As a musician, Prince Nico Mbarga (1950-1997) is best remembered for one great song: Sweet Mother. The song is perhaps better known, by those who've heard it, than the singer. It is even so rarely heard nowadays that most of those who have heard it in the past probably forget having done so, until they hear it again. What's more, it is probably the case that few if any of those who know it remember who sang it. Regardless, Sweet Mother is, veritably, an African classic; and he, Prince Nico Mbarga, an icon. So, who was he? Briefly: he was born in 1950, as already indicated, in colonial Nigeria. His mother was a Nigerian and his father a Cameroonian. He lived mostly on the Nigerian side of the border, but could not shed the pull and richness of his dual nationality. Nor is there any indication that he ever wanted to (See Map of Nigeria and Cameroon). READ MORE: About Prince Nico Mbarga Here is the audio of Sweet Mother (ever heard it?):
