Pericoma Okoye

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]

Pericoma Okoye
Birth namePericoma 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"
Born1935[1]
OriginArondizuogu, Imo, Nigeria
DiedFebruary 16, 2017
GenresTraditional music
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter and prime minister

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]

Okoye is the father of Nigerian internet personality & musician Speed Darlington.[10][11][12][13][14]

Traditional religion

Pericoma Okoye whilst alive was as much a famous sorcerer or 'medicine man' as he was a musician as described by the Nigerian News outlet, Legit.[15] His title 'Arusi Makaja' may also portray this, as 'Arusi' when translated to English language means 'deity' or 'oracle'. During the Ikeji festival[16] he allegedly 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".[17]

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[18][19] 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.[20]

Selected discography
  • High Tension
  • Ikeji Izuogu
  • Obodo Aghoka
  • Igatakwuteya Aja
  • Izu Ka Mma Na Nne Ji[21]

Death

On February 16, 2017, he was reported dead.[22]

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)". weeklypostng.org. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  3. Heffernan, Andrew. "Obeah, Christianity, and Jamaica". Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  4. "obeah (religious cult) – Memidex dictionary/thesaurus". memidex.com. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  5. Elombah, Tim. "Popular Igbo Musician Pericoma Okoye Is Dead [Update]". E-max. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  6. "Igbo traditional high life music exponent, Pericoma Okoye, passes on". authorityngr.com. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  7. Aku-King NollyTV (December 2, 2015), LION OF AFRICA 1 = African Best Movie, retrieved February 17, 2017
  8. "Obeah". prezi.com. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  9. "kemetic-dreams: Obeah (sometimes spelled Obi,... | Ancestral Voices: Esoteric African knowledge". Ancestral Voices: Esoteric African knowledge. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  10. OGA (July 9, 2017). "Speed Darlington reveals he's the Son of Pericoma Okoye, says "I hated him"". Information Nigeria. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  11. enkay (July 9, 2017). "Speed Darlington shocks fans, reveals his father is Pericoma Okoye". Ivory NG. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  12. O, Daniel (July 8, 2017). ""I hated him" — Speed Darlington reveals he's the Son of Pericoma Okoye". YabaLeftOnline. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  13. "REVEALED: Speed Darlington's parents are popular most-feared herbalists in Nigeria". Daily Advent Nigeria. August 7, 2018. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  14. ukamaka (January 17, 2019). "Speed Darlington Covers MRH Magazine, Talks Music, His Late Father, and More". Olisa.tv. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  15. Odunayo, Adams. "Ichie Mezuo Pericomo Okoye, Arusi Makaja 1, aka Pericoma, allegedly dies (UPDATED)". Legit.ng. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  16. Onyekaba Ugo (September 16, 2013), Pericoma Okoye (IKEJI FESTIVAL '77) 1, retrieved May 21, 2017
  17. "Igbo Musician, Magician & "Lion Of Africa" Actor, Pericoma Is Dead | 9jaflaver". 9jaflaver.com. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  18. "IKEJI FESTIVAL OF ARONDIZUOGU Logbaby". logbaby.com. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  19. Webmaster. "Ikeji Festival in Arondizogu". nico.gov.ng. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  20. "Ikeji festival: A boost to Nigeria's culture – Vanguard News". Vanguard News. March 14, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  21. "pericoma okoye- izu ka mma na nne ji". meetnigerians.net. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  22. Tori.ng. "A Legend Goes Home: Ichie Pericomo Okoye, Arusi Makaja 1, a.k.a Pericoma, Allegedly Passes On". Tori News. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
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