Mike Okri: The Rhumba Dancer of Afro-Mystic Soul
- Esther Oladimeji
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
From Bendel to Billboard, Mike Okri’s voice carried the rhythm of a generation that learned to dance and reflect at the same time. This portrait by Hakeem Shitta, now part of the Hakeem Shitta Photo and Cultural Archive (HSPACA), captures more than a performer, it captures a pulse.
Known for hits like Rhumba Dance and Time Na Money, Okri made music that spoke with both wisdom and warmth. His songs were never just entertainment; they were philosophy wrapped in rhythm. He once described his style, Afro-Mystic Soul, as “sound that carries spirit.” And anyone who has ever moved to his music would agree that it felt alive.
Early Life and Breakthrough
Born in the old Bendel State (now Delta State), Mike Okri grew up surrounded by drums, stories, and the lyrical wisdom of everyday people. His debut album Concert Fever was an instant success, its melodies as familiar as the Nigerian streets it came from.
When Okri signed with CBS Records Nigeria, which would later become Sony Music, it marked a turning point. He became the first Nigerian artist on the label — a historic step that placed local rhythm on a global stage. But even with international recognition, he never lost the simplicity and sincerity that made his music resonate at home.
Legacy and Influence
Okri’s vision for Afro-Mystic Soul was bigger than genre. It was a philosophy that merged groove with guidance, dance with depth. Songs like Omoge, Wisdom, and Time Na Money still carry meaning today. They were playful but wise, spiritual yet rooted in daily Nigerian life. Over the years, he has collaborated with younger artists to revive his classics, mentored new voices, and continued to record from his base in California. His gospel work and humanitarian projects reveal the same heart that powered his early music: rhythm with purpose.
This portrait of Mike Okri lives in the Hakeem Shitta Photo and Cultural Archive (HSPACA), a living record of Nigeria’s artistic history. Through it, moments like these remain visible, connecting sound to memory and artist to audience.
🔗 Explore the archive: www.hspaca.org
Mike Okri’s story reminds us that music can teach without preaching and dance without distraction. His Afro-Mystic Soul still echoes from Lagos to Los Angeles — timeless, thoughtful, and alive.
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