Pericoma Okoye

Chief Pericoma Mezuo Okoye (born 1948) 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 Odinala.[3][4]

Pericoma Okoye
Background information
Birth namePericoma Mezuo Okoye
Also known as"Lion of Africa",
“Arusi Makaja 1 of Arondizuogu",
"Arusi izuogu na iheme"
Born1948[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. According to the biographical movie on Okoye titled Lion of Africa, it claims Okoye whilst playing as a child with his peers in the forest, mysteriously got missing and was unable to be located for several years and would later re-emerge out of the forest as a teenager who possessed diverse supernatural abilities.

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, his involvement sorcery related activities.

Personal life

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

Traditional religion

Okoye whilst alive was as much a famous sorcerer as he was a musician[7] as described by the Nigerian News outlet, Legit.[8] His title 'Arusi Makaja' also hints as this, as 'Arusi' when translated to English language means 'deity'. His numerous victories during the Ito-Ebule competition during the Ikeji festival earned him the alias “Lion of Africa”.[9] Okoye's most notable display of supernatural powers as reported by various notable Nigerian media, was in Anambra state where he made three tax collectors who approached him in bid to inquire about his tax status incapable of moving their legs whilst standing[10][11] and causing them to be affixed to a particular spot for several hours.[8][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
  • Isi na udoh ga-adi
  • High Tension
  • Ikeji Izuogu
  • Obodo Aghoka
  • Igatakwuteya Aja
  • Izu Ka Mma Na Nne Ji[16]

Death

On February 16, 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)". weeklypostng.org. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  3. Heffernan, Andrew. "Obeah, Christianity, and Jamaica". {{cite journal}}: 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. "Ihe mere Pericoma ji anyị ajọ arọ". BBC News Ìgbò (in Igbo). May 8, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  8. Odunayo, Adams. "Ichie Mezuo Pericomo Okoye, Arusi Makaja 1, aka Pericoma, allegedly dies (UPDATED)". Legit.ng. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  9. "Igbo Musician, Magician & "Lion Of Africa" Actor, Pericoma Is Dead | 9jaflaver". 9jaflaver.com. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  10. "Top Igbo traditionalist dead?". The Sun Nigeria. February 16, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  11. "You are being redirected..." businessday.ng. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  12. "Arusi Makaja 1 of Arondizuogu Archives". Vanguard Allure. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  13. "IKEJI FESTIVAL OF ARONDIZUOGU Logbaby". logbaby.com. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  14. Webmaster. "Ikeji Festival in Arondizogu". nico.gov.ng. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  15. "Ikeji festival: A boost to Nigeria's culture – Vanguard News". Vanguard News. March 14, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  16. "pericoma okoye- izu ka mma na nne ji". meetnigerians.net. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  17. Tori.ng (February 16, 2017). "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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