By Ifeanyi Ndukwe
African art history wouldn’t be complete without proudly mentioning the Ijele Mask, which originally comes from old Anambra State in Nigeria.
Ijele is a spectacular
masquerade that represents elegance, beauty, and courage. Its journey is both
mystical and deeply entertaining.
The legendary writer Chinua
Achebe once said, "The world is like a mask dancing. If you want to see it
well, you do not stand in one place." This quote could easily be linked to
the essence of the Ijele masquerade.
Pardon me if I bore you with
details, but I intend to take you on a journey into the world of Ijele,
particularly in relation to Nigerian indigenous music, specifically Igbo music.
Several musicians have elevated
the status of indigenous Igbo music. This article will spotlight the role and
influence of Madam Theresa Onuorah, Flavour (a.k.a. Ijele Africa), and Phyno
Fino. These three have played prominent roles in preserving the cultural
heritage and traditions of the Igbo people through their music. Of course,
artists like Oliver De Coque, Zoro, and many rising stars have also made
notable contributions.
Over the years, Igbo music has
evolved significantly from what it used to be in the 1980s and 1990s. The
introduction of Egedege, featuring some of the top artists mentioned earlier,
has inspired many upcoming Igbo musicians and raised the bar in the industry.
Back in the day, most Igbo
artists were primarily found in the highlife and jazz music scene. Legends like
Oliver De Coque, Stephen Osita Osadebe, Mike Ejeagha, and Victor Uwaifo
thrilled Nigerians in the '80s and '90s with their unique Igbo musical styles.
However, things took a dramatic
turn in the Nigerian music industry with the emergence of Flavour and Phyno.
Flavour continues to use the
Igbo language in his songs, incorporating cultural elements and traditions of
southeastern Nigeria. His music and performances proudly showcase Igbo
heritage.
Phyno, on the other hand, is
well known for his masterful use of Igbo lyrics in rap music. His unique blend
of rap and culture has earned him numerous awards and nominations over the
years.
Theresa Onuorah, a veteran
female Igbo artist, has made remarkable contributions to the industry. She has
kept the Igbo music tradition alive through her unique jazz-infused style. Her
deep command of the Igbo language and ability to captivate audiences with her
performances have made her a household name.
Despite being over 80 years
old, she continues to influence the industry. It was truly iconic when she
collaborated with younger stars like Phyno and Flavour in the hit song Egedege.
The song opens with a call from
the legendary Theresa Onuorah:
"Ijele eruwago, muna onye
ga egba egwu"
(This is an urgent call for all
lovers of good music to get on their feet and dance!)
Flavour then joins in with an
energetic chorus:
"Na etemu egwu, Na egbara
m egwu"
(Dance with joy and delight
continuously.)
Phyno’s signature rap adds a
dramatic touch, making the song a masterpiece.
The creativity in Egedege is
extraordinary. It captivates listeners across different cultures and
backgrounds, proving that good music knows no boundaries.
The highlight of the song? The
legendary Nollywood actor Chief Pete Edochie delivering a powerful closing
remark filled with wisdom.
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