The Cavemen (band)

The Cavemen.
Background information
OriginImo State, Nigeria
GenreHighlife
InstrumentsBass, drums
Years active2020–present
LabelSounds From The Cave
MembersKingsley Okorie
Benjamin James

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. In August 2020, they released their debut album Roots, which won Best Alternative Album at The Headies 2020.

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.

The Cavemen were officially formed in March 2018 and they stylised their band name with a dot to avoid lawsuits from a New Zealand artist with the trademarked name.

Career

They released their debut single, ''Osondu'' in 2020 and released their debut album, Roots in August 2020. The album was recorded in their living room and was fully produced by the duo. 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. 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.

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.

Discography

Studio albums

Year Title Details Ref
2020 Roots
2021 Love and Highlife
  • Released: October 29, 2021 (NG)
  • Label: Sounds from the Cave, Stellar International, Immensum Music
  • Formats: digital download, streaming
2025 Cavy in the City

Singles

Year Title Album
2020 ''Osondu'' Roots
"Anita"
"Who No Know Go Know" TBA
2023 "Open Your Mind/Saviour"
2024 "What a Day That Was" TBA

Videography

"Bena" - 2020

"Adaugo" - 2023

Awards

Year Award Category Nominee/Work Result Ref
2020 The Headies 2020 Best Alternative Album The Cavemen - Roots Won

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The Cavemen release their highly anticipated debut album, 'ROOTS'". NativeMag. 2020-08-21. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  2. 1 2 "See di full list of winners for di 14th edition of Headies". BBC News Pidgin. 2021-02-21. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Ihekire, Chinonso (2021-03-06). "Cavemen… Redefining Highlife Music". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  4. ↑ "The Cavemen". Music In Africa. 2023-01-27. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  5. ↑ Obi, Ify. "The Cavemen". nataal.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  6. ↑ "How viewers vote BBNaija Laycon, Olamilekan Agbeleshe to win Big Brother Naija lockdown Season 5 show - BBC Pidgin". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 2021-08-07.
  7. ↑ "In "Love and Highlife," The Cavemen. Become Better Masters of their Craft - Afrocritik". 2021-11-02. Retrieved 2022-11-12.
  8. ↑ Alake, Motolani (2020-08-21). "The Cavemen release new album, 'ROOTS'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  9. ↑ Oloworekende, Wale. "The Cavemen Detail Their Sophomore Album, 'Love and Highlife'". The NATIVE. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  10. ↑ Davies, Gift (2025-11-04). "'Cavy in the City' Is The Cavemen Doing What They Do Best". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  11. ↑ "What A Day That Was Lyrics by The Cavemen". NotjustOk. 2024-05-23. Retrieved 2024-06-14.
  12. ↑ Onabanjo, Adedamola (2020-09-22). "Heartbreak And High-life Fuse Perfectly In The Cavemen.'s Video For 'Bena'". The Culture Custodian. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  13. ↑ "Premiere: Watch The Cavemen's Stunning Music Video for 'Adaugo' - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2024-06-14.