The Cavemen (band)
Nigerian Highlife band
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The Cavemen (stylized as The Cavemen.) are a Nigerian highlife band consisting of sibling duo Kingsley Okorie, a bassist, and Benjamin James, a drummer. They gained wider recognition through their association with Lady Donli and are known for their live performances.[1] In August 2020, they released their debut album Roots, which won Best Alternative Album at The Headies 2020.[2]
Early life and education
The Cavemen are from Orlu, Imo State and started out as choristers. Okorie earned a law degree from Babcock University and Nigerian Law School's Kano campus. James attended Peter King College of Music, Badagry, Lagos State.[3][4]
The Cavemen were officially formed in March 2018[5] and they stylised their band name with a dot to avoid lawsuits from a New Zealand artist with the trademarked name.[3]
Career
They released their debut single, ''Osondu'' in 2020 and released their debut album, Roots in August 2020.[1] The album was recorded in their living room and was fully produced by the duo.[1][3] They also produced 11 of the songs on Lady Donli's Enjoy Your Life album who in turn was a co-executive producer on Roots. They performed at the finale show of the fifth season of Big Brother Naija.[6] Their second album Love and Highlife was released in October 2021, with guest appearances from Cobhams Asuquo, Made Kuti, PC Lapez and Etuk Ubong. In 2023, the duo appeared on Davido's Timeless album.[3]
Legacy
The Cavemen have been praised for creating highlife in a way which retains its essence. Writer Michael Chukwudera stated that the duo's music is inspired by Oliver De Coque, and is centered around love and philosophy.[7]
Discography
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Details | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Roots |
|
[8] |
| 2021 | Love and Highlife |
|
[9] |
| 2025 | Cavy in the City |
|
[10] |
Singles
Videography
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee/Work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | The Headies 2020 | Best Alternative Album | The Cavemen - Roots | Won | [2] |