Prof. Godshield Imoh Archibong is an enigma in the world of musical entertainment. He has made a bold mark in Nigeria’s music industry and won great acknowledgement for his work in other countries, particularly, the United States of America.

Godshield Archibong is a talented musician and performing artiste who specializes in singing and composing. He has won laurels through his captivating performances . His intellectual works are very creative and refreshing.

He has been listed among the best artistes in Africa (Artistes of Excellence). He is a great artiste with live performance experiences and numerous professional festival colours. He has made salient contributions to music worldwide. He has been in music and theatrical entertainment  industry for decades gathering abundant experiences that have qualified him as an authority in the field of music.

In the year 2000, he was invited to represent Nigeria in Radio France International African Discovery Contest (2000 – 2006). He was also invited to represent Nigeria at the 29th International Congress on Arts and Communication–Vancouver, Canada 2002.

His name was written in International Hall of Fame of Outstanding Artistes in Music and Theatrical Entertainment Industry. His name was also written in the following biographical dictionaries: Book of Records, International Biographical Dictionary Cambridge, England; History of World Performing Artistes; History of Nigerian Musicians  and, Voice of America Directory Book (Music Time in Africa 1995 Edition) and Who is Who in Nigeria 1999. He has been listed among the most distinctive artistes in the world. He has also been listed among the best artistes in Africa (Artistes of Excellence).

In 2016, he was invited to be honoured as Professor by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England. He was also elected by the Board of International Biographical Centre Cambridge, England for an honorary Doctor of Letters in 2017. Only a few Africans with high academic performance have been selected by the board for this significant accolade.

Godshield Archibong was born on February 17, 1958 at Mbiatok Itam in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He began his education at Presbyterian School, West Itam 1, Itu. He also attended St. Stephen’s School Ikot Etopo, Nsit Ibom. He went on to the Industrial Trade Centre now Government Technical College, Ewet Offot, Uyo where he studied Electronics/Electrical Engineering.

In 1998, he gained admission into the University of Uyo where he read Music and graduated in 2001. From there, he veered into the world of theological education. He enrolled at New Stars Bible College, Lagos and bagged a Bachelor of Theology, a Master a Theology and a Doctorate in the same discipline.

Being a man who is constantly thirsty for education, he went on to Asusatech Polytechnic Enugu to study Mass Communication between 2008 and 2013. He bagged both the National Diploma and the Higher National Diploma of the institution between 2008 and 2013.

Archibong’s musical career began in 1976 as a star singer with Sunny Risky Band of Itu between 1976 and 1977. Afterwards, he worked as Songwriter, Columbine Records Corporation, Hollywood ,California in 1981. He also worked as Professional Composer at Columbine Records.

Having been employed at the Cultural Centre Band, Calabar, Cross River State as Assistant Bandsman in 1977, he went back to government employment as Assistant Chief Cultural Assistant at the Council for Arts and Culture, Uyo in 1991. He became Chief Cultural Assistant in 1995.

He had five recording contracts with Columbine Records, Sunrsie Records, USA, Casablanca Records and Film Works, USA and Hollywood Stars Music Production also in the USA.

His musical releases include “My Tower” which was a Smash Hit Album recorded for Columbine Record Corporation, California in 1981. He was the first Nigerian on the label. He also released “Right Time” on Ivory Music Label in Lagos in 1998. His latest work is a captivating album titled, “I Thank Thee.”

Godshield has raced, competed, won and received many honours and awards  from song festivals and concerts for outstanding musical performances in and outside Nigeria. They include: Special Recording Award (Best Honours): Five Star Music Masters, Massachusetts USA–1983; Front Line Merit Award (Gold) Reggae Club of Nigeria 1992; Best Musicians Award – Kiwanis International, Nigeria 1994 and 2nd Prize, PMAN Music Competition–1996.

He has also won over a dozen other awards from different bodies and organizations in and outside Nigeria.

It is in recognition of his rare achievements in the field of Musical Entertainment that Prof. Godshield Imoh Archibong is deemed worthy to be conferred with the Development in Nigeria Merit Award which is part of the PSR National Awards 2018.