most of these music groups have gone solo or switched careers.
That is one of the challenges of music groups, they don’t seem to keep up with the pace. It is either the most popular one in the group pursues a solo music career and gets all the endorsements, then the not-so-popular ones are left to stand on their own.
As we throwback to the music groups that had it going on for them back in days, we hope it does not only create a nostalgic feeling but relives pleasant memories from the past. Take a look at the selection:
Westlife
This Irish boy band formed 1998 in Sligo, Ireland gave us mushy feelings with hits back to back. After they disbanded in 2012, they got reunited in 2018. They were originally signed by Simon Cowell in the UK, Clive Davis in the US and managed by Louis Walsh and Sonny Takhar.
Backstreet boys
Backstreet Boys were another group that had ‘mad’ lyrics and melody. This American vocal group was formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993. It consists of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, and cousins Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson. The group rose to fame with their debut international album, Backstreet Boys.
Lighthouse family
If you are a lover of slow tempo music, the type that calms and soothing, you have got to love Lighthouse Family. They are a British musical duo that rose to prominence in the mid-1990s. They continued to remain active until the early 2000s. Vocalist Tunde Baiyewu and keyboardist Paul Tucker formed the act in 1993 in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, after meeting while studying at university.
Styl plus
Styl plus gained stardom with their hit single ‘Olufunmi’ in 2007. The song became a ‘national anthem’. Some people regarded them as the ‘Boys II men ‘ of Nigeria. They managed to stick together for a while but have been inactive in recent times. This was after Tunde left the group to pursue a solo music career, leaving Shifi and Zeal.
Plantashun boiz
Can we mention Nigeria music history without the legendary Plantashun boiz made up of Tuface, Blackface and Face? Things got awry for them and every member had to pursue their interest. Plantashun boiz gave us hits after hits. They were so good that their fans can sing all the lyrics from their albums. So far, Tuface appears to be still consistent. Face is not doing bad either but Blackface seems to be behind the scenes.
PSquare
Made up of twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, PSquare was one music group people never expected to go separate ways. Their separation was borne from family issues and misunderstanding. At some point, there was a reunion but to no avail. They are both doing well in their solo career. But they would be remembered for the energy they brought into their music.
Remedies
This boy band rocked the late 90s and early 2000s. It was made up of Eddy Remedy, Tony Tetuila and Eedris Abdulkareem. The group gave other artistes a run for their money by giving the RnB and Rap genre a new face. The group had songs which enjoyed massive airplay. However, they went separate ways to start as solo artistes. It appears Tony Tetuila has delved into politics, Eddy has been silent while Eedris maintains be the controversial one.
KUSH
KUSH, an all-girl group made up of gospel artiste, Lara George, Emem Ema and celebrity photographer, TY Bello, had their hit song, ‘Let’s Live Together’. The trio met at the University of Lagos where they formed the group but it only lasted a few years. The reason for their split is still unknown. Lara George has since built her career as one of the most sought-after gospel musicians in Nigeria. Emem, on the other hand is now an artiste manager, who manages Peter Okoye, from the defunct Psquare group. TY Bello is a now a popular celebrity photographer.
KCee Presh
KCEE Presh, made up of Kcee (Kingsley Okonkwo) and Presh (Precious John) began their journey to stardom when they won the much coveted Star Quest prize in 2002. They were rewarded with the Most Promising Act award that same year. They also won the Best Collaboration, Best Music Comedy Video, Best Akwa Cross Artist (2006), Best South-South Artist (2006) and a host of others during their short stay together. Although of different backgrounds, they made songs that rocked the Nigerian music scene as a group. They later fell apart in 2011.