Celestine Ukwu was a Nigerian highlife musician who made significant contributions to the Igbo highlife music scene in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Enugu in 1940, he rose to prominence with a sound that was markedly different from many of his contemporaries, characterized by a more contemplative and philosophical approach to highlife music. His lyrics often dealt with themes of morality, life's uncertainties, and the human condition, earning him a reputation as a thoughtful composer who provided listeners with not just entertainment but also food for thought.

Before his untimely death in a car accident in 1977, Celestine Ukwu had established himself as one of the pillars of modern highlife with his band, Celestine Ukwu & His Philosophers National. His music continues to be celebrated posthumously for its melodic finesse and lyrical depth. Among his most renowned releases are the philosophic album "His Philosophies" and the evergreen tracks "Igede" and "Ijede Fantasia." The "Celestine Ukwu EP 1" serves as a testament to his enduring legacy in the rich tapestry of African music, and his works remain influential, capturing the spirit and the struggles of his era through a sound that is both distinctive and universally appealing.