Of the musicians of the Efik/Ibibio extraction, Inyang Henshaw towers above the others in terms of content, presence, and appeal. What sets the boys apart from the men in the music industry is the ability to hold the audience captive while the show lasts. Inyang Ita had it in quantum. From very humble beginnings in the late fifties and up to the dawn of independence, he exhibited a huge talent in time, waiting to explode. Coming to Lagos, at the time, he joined the old record label Phillips West Africa (later Polygram & Premier) as an Artist/Producer. Crack musicians like guitarist Alaba Pedro, Alto sax wizard Etim Udo, Sir Maliki Showman on Tenor Sax, Late Crosdale Juba on Trumpet solo, and late Burstic Kingsley Bassey had very remarkable tints with Henshaw’s Top Ten Aces.

Henshaw sold Efik / Ibibio rich culture to the world by adapting folkloric tales for popular music namely- Highlife and Ekombi or native blues. The height of his impactful life was when he gave the Command Performance at the World Festival of Arts and Culture- Festac, in February of 1977. Ma  Ekanem an Ekombi beat, became a standard and has refused to die. Some of his contemporaries included Emmanuel Ntia, leader of the then Eastern Stars Dance Band, Tex Ubong Henry who led the Army Band at the time, Sammy Obot, leader of the Uhuru Dance Band of Ghana. Peter Efiom was a real idol back in Calabar and Uyo. Perhaps one of his greatest protégées is the late Burstic Kingsley Bassey. Leader of the Anansa

Professionals- Calabar. This most prolific saxophonist died tragically in an auto accident while on an engagement in Onitsha, in 1978. In an age saturated with sameness and monotony, the name Inyang Ita Henshaw will remain a reference point. Play him and you hear vocalizing and lyricism at their professional best. Some of his monstrous recordings include Ma Ekanem, Sunsunly, Ebuk Idiok, Menso Kededi, Ebonjo Ekedidom, etc.