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The Ogene Music and its Heritage

by onyinye igwe
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The Ogene music is a unique style of music carried out using an instrument that the music derives its name from, “Ogene”.  It is an intricate part of the Igbo culture peculiar only to the southeastern people of Nigeria. It is performed in many occasions and is known to bring harmony and joy amongst the listeners as they move their bodies to the rhythm of the Ogene.

While there have been many arguments about the origination of this musical instrument, it is said that it originated from the Aguleri people of Anambra state.

The Origin Of Ogene Music And Its Heritage In Igboland

The instrument is of the idiophone class, made from iron, it is characterized by a flat conical shape that is hollow inside and produces music from the vibration of its iron body when struck with a wooden stick. Depending on where it is struck, it produces different sounds according to the musician’s desire. When used, it is being held in the hand. The ogene is made by expert blacksmiths who take the time in delicately creating the masterpiece that is the Ogene. These blacksmiths were mostly found in Abiriba, Igboukwu, Awka and so on.

READ ALSO: The History Of Local Made Charm Popularly Known As “JUJU”

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The instrument could be used alone or it could be paired alongside a flute. No matter how it is used, it never fails to produce the sweetest melodies. The beaters of the Ogene prided themselves in the art as it was rare to find people who were experts in beating the Ogene.

The Ogene music served a variety of musical purposes. In the Igbo land, there is hardly a celebration that carries on without a performance of Ogene music. It marks a really entertaining celebration. As the performance goes on, youths move to the rhythm with mild displays of violence as they place their hands on their chest and move their arms and shoulders simultaneously. This musical instrument also won the heart of masquerades as they are seen dancing to the melodious tunes of the Ogene. You can never fully appreciate Ogene music without watching the performance and the drama that simultaneously occurs.

The Origin Of Ogene Music And Its Heritage In Igboland

The message passed on with the music is just as important as the music. The singer takes the audience on a musical journey with a husky melodious voice as he talks about life, people, culture, stories and any other topic he deems fit.

In the modern-day, musicians have been seen to incorporate musical instruments in their songs. Musicians like flavor and Zoro.

We can never fully talk about this musical instrument without mentioning heroes like Shidodo, Kalu Uma, etc. These people were known to be a few of the most versatile Ogene musicians ever known.

The beauty of the Ogene would forever be that it was a creation of ours, of the Igbo people!!!

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