Meet Ogbogu Okonji, the Anioma King of Traditional-highlife Music From Nigeria

Mention “Ibusa” to the other communitiesMbonsi Onyenwu Obulunjoa under the patronage
of Anioma and what readily comes to the mind isof Senator Nosike Ikpo and Madam Queen
“Music” It was in recognition of this thatEbubedike releasing albums such as “Nkwuka
the Great Azikiwe of Africa during one of hisSpecial” “Idaibo” “Olinzele
famous campaigns in the town described theSpecial” “Ogodinma”
people of the town as the “Congo of“Otukpokpolikpo” and the greatest hit of
Africa” in early 1970s pleasantly stunned bythe group was “Nkwuka Special”
the overwhelming degree of musical groups fromThe early years of Ogbogu in music woulod also
the town that came all out to welcome him tosee him singing with his first cousin; Etiti Okonji as
the town.both would form a music group anjd released
The name Ogbogu Okonji has gained currencyseries of albums prominently charging Anioma
among the Anioma and the Southeast. Ogbogu istraditional music lovers with a number of good hits
a traditional musician from Ibusa in Delta Stateusing traditional musical instruments such as
and the leader of “Ogbogu Okonji and His“Uboma,” “Isaka” (Maracas)
Anioma International band” with innumerable“Akpele” (native flute) “Ushe” and
number of albums to his credit. At least I couldothers alike. This group would fold up after, both
count up to thirty of albums and still counting.leaders of the group decided to finally go their
Ogbogu is one musician who has donje the Igboseparate ways. Shortly he would form the
race proud with his kind of traditional-High musicpresent band, “Ogbogu Okonji and His Anioma
known as “Ekobe-Highlife. Ogbogu is to theBrothers International Band”
Anioma what Sunny Ade is to the Yoruba. This isStyle of music
how best he can be described or understood. HeOgbogu’s kind of music is far from being
is indeed a name that musically alerts his people.strange to the people but his ability to effectively
Early life/Musical careershift to the use of modern musical instruments
Okonji was born and raised in Ibusa, Delta Statefinely rendering his tunes in the traditional pattern
to Ibusa parents and started exhibiting musicalof the people has attracted so much interest to
ambition quite early in life at a period in time,his music causing it to become very lively and
music was condemnably regarded as a professionpleasant to the ears. He is known to sing praises
for the never-do-well set of persons in theof Business tycoons like other musicians of his
Nigerian society. As a child, he was noticeablycaliber. The members of his Band cuts across the
admired by adults who would gather to watchentire Anioma region, with his leadership in
him converge other children and sing while otherssupplying the vocals with the rendition individual
supply him with rhythm by clapping. Mention wasand group backups in what is known
also made of how such on-lookers would soon“Akpatanu” (Proverb recitations)
find themselves dancing.Ifechukwude Okocha and Joe Okocha were
He grew up within the Anioma environment whichknown to have played this role currently being
bestowed him with the understanding of Enuaniplayed by Onochie. Joe Okafor, an indifene of
dialect of Igbo, a known speaker of UkwuaniAsaba in Delta State left the group to pursue solo
language, which becomes reflective in his songs.performances and has recently released an album
Once, he was described as a master of proverbstitled “Eje-Ana”. Ogbogu Okonji is
which are considered as his stronghold. Hisnicknamed “OGB” or “The Message
smattering knowledge of Ukuani language hasMan” because of the belief that his music
become an advantage to him as his music hasconveys messages. OGB’s music reflects and
come to be generally accepted in Anioma land.to a large extent tends to correct ills and evils in
Ogbogu began his musical career in 1978 releasingthe Anioma society ij what has been described as
series of albums with other groups of musicians ina societal radicalism.
what the Ibusa people call “Out” (MusicLegacy
group) notably with Agility Okonji both howeverOGB has really carried the traditional music of
gained fame when in their album they pleadedIbusa, Anioma and Igbo afar, giving it preservation
with the then senior Diokpa of Ibusa to use hisand currency with regards to the culture of
good-offices and electrify the town, like Majakpeople. Going by this legacy, it is still strange that
Fashek who magically sang “Send Down theIbusa, Anioma and the Igbo society have not in
Rain” and the heavens opened, there was lightappreciation of this honoured him with chieftaincy
in Ibusa in 1979. This great musician retired fromtitle(s)
Customs and Excise to pursue a professionalWe the youth of Anioma expectedly await this
musical career outstandingly pouring in successfuldevelopment hoping that this music entertainer be
albums upon into the market.addressed as a “Chief” because
This gave the musicians fame and Ogbogu’s“Egwu naso nwa Ogalanya, egwu naso nwa
image automatically shot up. Agility Okonji wouldOgbei” (Ogbogu Okonji) OGB carry on!
thereafter become the lead vocalist of Out