Ị́ma Mbẹ̀m: The Art of Igbo Traditional Chants and the Voices Keeping It Alive

The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria are deeply rooted in oral traditions. One of the most spiritually and culturally significant of these traditions is “Ị́ma Mbẹ̀m,” the performance of traditional chants. Mbem is a spoken-word art that involves rhythm, poetry, philosophy, prayer, and performance. It is not just an artistic expression, it is a way of life, a method of storytelling, and a connection to the divine and ancestral realm.

In this article, we explore what Ị́ma Mbẹ̀m means in Igbo culture, how it is performed, its origins, the communities known for it, and the notable individuals, past and present, who have helped preserve and promote this sacred art form.

What is Ị́ma Mbẹ̀m?

In simple terms, “Ị́ma Mbẹ̀m” means chanting or reciting incantations in the Igbo language. These chants can serve a variety of purposes:

• Spiritual invocations: Used in rituals to call on ancestors or deities.
• Storytelling: Reciting historical events or folk tales.
• Celebrations: Used in traditional weddings, festivals, and naming ceremonies.
• Philosophical expression: Sharing moral teachings, proverbs, and life lessons.
• Healing and divination: Employed by traditional healers (dibia) in consultation and rituals.

Mbem is not ordinary speech. It is spoken with intention, rhythm, and emotion. A performer may use gestures, facial expressions, and even dance movements to emphasize the message. The tone can be soft, loud, or dramatic depending on the context.

Origins and Traditional Roots

The exact origin of Ị́ma Mbẹ̀m is difficult to trace, as it is an oral tradition that predates written records. However, it is believed to have developed naturally among the Igbo people as a form of spiritual and communal expression. Mbem is especially common in:

• Nsukka region (Enugu State): Known for deep spiritual practices and poetic expression.
• Arondizuogu (Imo State): Popular for its rich oral heritage and festivals like Ikeji.
• Agukwu Nri (Anambra State): One of the oldest centers of Igbo civilization, where traditions are strongly preserved.

In traditional Igbo society, elders, priests, and spiritualists were often the custodians of Mbem. These individuals were respected as philosophers, historians, and moral teachers who carried the wisdom of the land through chant and incantation.

Structure and Performance of Mbem

Ị́ma Mbẹ̀m typically follows a loose but intentional structure:

• Opening invocation: Begins by calling on the ancestors, spirits, or the audience.
• Body of the chant: Includes the main message—be it a story, warning, or praise.
• Repetition and rhythm: Certain lines may be repeated to create rhythm and enhance memory.
• Call and response: The audience may reply with short affirmations or echo lines.
• Closing statement: Ends with a prayer, proverb, or powerful affirmation.

Some chants are passed down word-for-word, while others are improvised or adapted by the performer depending on the occasion.

Some Notable Mbem Performers (Past and Present)

Amarachi Attamah

Amarachi Attamah is a cultural activist, poet, and mbem performer from Enugu State. She is one of the few women championing the revival of traditional chants. Her performances are marked by grace, depth, and spiritual presence. Amarachi performs at global events and teaches the Igbo language and oral traditions at institutions like Harvard and Yale.

Her chant themes often revolve around womanhood, ancestral pride, and identity. She believes mbem is a powerful way to preserve the Igbo language and culture. Through her organization and personal performances, she has helped redefine the role of women in oral tradition.

Igwe Credo Mbem (Akunne Francis)

Hailing from Agukwu Nri, Anambra State, Igwe Credo is a cultural performer and singer. He gained popularity for blending traditional mbem with modern music genres like “Ojapiano”, a fusion of the Igbo oja (flute) and Amapiano.

His viral chant, popularized in “Ogene Culture,” brought attention to the beauty of Igbo incantations among the youth. Credo’s performances are often rich in philosophical sayings, traditional names, and poetic chants. He collaborates with dancers and musicians, helping to modernize mbem while keeping its core intact.

Ejyk Nwamba (Ogene Master)

Ejyk Nwamba is a leading figure in modern Igbo traditional music. Based in Anambra State, he mixes mbem with ogene beats and Igbo highlife. His performances are energetic and vibrant, incorporating praise chants, social commentary, and storytelling.

Ejyk uses chants to celebrate individuals, communities, and traditional values. His concerts resemble cultural carnivals, and he often features masquerades and traditional dancers. His appeal among young audiences has made him a cultural ambassador of sorts.

Legendary Mbem Figures from the Past

Chief Pericoma Okoye

The late Chief Pericoma Mezuo Okoye from Arondizuogu in Imo State was a spiritualist, traditionalist, and iconic performer. His chants were often spiritual invocations used during festivals like Ikeji and community ceremonies. Pericoma believed in the spiritual power of spoken word, and his performances often included symbols, music, and dramatization.

To many, Pericoma represented a bridge between the seen and unseen worlds. His chants conveyed ancestral messages, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of performers.

Ozoemena Nsugbe

Ozoemena Nsugbe was known for integrating mbem into traditional music. His albums often featured chants, proverbs, and social commentary. With his strong voice and poetic lyrics, he educated listeners about values, respect, and culture.

He was a master of language and used chant as both art and education. Though no longer alive, his records are still played at events, reminding people of their roots.

Mbem in Traditional and Modern Life

Mbem remains alive not just through famous performers but through everyday traditional life in Igbo communities. Some of the settings where mbem is commonly found include:

• Burial rites: Chanting to honor the dead and guide them spiritually.
• Weddings: Celebrating the bride and groom through proverbs and blessings.
• Naming ceremonies: Welcoming a child with chants that bless and prophesy.
• Community meetings: Opening and closing with chants to invoke unity and peace.
• Masquerade festivals: Chants used to invoke spirits and energize the crowd.
• Spiritual consultations: Dibia use chants during rituals and healing.

Mbem also plays a role in language preservation. With the rising concern about the decline of the Igbo language among the youth, mbem serves as a poetic way to teach vocabulary, sentence structure, and traditional expressions.

Mbem and the Role of Women

While many historical performers were men, women have always played an important role in chanting, especially in ceremonies involving childbirth, marriage, and mourning. Performers like Amarachi Attamah are now leading a new generation of female chanters, breaking stereotypes and expanding the role of women in this tradition.

Preserving Mbem for the Future

There is growing interest among cultural organizations, schools, and churches to preserve mbem. Some communities have:

• Cultural festivals with mbem competitions.
• Church choirs performing mbem chants through gospel songs etc
• Radio programs that feature daily chants.
• Workshops where elders teach youth the art of chanting.
• Social media platforms showcasing mbem performances.

Mbem is not just about keeping the past alive. It is about finding pride in one’s identity, using ancient words to solve modern problems, and keeping the language vibrant.

Conclusion

Mbem is one of the deepest and most expressive forms of Igbo cultural heritage. It is language, music, philosophy, and spirituality rolled into one. From sacred rituals to social media skits, mbem has remained relevant because of the dedication of artists and cultural enthusiasts.

Performers like Amarachi Attamah, Igwe Credo, Ejyk Nwamba, and legends like Pericoma Okoye and Ozoemena Nsugbe show us that Ị́ma Mbẹ̀m is not just an art—it is a calling. As long as people chant, the ancestors will continue to speak, and the Igbo identity will continue to thrive.

Let the chants never cease. Let the voices echo through time.