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 were brought to the limelight by 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
The Cavemen are natives of Orlu, Imo State, in the southeastern region of Nigeria and started out as choristers. Kingsley earned a law degree from Babcock University and Nigerian Law School's Kano campus. Benjamin however attended Peter King College of Music, Badagry, Lagos State in the southwestern region of Nigeria.[3]
The Cavemen were officially formed in March 2018[4] and they stylised their band name with a dot to avoid lawsuits from a New-Zealand artiste 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.[5] The duo's sophomore 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 featured on Davido's Timeless album.[3]
Education
Kingsley earned a law degree from Babcock University and Nigerian Law School's Kano campus. Benjamin, however, attended Peter King College of Music, Badagry, Lagos. [6]
Legacy
The Cavemen have often been praised for creating highlife in a way which retains its essence. Writer Michael Chukwudera said 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] |