Revolutionizing Igbo Traditional Art Forms || A Case Of Igwe Credo, Ejyk Nwamba And Others

Despite I grew up in Nnewi, I knew nothing about the Igbo traditional art of Spoken word poetry known as Mbem. Yes, Mbem is actually spoken word poetry.

This is why I believe the likes of Igwe Credo deserve a big pat at the back for bringing this unsung Igbo traditional art form into mainstream pop culture. He deserves a recognition award for making my kind know what we should have known and enjoyed from birth.

Aside Credo, many young Ndi Igbo are revolutionising some jettisoned traditional Igbo art forms, bringing these art forms into pop culture. We have Ojazzy mainstreaming Oja. Ndeli giving the art of Masquerading a new vibe. Ejyk Nwa Mba headlining Ogene sound.

The good thing about these innovative performances is, it comes with economic benefits.

I have always argued that Odinani Reawakening will come with economic benefits. Today we are seeing it in these traditional art forms as they swim into our national and international pop culture.

Last year, I predicted that Igbo Masquerades will perform at world arenas and shut them down. Albeit, some reactionary elements argue that the art of Masquerading should be limited to Igbo villages. I do not share such sentiment. Sacred Masquerading will be limited. But secular Masquerading (Egwu) should be taken to the ends of the world. It is pure entertainment.

Currently, many Ndi Igbo have embraced ima Mbem as a full time job. Many have embraced Igbu Oja as a full time job. Many youths are now fully into Masquerading as full time job. And these folks are fully booked all through the year.

Odinani has huge economic potential. This reawakening of Igbo traditional consciousness is already opening up Igbo traditional art forms to the world. And we are just in Genesis!

Ikenga adigo active! Nti Adiro Zi!

Written by Nze Tobe Osigwe (Ezeikolomuo)