Akwa Ibom and the Nigerian music scene seem to have been thrown into mourning, in the past few days following the alleged death of Afro-highlife sensation, Sir Wilker Jackson.
He was one of the greatest voices and cultural ambassadors of Akwa’fro music.
Rumours Turned Reality?:
For months, speculations were riffed of the music icon’s passing.
The first strong hint emerged in Mkpat Enin on Friday April 25, 2025 at the wake-keeping of my Nonagenarian Uncle, Chief (Sir) S.C. Udoma, KSJI, “Obom Mbong Ekpuk Mkpat Enin”, where Sir Wilker was billed to perform with his dance band but never showed up.
His absence fueled whispers of tragedy that have now willowed into sad news to be confirmed.
On Tuesday, close associates, fellow musicians, and cultural figures around town in Uyo confirmed that, Sir Wilker Michael Jackson, is death leaving fans, friends, and colleagues reeling in grief.
Though he borrowed inspiration for his stage name from the phenomenal global Pop Star, Michael Jackson, Sir Wilker carved his own nitch as the undisputed pioneer of the Akwa/ Cross Afro-highlife sound with hit sounds as; Mmi Foro, Aya, Emem Isong and Idorenyin amongst others.
Sir Wilker fused Ibibio highlife, Afrobeat, and indigenous rhythms, creating timeless anthems that continued to define weddings, festivals, and cultural gatherings across South-South Nigeria.
I can recalled in 2007, when his creative music artistry (Sir Wilker Becomes the No. 1), in order words a maestro upstaged then Governor, Obong Victor Attah to sack his brother, late Mr. Essien Attah, a musician as he then was from musi-cultural performance at the Amphi-theater at Ibom Plaza for replaying the music of other legendary artistes during Democracy Day Festival, instead of his personal or homegrown performance.
Attah made reference to Sir Wilker, urging his brother “Essien, Until You Perform Your Own Creative Music Like Sir Wilker, I Will Not Pay You”. Acts of that nature made Wilker “Cultural Ambassador and a Maestro”.
His Life As A Cultural Ambassador:
More than an entertainer, Sir Wilker was a custodian of Ibibio identity. His lyrics celebrated language, heritage, and the joys of everyday life; while his stage-crafts electrified audiences. For many, his performances were not just music but a cultural experience.
Out-Pouring of Grief:
Since the announcement of his demise, tributes have flooded social media. Fans have shared clips of his performances under hashtags like: #RIPSirWilkerJackson.
Fellow Akwa Cross stars including Onyiyo Izamar, Emem David, and Israel Seth described him as “a brother, mentor, and irreplaceable talent,” praising his humility, generosity, and musical genius.
Enduring Legacy:
Sir Wilker’s influence on modernization of Ibibio-language music remains unmatched.
By blending traditional rhythms with contemporary appeals, he paved the way for younger artistes to embrace their heritage proudly. What Nnabo Music Crooner, Ice-King now call “Akwa’fro Culture”.
Though gone, his voice will continue to resonate through family ceremonies; burials, traditional marriage rites, birthdays and other joyous celebrations ensuring that, his legacy endures across generations and the Akwa Ibom music-ecosystem.
Farewell, Sir Wilker Jackson.
Though, the stage may now be empty, but your music will never fade.
Profile of A Musi-Cultural Ambassador:
His profile shows he was born, Wilker Michael Jackson, later known as Sir Wilker Jackson on stage.
His genre of music was “Akwa’fro Highlife/Akwa Cross Sounds with hit songs such as; Mmi Foro, Aya, Emem Isong, Idorenyin with years of active performance beginning from 1990 – 2025.
He left behind his legacy as a renowned Cultural Ambassador who pioneered Ibibio highlife fusion in Akwa-Cross region.
