Africans
Ogene Music: The Traditional Sound of the Igbo People
Ogene music is one of the most important traditional sounds of the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria. It is more than just music. It is a sound that brings people together, celebrates culture, and connects the past with the present. But where did this music come from? What instruments are used to make the beats? Let’s find out.
Where Ogene Music Started
Ogene music began a long time ago in Igbo villages. Before phones and radios, the Ogene instrument was used to send messages across the village. People would beat the Ogene to call others for meetings, announce events, or warn about danger.
As time passed, People’s began to use the Ogene not just for communication, but also for entertainment, praise singing, storytelling, and dance.
The Ogene Instrument
The Ogene is a metal gong made from iron. It is shaped like a bell and is beaten with a stick. The sound is loud and sharp. Blacksmiths in the village used to make the Ogene by hand.
The sound of the Ogene follows a rhythm. Sometimes, it sounds like it is speaking, because the beats can match the tones of the Igbo language.
Other Instruments Used with Ogene
Even though the Ogene is the main instrument, other local instruments are also used in Ogene music. These include:
- Ichaka – Rattles made from dried gourds filled with seeds or stones.
- Ekwe – A wooden drum made by carving a log of wood.
- Oja – A small wooden flute that adds melody to the music.
- Udu – A drum made from clay pots, played with the hands.
- Aja – Small bells or metal sounds used to add more rhythm.
All these instruments are played together to make a rich, danceable sound.
When and Why Ogene Music Is Played
Ogene music is played during special events like traditional weddings, burial ceremonies, new yam festivals, village meetings, and masquerade dances. It is used to celebrate, to tell stories, or even to correct people’s bad behavior in a fun way.
Some musicians still use Ogene music to praise important people in the community, or to talk about problems in society.
Examples of Early Ogene Musicians
Some early musicians who used Ogene music include:
- Chief Pericoma Okoye from Arondizuogu, known for mixing Ogene with traditional chants and spiritual messages.
- Oliver De Coque, who added Ogene sounds into his highlife music.
- Celestine Ukwu, who used traditional Igbo instruments including Ogene in his songs.
- Oriental Brothers International Band, who helped bring traditional Igbo sounds to modern music.
Ogene Music Today
Today, young musicians are still using Ogene sounds in their songs. Singers like Zoro, Kcee, and Flavour have made Ogene popular again by adding it to Afrobeat and hip-hop music. Ogene music has now gone beyond the village and is enjoyed by people all over Nigeria and even in other countries.
Ogene music is a strong part of Igbo tradition. It carries stories, history, and culture. Even as new music styles become popular, Ogene remains alive and continues to grow. It reminds the Igbo people of who they are and where they come from.
