Born in Enugu, South Eastern Nigeria on January 1, 1947,in 1964 he founded … Read Full Bio ↴Born in Enugu, South Eastern Nigeria on January 1, 1947,in 1964 he founded the Postmen, a British Invasion covers band. A year later Okosun visited London for the first time as part of a theatre group--in the wake of the early 1966 government coup d'etat that led to the Biafra conflict. In 1974 he formed his own psychedelic rock unit Paperback Limited, which he helmed until, Upon dissolving the group Okosun again reinvented his approach, this time channeling influences like soul, funk and reggae--the resulting group, dubbed Ozziddi, crystallized the progressive musical and lyrical path he followed throughout the remainder of his career. "All my mates were singing love songs," Okosun later said. "I was trying to talk about what was happening to black people."

With 1976's "Help," Ozziddi scored their first major African hit, and a year later reggae giant Eddy Grant mixed their LP Papa's Land. The follow-up Fire in Soweto, recorded in London, scored via the title track, which protest apartheid abuses in South Africa--Okosun nevertheless sidestepped the militant politics of contemporaries like Afro-funk icon Fela Kuti, promoting African unity and black pride over radical broadsides. After completing work on 1978's Holy Wars, Okosun toured Nigeria with reggae greats Jimmy Cliff and Toots & the Maytals. With 1981's Third World Okosun inked a licensing deal with London indie Oti, with the U.S. imprint Celluloid agreeing to reissue Togetherness two years later--in 1985, he reached the apex of his international fame as the lone African artist to contribute to the all-star anti-apartheid album Sun City, and a year later, his "Highlife" featured in the Jonathan Demme-directed feature film Something Wild. By the late 1980s Okosun's popularity was waning, but in 1994 he resurfaced with the comeback vehicle Songs of Praise. In all he recorded more than three dozen LPs over the course of his career, with sessions cut in locales ranging from the U.S. to France, and maintained a high profile at world music festivals across the globe. After battling colon cancer, Okosun died in Washington, D.C. on May 24, 2008.

Culled from; www.windowsmedia.com

Now Or Never
Sonny Okosun Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma

Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma

Africa it's now or never
You either win it or lose it
Forever
Africa it's now or never
We rather win it and keep it
For good

Nigeria it's now or never
You either love it or lose it
Forever
Nigeria it's now or never
We rather love it and keep it
For good

Freedom is now or never
We either win it or lose it
Forever
Freedom is now or never
We rather win it and keep it
For good

Let me hear you

Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi (ka'm je gwa ha na)
Chi anyi ka mma
(A ga'm e je zi'e ha), ziga ha'ozi
(A ga'm a gwa ha na), Chi anyi ka mma
(Ka'm je) ziga ha'ozi
(Ga'm a gwa ha na), Chi anyi ka mma
(Ka'm je), ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
(Ka'm je ziga ha), ziga ha'ozi
(Ga'm a gwa ha na), Chi anyi ka mma

Africa it's now or never
You either win it or lose it
Forever
Africa it's now or never
We rather win it and keep it
For good

Nigeria it's now or never
You either love it or leave it
Forever
Nigeria it's now or never
We rather love it and keep it
For good

Freedom is now or never
We either win it or lose it
Forever
Freedom is now or never
We rather win it and keep it
For good

Ka'm je ziga ha'ozi
A ga'm a gwa ha na Chi anyi ka mma
Ka'm je ziga ha'ozi
Ka'm je gwa ha na Chi anyi ka mma

Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi

Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'o...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Sonny Okosun's song "Now or Never" highlight the importance of taking action and making a change for the betterment of Africa, Nigeria and freedom. The repeated phrase "Ziga ha'ozi, Chi anyi ka mma" means "let's move forward, we can do it well" in Igbo language. The chorus emphasizes that the time for change is now and that the outcome of the actions taken will determine the future of the country and its people. The song inspires people to take responsibility, to love their country or continent, to fight for their freedom and rights, and to work together towards a better future.

Line by Line Meaning

Africa it's now or never
This is Africa's moment, and if we don't act now, we may never have the opportunity again.

You either win it or lose it
It's either we come out on top or we lose out completely.

Forever
The consequences of our actions today will impact us for years to come.

We rather win it and keep it for good
We should strive to emerge victorious and hold onto our success for a long time.

Nigeria it's now or never
This is Nigeria's moment, and we must seize it with both hands.

You either love it or lose it
We must either love our country or face the risk of losing it altogether.

We rather love it and keep it for good
We should strive to love our country and maintain that love forever.

Freedom is now or never
This is our shot at achieving freedom, and we must take it seriously.

Let me hear you
Call to action for others to join the cause and work towards a better future.

Contributed by Jackson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

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Adeyemi Adebisi

In the chorus, what is Sunny saying? "zindaozzi maitaman"? I don't get it pls

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@justiceibezim4590

5y↑37

Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma

Africa, it's now or never
You either win it or lose it
Forever
Africa, it's now or never
We rather win it and keep it
For good

Nigeria it's now or never
You either love it or lose it
Forever
Nigeria it's now or never
We rather love it and keep it
For good

Freedom is now or never
We either win it or lose it
Forever
Freedom is now or never
We rather win it and keep it
For good

Let me hear you

Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi (ka'm je gwa ha na)
Chi anyi ka mma
(A ga'm e je zi'e ha), ziga ha'ozi
(A ga'm a gwa ha na), Chi anyi ka mma
(Ka'm je) ziga ha'ozi
(Ga'm a gwa ha na), Chi anyi ka mma
(Ka'm je), ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
(Ka'm je ziga ha), ziga ha'ozi
(Ga'm a gwa ha na), Chi anyi ka mma

Africa, it's now or never
You either win it or lose it
Forever
Africa, it's now or never
We rather win it and keep it
For good

Nigeria it's now or never
You either love it or leave it
Forever
Nigeria it's now or never
We rather love it and keep it
For good

Freedom is now or never
We either win it or lose it
Forever
Freedom is now or never
We rather win it and keep it
For good

Ka'm je ziga ha'ozi
A ga'm a gwa ha na Chi anyi ka mma
Ka'm je ziga ha'ozi
Ka'm je gwa ha na Chi anyi ka mma

Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'ozi
Chi anyi ka mma
Ziga ha'o......

All comments from YouTube:

@festusokosun1122

4y↑37

Great hero sunny Okosun...He bought me my Christmas and new year clothes in the year 1994...RIP....

@giftpure6762

wow that's nice..it seems you are related.. from your surname Okosun

@trentson6965

1y↑1

The Children Ebony, Michael and Adesuwa will schooled together that is very long time this social platforms we have today Sir Sony Okoson is an iconic symbol in music industry in Nigeria
Infact Nigeria has lost great people music and Non of his Children could take over from were he stopped. Blessed Memory Sir Sony Okoson.

@destinyehiagwina7828

43w

I was there... brother

@azihcchidi001

31w↑3

The chorus been in Igbo language showed how inclusive your messages were. RIP Sir ❤

@brownze1

30w↑3

Music that lives for ever. Heard this a child in the 80s fast forward 2023 I’m still wondering why has African got it so wrong

@omotoyeolajide7185

2y↑16

Brave and fearless Okosun! Prophetic message...was young boy when he dropped this evergreen song. Still relevant to our reality today. Rest on great man

@ifeyinwaokafor6329

1y↑5

This song brings back alot of memories in my life as a little girl back then in jos plateau state Nigeria

@obafestus1283

2y↑9

I just passed by his house in Ikeja,i needed to listen to this great man of all times,RIP legend.

@rush3k

5y↑18

The original music video to this song was a masterpiece. It should be on YouTube!

@CA0544NE

4y↑13

This is our voice now, God save our Youths on the street. Rest In Peace Sonny Okosun ✝️🙏🏾✊🏽

@nellynwachukwu4920

4y↑10

This song makes more sense to me now. Nigeria is now or Never!! Bless your soul wise one. Rest in power

@Boanerges234

Now it makes more more sense ❗
Nigeria is now or never ❗

@josephomolegie6119

6y↑29

You fought and won all your battles throughout Africa. You won in Zimbabwe, Soweto and Southern Africa. You were a revolutionary singer. Though dead your prophetic music lives on. May your ebullient soul rest in peace.

@MichaelIbiorika

4y↑22

One of the best ever to come out of Nigeria and Africa. Rest on sir.

@ihentugeinnocentkelechi6457

4y↑8

Feeling emotional right away as i listen to this music.Rip Oziddi

@obaloluwadairo3276

1y↑2

Peter Obi’s jingle brought me here ❤

@estherjoseph-david2909

1y↑3

Wow!!! Wow!!! Wow!!!!
What a prophetic message?
This is a now word even though given several years ago and the Messenger already back to his Maker.
I pray Nigerians do the right thing today in agreement with this Word.
Thanks for sharing.

@emmanueloshareyone5131

2y↑7

This song just burst out memories in me as a kid, I remember listening to it in my mother’s shop in mami market army barracks back then, didn’t understand the lyrics then as a child but I’m glad to finally get a feel now, it makes a whole lot of sense!! Bless up king 🤴

@inyeneobongtom2770

26w↑1

Quite inspiring and ... Oh my goodness ! Actually we've lost Nigeria 😢

@petermichael4622

9y↑41

Could remember when my friend Kore, now in Canada, and myself used to listen to this when we were about to leave Nigeria in 1994. Sunny Okosun flew Africa on high notes of nolstagic melodies. Rest in peace Ozzidi king.

@bisiolawoyin3003

Little we all know then, see what the so called leaders have turn the country to, it has become a looters republic, so sad, what next

@bisiolawoyin3003

6y↑1

Rip sunny Okosun , God bless your soul

@nanamanuadviser5836

Vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv.b

@jessedee8635

8y↑26

it shall be well with whoever uploaded this song.. I fell in love with it as a kid and have been yearning to listen to it again as an adult so i can really understand the lyrics.

@biolasaidi1170

4y↑1

May God continue to bless you ever uploaded this album! True song of freedom

@danjumamusa2400

7y↑14

RIP, always shed tears listening to your songs, makes me remember my late Dad

@Seewhy3791

4y↑1

Same here....

@emekaibem6733

2y↑1

You and me both, Danjuma!

@giftofapril

Me as well

@dmentalhealthhub

Same here

@demmybobby

1y↑1

OOH LORD. TAKE ALL NIGERIAN POLITICIAN AND RETURN SONNY OKOSUNS BACK TO US..

@Boy_Gentle

5y↑16

Powerful message from the son of Africa to the beloved continent of Africa

@akinmidechristopher2944

8y↑22

God bless whoevr uploaded this music. RIP to the legend Sunny Okosun

@eseanighoro8343

6y↑1

Akinmide Christopher my brother this song brings memories that can’t be forgotten

@debbieikwuagwu3058

1y↑3

It's NOW or NEVER. We either WIN it now or LOOSE it FOREVER

@gbadeoyelakin

2y↑3

Thank you. I cannot even tell you how long I have sought to listen to this. To now find it has been on YouTube for 8 years??? Thank you

@christopherotasowie1425

4y↑4

Rest in power the great OKOSUN...you saw all what's happening in Nigeria now decades ago.

@justiceibezim4590

5y↑37

@Prince_of_Winterfell

5y↑1

Is this Igbo and what does it mean... Ziga ha'ozi... Chi anyi ka mma.

@osazuwaogbeide1540

@@Prince_of_Winterfell i believe it esan but may be wrong

@brightibezim1486

4y↑3

@@Prince_of_Winterfell Send them a message (Ziga ha ozi), Our God is better (Chi anyi ka mma)

@thehebrewboytv5588

3y↑4

It's igbo...ziga h'ozi send them a msg

@raymonddede3948

3y↑4

@@Prince_of_Winterfell that is Igbo language, ziga ha ozi, gwa ha na Chi anyi ka nma, means (send a message and tell them that our God is better)

7 More Replies...

@emmanuelogbodo6451

1y↑2

Came in February 2023, when we hard a second chance to regain our Freedom through Peter Gregory Obi and Datti Ahmed Baba

@emmanuelolayemi5592

7y↑11

Evergreen song, God bless the good work of this great man.

@osazuwaogbeide1540

5y↑1

yes indeed evergreen song grew up in the mid 2000 and my dad will always play sonny cd

@jessedee8635

1y↑1

Is NOW OR NEVER Nigerians. Go out tomorrow and Vote Labour Party and Peter Obi for President

@anazodocharles214

8y↑16

good message to Nigeria and for all Africa. i love you sunny okosun.RIP

@jamjamentertainment9234

2y↑3

The message you sent to all of Africa lives on.... RIP.

@Lastmanstanding11

34w

We need this song right now, today the 6th September 2023

@olabisitaiwo7573

27w

THANK YOU, GREAT MAN. RIP. YOU SAID IT ALL....ITS NOT TOO LATE... NIGERIA IS NOW OR NEVER.

@ikechukwuonuoha4166

8y↑6

Sunny,you may have gone, but your prophetic words is alive, Africa Envision is now.

@peterumelaiye5277

43w↑1

Just woke up. And the song resonated in my mind. And tot i should check it out online. Remembered this song
waybak from 1987 in primary school. Lyrics just making sense to me now with the song/beats and wake up call that years hav passed.
RIP Sunny Okosun.

@brunomuzan1090

4y↑4

This song makes more meaning now especially this #ENDSARS movement. May God rest your soul. Legend!

@adamuyakubu7674

6y↑6

This number reminds me of my early days in Lagos - beautiful life, beautiful Lagos. But then as the number finishes playing and went away, so did the good times!

@musaaliu1485

6y↑1

And we need to go back to the past. I had to come back to this song to find solace that perhaps, the message of Okosun would one day be remembered by our leaders and give us a Nigeria of our dreams.

@veritas2048

Beautiful words

@johnwhatalegendsamuel3349

5y↑6

We used to sing this music, when I was in primary school. Rip sir

@kissdpride

1y↑2

Making sense now
If we loose Obi......

@kateotiteh1034

4y↑2

God bless the downloader of this music.This music means a lot to our country now .papa sonny Rest on sir.

@AdaJohnson

2y↑1

2022 thinking of Nigeria elections and hoping we understand tgat it is now or never! We have to win Nigeria back now!

@jamesaigbiremon4316

7y↑10

Now I know that there is a music inside musics

@Boy_Gentle

James Aigbiremon ; I love your definition 😊

@seventhunder777

39w

RIP legendary freedom fighter, and brother in Christ.

@toyeolaosebikan5943

3y↑1

Who is here thinking about Nigeria and Africa in 2021 February.

@ovieonojeghuo8347

7y↑7

This song was done in 1987 Rip....

@springoflifeeyeclinic901

4y↑2

Buhari hear this

@vickyohams3464

42w

One of the musician seer who forsaw the future of Nigeria reliable through RADICAL REVOLUTION sole language the whole system seems to understand.

@user-oj6rm3hc6x

14w

What a message from from the late legend.R.l.p.

@joywest2141

9y↑10

May the lord almighty bless you for uploading this track, rest in peace the authentic legend, raw talent, miss you so much owalen, proudly ishan

@reelspilltv

1y↑1

Nigerians go out today and vote and vote out every criminal, incapable, nonchalant, inept, mediocre, kleptocrat, ethno-religious government.

Vote for competency, antecedence, capacity, intelligence, able-bodied, dedicated, qualified, scandal-free, leader. Go and vote and be obidient to your conscience.

@oseweebaghelu2921

10y↑4

God bless you "StarLagerBeer" for uploading this song....great song from the past....been searching for this song for ages....and a great message to the Nigerian polity of today

RIP Owaen Sonny Okosun...your messages live on!

@bisiolawoyin3003

6y↑1

They are all looters, in a looters republic, so sad , RIP sunny okosun

@josephomolegie6119

Elimhin nu ye ebhue bhu. Oshon owie owanlen

@patrickokoemu3906

4y↑2

Freedom song of a maestro never to be forgotten.

@akinwasolaakingbehin3820

Prophet Okosun😢 Live on in Power Legend… We are still here navigating the battle for the soul of Africa. One day, we will win. ❤ Yes we will🎉

@uchechijioke7470

2y↑1

The prophet has once more spoken. The youths it’s now or never! Peter Obi

@izevbuwaeweka9036

2y↑1

Beautiful song from a beautiful soul..
Evergreen..

@osarobomike

3y↑1

Edo blood God bless you were ever you are in Jesus name we pray amen

@adetunjiadeyemi3129

7y↑3

Thank you for this Music, it makes me remember those days when men where still boys

@chioma190

Nigerians, Africa, it's now or never! Support and Vote #ObiDatti2023 to save yourselves and regain your peace!

@cosemy8566

4y↑2

Surely, Chi anyi ka mma

@samuelnnaji8047

6y↑2

He tackles social political problems Nigeria & Africa as
as a whole Freedom fighter, the voice of the voiceless.
Continue to rest in till we shall
meet again.

@keneanosike1057

5y↑2

Legend and prophet....Rest on!!!

@jonathanimoisili8575

5y↑3

I love You more my father sunny okosun

@patrickokoemu3906

4y↑3

Legendary sunny okosun liberated so many. May your soul RIP.

@zoelionzoelion9173

NIGERIA IS NOW OR NEVER. This song makes more sense now. Rest on Sonny

@preciousonyekaawanye9383

2y↑1

Evergreen

@peterlopet6876

3y↑1

Prophet of old. Your voice is still very loud today.

@abdullamidi

4y↑1

Who is watching with me

@luckyibadin7780

4y↑3

RIP man may your soul rest in bossom of thy lord.

@nkechiajih3374

1y↑1

What a timeless song

@balotbalo4235

11w

Just imagine still the same country we are still fighting for till tomorrow.. I'll not say bco of Tinubu and other wicked politicians I should hate Nigeria God help US

@uchekalu571

An evergreen classic especially as we prepare for 2023 elections next year. Indeed freedom is now or never.

@helenedeke724

It has been long that we have been fighting for freedom in Africa, rest on sir

@osasumhenfreedom1905

3y↑1

Daddy we missed you. God bless Africans bless the great Esan my father land.

@uyoragwam9827

As if he knew what will happen in future.
Permit me to say he is one of the prophets.

@ndubuisiijeh4471

Sounds like "Peter Obi...is our man""

@chrisezeilo7366

1y↑1

Another opportunity to get it right is here once again as Nigeria heads to the polls today. My people, It's NOW or NEVER! #Freedom

@blessingpiper6004

Miss you my brother

@christianokolocha4416

5y↑2

Great music from a great musician . He was a freedom fighter using music as instrument for liberation struggle throughout Africa . May his kind soul continue to rest in peace.

@princeogor750

3y↑1

God blessed your soul And rest well

@newtonimagbenikaro942

Keep resting on sir, you left behind a great message and legacy which forever will remain indelible in the heart of Africans.

@federalman2674

21w

LEGEND 2.0❤

@serikiafusat8850

Continue to rest legend

@omotoyeolajide7185

50w

Truth to power and the people

@aihielewis8077

Freedom is now or never..I salute you..

@agbonyiomoaghe2646

Rest on great Ozzidi now we see the reason for this music 💪💪💪💪💪together we stand

@Boy_Gentle

What a powerful message. Considering when this song was made; it the tone of prophecy. We were forewarned; but because we didn’t listen, we are now experiencing invasion by the Chinese and the West

@nzefrancis5302

29w

RIP legend

@dezzyrocdezzyroc838

4y↑1

Okosun the great you still lives in us RIP my Big brother..

@Cuteemo60

18w

Yeah ❤❤

@oribhaborjohnthompson261

4y↑1

Great Hero great fighter of peace in Nigeria Rip

@philipehizojieeigbe4485

Nigeria 🇳🇬 is Now or Never. Vote Wisely. Vote H.E. Peter Obi of the Labour Party. A New and Better Nigeria 🇳🇬 is POssible . It is Now or Never.

@amassmart7385

6y↑1

sunny okosun was a lagent

@hearnsthomy988

46w

YES BABABAAAA

@zakariusman5191

4y↑1

This music by Ozzidi king makes more sense now than ever before. Nigeria youths it's now or never you either win it and keep it for good. #endsars ##endpolicebrutality #endbadgorvernanceinnigeria #sorosoke

@amabelolisah8082

Now we all know better he said but we didn't know it was going to come sooner or later. I salute you Sunny Rest in power✊

@jephthahokorie1183

We work now to keep Nigeria or lose it forever.nice one lagend.

@nzefrancis5302

Sunny Okosun,the legend rest on.

@ababanwa205

Anybody here possess your possession.Amen

@olaniyi2001

48w

Deep message

@edmundegerega7414

7y↑2

I keep enjoying all tracks and song from this great guy Sony Okosun. Can someone please upload 'Rain' by Sony Okosun. Eddy Stone

@oyewoleoni

Imagine if sunny okosun was still alive today what's going to sing again

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