Pericoma Okoye

Pericoma Okoye
Birth name Pericoma Mesuo Okoye
Also known as "Arusi Makaja 1 of Arondizuogu",
"Arusi Ndizuogu", "Lion of Africa", "Okala-mmuo, Okala-mmadu", "Oje-na mmuo", "Oke-arusi izuogu na iheme"
Born 1935[1]
Origin Arondizuogu, Imo, Nigeria
Died February 16, 2017
Genres Traditional music
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter and prime minister

Chief Pericoma Mezuo Okoye was a Nigerian singer, songwriter and traditionist.[2] His first name 'Pericoma' could alternatively be spelled as 'Pericomo' 'Perry-Coma' and 'Perry-Koma'. He was predominantly known throughout the Igboland for his style of music and strong belief and practice of the traditional religion of the Igbo people, named Obeah.[3][4]

Early life

Okoye was born in Nigeria, specifically in Imo State, an eastern state occupied by the Igbo people of Nigeria. He was born in a community named Arondizuogu, a community that occupies three local government areas: Ideato North, Okigwe, and Onuimo.

Prime minister

Okoye was prime minister of the Arondizogu community in Imo state until his death in 2017.[5]

Music style

His music style could be best described as "oral rendition of the culture, proverbs, as well as the tradition of the Igbo people".[6]

Acting career

He featured in a movie titled Lion Of Africa alongside Nollywood star, Pete Edochie. The movie, which was in two parts, was a biography of his early life.[7]

Personal life

Okoye was a firm believer and practitioner of the traditional religion of the Igbo people, Obeah.[8][9]

Traditional religion

Pericoma Okoye whilst alive was as much a famous sorcerer or 'medicine man' as he was a musician as described by Nigerian News, NAIJ.[10] His title 'Arusi Makaja' may also portray this, as 'Arusi' when translated to English language means 'deity' or 'oracle'. During the Ikeji festival[11] he performed several feats which defied several rules of physics. A good percentage of the people from Arondizuogu, his community, believed he was a little god. Several displays of "supernatural powers" or "sorcery" as it was often tagged, and back-to-back victories in contests, earned him the alias "Lion of Africa".[12]

Significance

Okoye was a prominent individual in Nigeria as a traditional prime minister in Imo state. He was instrumental and took notable roles in the development of the Ikeji festival[13][14] held in his community. This festival which is held every April serves as a source of foreign income for Nigeria, as it attracts tourists from around the world.[15]

Selected discography

  • High Tension
  • Ikeji Izuogu
  • Obodo Aghoka
  • Igatakwuteya Aja
  • Izu Ka Mma Na Nne Ji[16]

Death

On 16 February 2017, he was reported dead.[17]

References

  1. ↑ "Izu ka mma na Nne ji by Pericoma Okoye". godsjukebox.com. Gods Jukebox.
  2. ↑ "BREAKING!!! Legendary Musician, Pericomo Okoye aka 'Arusi Makaja 1 Of Igboland' Is Dead (Photos)". www.weeklypostng.org. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
  3. ↑ Heffernan, Andrew. "Obeah, Christianity, and Jamaica".
  4. ↑ "obeah (religious cult) - Memidex dictionary/thesaurus". www.memidex.com. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
  5. ↑ Elombah, Tim. "Popular Igbo Musician Pericoma Okoye Is Dead [Update]". E-max. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
  6. ↑ "Igbo traditional high life music exponent, Pericoma Okoye, passes on". authorityngr.com. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
  7. ↑ Aku-King NollyTV (2015-12-02), LION OF AFRICA 1 = African Best Movie, retrieved 2017-02-17
  8. ↑ "Obeah". prezi.com. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
  9. ↑ "kemetic-dreams: Obeah (sometimes spelled Obi,... | Ancestral Voices: Esoteric African knowledge". Ancestral Voices: Esoteric African knowledge. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
  10. ↑ Odunayo, Adams. "Igboland griefs as top traditionalist dies (photos)". Naij.com – Nigeria news. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
  11. ↑ Onyekaba Ugo (2013-09-16), Pericoma Okoye (IKEJI FESTIVAL '77) 1, retrieved 2017-05-21
  12. ↑ "Igbo Musician, Magician & "Lion Of Africa" Actor, Pericoma Is Dead | 9jaflaver". 9jaflaver.com. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
  13. ↑ "IKEJI FESTIVAL OF ARONDIZUOGU Logbaby". logbaby.com. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
  14. ↑ Webmaster. "Ikeji Festival In Arondizogu". www.nico.gov.ng. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
  15. ↑ "Ikeji festival: A boost to Nigeria's culture – Vanguard News". Vanguard News. 2014-03-14. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
  16. ↑ "pericoma okoye- izu ka mma na nne ji". www.meetnigerians.net. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  17. ↑ Tori.ng. "A Legend Goes Home: Ichie Pericomo Okoye, Arusi Makaja 1, a.k.a Pericoma, Allegedly Passes On". Tori News. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
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