Early Life and Background
The Cavemen. is a Nigerian highlife music duo consisting of brothers Kingsley Okorie and Benjamin James. The brothers were born in Lagos, Nigeria—Kingsley Okorie on March 5, 1995, and Benjamin James on March 11, 1998. Raised in a musically inclined Christian household, their early exposure to music came through gospel and classical influences, with strong encouragement from their family.
Their upbringing was steeped in traditional values and Igbo culture, which would later become a core element of their sound. From an early age, the brothers were introduced to a variety of instruments and began nurturing their individual talents—Kingsley gravitated towards the bass guitar while Benjamin developed his skills as a drummer and percussionist.
Education
Kingsley Okorie studied law at Babcock University in Ogun State, Nigeria, reflecting a disciplined academic background before choosing to pursue music full-time. His brother Benjamin James studied music at Peter King College of Music in Badagry and further honed his craft at Muson School of Music, one of Nigeria’s premier music institutions. Benjamin is also a classically trained drummer, which informs his complex rhythmic patterns and percussive experimentation in their music.
The Birth of The Cavemen.
The Cavemen. officially formed in 2018, though the brothers had been making music together long before then. Their name reflects a desire to “return to the roots” of African music, particularly highlife, a genre that originated in Ghana and flourished in Nigeria in the mid-20th century. They stylize their name with a period—The Cavemen.—to signify finality and purpose.
The group set out with a mission to revitalize and modernize traditional highlife, fusing it with elements of soul, funk, Afrobeat, and psychedelic rock. Their early recordings were produced in their self-built home studio in Lagos, where they created their signature “live” and analog sound.
Career Trajectory and Major Works
Breakout with “ROOTS” (2020)
The Cavemen. rose to prominence with the release of their debut album “ROOTS” in August 2020. Entirely self-produced, mixed, and mastered, the 16-track project was a loving homage to old-school highlife, delivered with a refreshing, youthful energy.
“ROOTS” garnered critical acclaim for its lush instrumentation, warm analog tones, and seamless blending of languages (English, Pidgin, and Igbo). Tracks like “Me You I,” “Anita,” and “Bolo Bolo” became instant fan favorites.
The album was celebrated for reclaiming indigenous musical heritage in a commercial era often dominated by Afrobeats. It won Best Alternative Album at the 2020 Headies Awards.
“Love and Highlife” (2021)
Their sophomore album, “Love and Highlife,” released in October 2021, solidified their standing in the Nigerian and global music scenes. This album expanded their thematic focus to explore romance, spirituality, and identity. Songs such as “Selense,” “Stranger,” and “Teach Me How to Love” showcased their versatility and growing confidence.
“Love and Highlife” received praise for its impeccable production and nostalgic feel, further earning them a spot among Nigeria’s most innovative modern musicians.
Sound and Musical Influences
The Cavemen.’s music is deeply inspired by Nigerian highlife legends such as Osita Osadebe, Oliver De Coque, and Celestine Ukwu, as well as Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Their sound also echoes Western influences like James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, and The Beatles, which they skillfully blend into their Afrocentric narrative.
They champion the use of live instrumentation in an industry heavily driven by digital production. Their music often includes the use of brass, talking drums, native percussion, bass guitar, and soulful vocal harmonies.
Collaborations and Performances
The Cavemen. have collaborated with top African artists, including:
- Lady Donli – whom they often cite as a supporter and early collaborator.
- Burna Boy – they were featured on his Grammy-nominated album “Twice As Tall” on the track “Bank On It”.
- Made Kuti – sharing stages and ideological ground as torchbearers of heritage music.
Their live performances are electrifying and immersive, characterized by extended jams, audience engagement, and spiritual fervor. They’ve performed at major festivals such as:
- Felabration (Nigeria)
- Lagos International Jazz Festival
- Homecoming Lagos
- Afro Nation
Their concerts often feel like cultural revivals, with fans dressed in traditional attire and dancing to rhythms reminiscent of the 1970s dance halls.
Cultural Impact and Artistic Evolution
The Cavemen. have played a pivotal role in bringing highlife back to mainstream consciousness, especially among Nigeria’s youth. In doing so, they have bridged generational gaps, connecting older audiences with new, globally-aware listeners.
Their work challenges the notion that heritage music cannot evolve. Instead, they present highlife as dynamic, expressive, and deeply relevant. Their fashion also reflects this ethos—often seen in flowing agbadas, vintage Igbo regalia, and afro hairstyles, they promote an identity rooted in cultural pride.
Challenges and Independent Spirit
Despite their success, The Cavemen. have remained independent artists, a bold choice that allows them to retain full creative control. They’ve faced challenges related to infrastructure, distribution, and the commercial market’s prioritization of Afropop. However, their commitment to authenticity and excellence has earned them a dedicated fanbase.
They have also spoken publicly about the pressures of modern fame, and their desire to stay grounded amidst the hype of industry attention.
Personal Lives
Though relatively private about their personal lives, The Cavemen. have emphasized their brotherly bond as the foundation of their creative synergy. They continue to live and work in Lagos, where their home studio serves as both sanctuary and lab for musical experimentation.
In interviews, they speak about meditation, spirituality, and a deep belief in purpose. Benjamin, for instance, has expressed admiration for mystic traditions and African philosophies that influence his songwriting.
Awards and Recognition
- The Headies (2020) – Best Alternative Album for “ROOTS”
- AFRIMMA Nominees – Best African Group
- Apple Music’s Up Next Nigeria Artist (2021)
- Consistently featured in Top 10 Nigerian Albums of the Year lists by music critics and publications
Discography
Studio Albums
- “ROOTS” (2020)
- “Love and Highlife” (2021)
- (New album rumored for 2025 – stay tuned)
Popular Singles
- “Anita”
- “Selense”
- “Me You I”
- “Bolo Bolo”
- “Stranger”
Featured Collaborations
- Burna Boy – “Bank On It”
- Lady Donli – “Cash” (Live Version)
Conclusion
The Cavemen. are more than musicians—they are cultural custodians, reinterpreting the past for a vibrant future. Through their craft, they have ignited a renaissance of highlife music, challenging the global music scene to embrace authenticity and tradition. Their journey is a testament to the power of art deeply rooted in heritage, yet limitless in vision.
