Maris Quti Reignites Igbo Highlife With Modern Afrosound
Maris Quti
CHIDI UGWU, ABUJA
Nigerian artiste Maris Quti, born Chimaobi Martins Abonyi, is carving out a distinctive musical identity by blending traditional Igbo influences and classic Highlife with contemporary Afrosound.
Quti’s emerging sound seeks to reinterpret Eastern Nigerian musical traditions for a modern audience, combining guitar-driven Highlife elements, indigenous language and storytelling with contemporary African production.
His musical direction is anchored on what he describes as “Roots. Rhythm. Rebirth.” a creative philosophy that places cultural heritage at the centre of his music while creating room for transformation, experimentation and modern expression.
The artiste’s growing catalogue explores different dimensions of identity, spirituality and human relationships, with songs such as “My Land Africa,” “Okwudili,” “Apunaanwu” and “Fake Love.”
While “My Land Africa” centres on cultural pride and identity, “Okwudili” and “Apunaanwu” explore spiritual themes. “Fake Love,” on the other hand, offers a more contemporary and vulnerable perspective on human relationships.
Quti’s latest single, “Ebube Mmuo,” featuring Ejima042, was released in August 2026 and further develops his Afro-Highlife sound through its incorporation of Igbo rhythms, indigenous expression and cultural references.
The title, “Ebube Mmuo,” combines the Igbo words associated with “glory” or “majesty” and “spirit,” reflecting the spiritual and cultural themes that underpin the artiste’s musical direction.
According to the artiste’s management, Quti’s approach is not simply to recreate older forms of Eastern Nigerian music, but to reinterpret their essential elements through contemporary sounds, arrangements and production techniques.
The management said the artiste’s music seeks to preserve key elements of Eastern Nigerian musical traditions — particularly language, rhythm and storytelling — while presenting them in a format that can connect with contemporary listeners and audiences beyond Africa.
The latest release adds to Quti’s growing body of work as he continues to develop a sound that places Igbo cultural expression side by side with modern African musical influences.
His essential releases include “Ebube Mmuo,” featuring Ejima042, “My Land Africa,” “Apunaanwu,” “Okwudili” and “Fake Love.”
Through his evolving musical direction, Quti is positioning his artistry at the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary African sound, using Highlife as a foundation for a modern interpretation of Igbo musical identity.
His approach reflects an effort to keep the cultural elements of Igbo music relevant to contemporary audiences while exploring new sonic possibilities within the broader Afrosound movement.
