Few individuals left a mark on Nigeria’s music industry quite like the late Pal Akalonu. During the 1970s and early 1980s, when Nigerian music was undergoing a remarkable transformation, he stood among the creative minds who helped shape the country’s evolving sound.
As global audiences embraced rock and roll, psychedelic music and Motown classics from iconic international acts, Nigerian musicians began blending those influences with indigenous rhythms to create a distinct Afro pop and Afro rock identity. Across the South West, South East and Mid West, talented bands emerged with fresh sounds that reflected local culture while embracing modern musical styles.
At the forefront of this movement was Pal Akalonu, whose contribution to the music industry became impossible to ignore. While legendary producer Odion Iruoje worked with several leading artistes from the western part of the country under EMI, Akalonu became the driving force behind the discovery and production of many exceptional talents from Eastern Nigeria. His recent passing has once again drawn attention to the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
Unlike many producers who concentrated on a single style of music, Akalonu built a reputation for his versatility. He worked across Afro pop, highlife, gospel, traditional and cultural music, bringing the same passion and creativity to every project. His love for sound was evident in both his productions and his popular television programme, Now Sound, which introduced countless viewers to emerging musical talents.
For more than a decade, a large share of commercially successful pop music from Eastern Nigeria carried his creative touch. Whether working with EMI or other record labels such as Anodisc, CAP, Feathers, Blackspot Records, Phonodisk and Clover Leaf, Akalonu consistently helped produce records that became household favourites.
Born in Emii, Imo State, Akalonu first established himself as a broadcaster with the East Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation in Enugu, where he worked as a presenter before becoming a producer. His passion for music naturally influenced his broadcasting career, leading him to host radio and television programmes centred on entertainment.
Following the creation of Imo State from the old East Central State, he relocated to Aba, where his career reached new heights. It was there that Now Sound became one of the region’s most popular entertainment programmes, bringing him into close contact with a new generation of gifted musicians.
At the time, Aba had become one of Nigeria’s busiest entertainment centres. Hotels regularly hosted live performances, while several indigenous record companies established operations in the city, creating the perfect environment for musical creativity to flourish.
His broadcasting career also continued to grow. Akalonu later became General Manager of the Nigerian Television Authority in Aba before serving in the same capacity in Benin City until his retirement. In 1985, he received recognition as the country’s Best Entertainment Manager.
Music was deeply rooted in his family background. He often spoke about his father, a soldier who played the organ, saying that his father’s passion for music inspired both him and his siblings, including his younger brother Basil. According to Akalonu, music was always his first love, even before broadcasting.
Over the years, he discovered, mentored and produced numerous artistes and bands that went on to enjoy national recognition. His work included Stoneface and Life Everlasting, Christy Essien Igbokwe and Sweet Breeze, a band that featured his younger brother, Bazy Cole Akalonu, as drummer.
He also contributed to the success of Wings, producing the group’s famous Kissing You So Hard album alongside C. U. Nwaiga and Odion Iruoje. Following the death of frontman Spud Nathan, he remained involved with the successor group, Original Wings.
His impressive catalogue extended to groups such as One World, Apostles, Founders 15, Heads Funk, Semi Colon, Dan Ian and Soki Ohale, among many others. Beyond contemporary pop music, Akalonu also made significant contributions to highlife through productions for the Peacocks Dance Band, Great Oriental Brothers International after the group’s split, Abraka Guitar Band, various traditional folk music projects from Imo State, Negroe Bantus and a faction of Rocafill Jazz.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Akalonu reportedly carried a few personal regrets. One of his deepest wishes was that his younger brother, Bazy Cole Akalonu, would one day be present to lay him to rest. Sadly, Basil passed away several years before him.
In one of his interviews, he also expressed disappointment that his decades of service to Nigeria’s arts and entertainment industry had not earned him national honours such as the Member of the Order of the Niger or Officer of the Order of the Niger.
He had equally hoped to release an album featuring some of his final compositions. That dream remained unfulfilled as he passed away at the age of 91.
Following the announcement of his death by his son, Hendrix Akalonu, burial arrangements have been scheduled for August 21, 2026.
A burial committee made up of many of the musicians, broadcasters and industry professionals whose careers were influenced by Akalonu has been established to coordinate the final rites. The committee is chaired by veteran broadcaster Allan B. Onyemaechi and includes Pastor Kingsley Dallas Anyanwu of Sweet Breeze, Pastor Paul Chukwu, Dame Nkem Opara, Professor Chinedu Asinu Anosike, Chief Soki Ohale, Engineer Olaedo Anyanwu, Chief Nnamdi Olebara, Lady Patsy Gal Nwachukwu, Elder Iyke Ekeoma, Elder Marshall Udo Oruh of Founders 15, Walton Arungwa of Apostles, the Chairman of the Imo State chapter of PMAN, as well as Elders Emma Okere and Frank Fyne, who are handling publicity.
The committee has continued to meet as preparations gather pace, united in its determination to ensure that one of Nigeria’s most influential music producers receives a farewell worthy of the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.
