“Onye Egbuna Ibeya Medley” by Pericomo Okoye, from the album Ikeji Festival ’77, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people through traditional masquerade music. Pericomo Okoye and his Traditional Group Of Arondizuogu, hailing from the ancient town of Arondizuogu in Imo state, are renowned for their captivating performances that blend music, dance, and spirituality.

Pericomo Damian Azubike Nwankwo Okoye, popularly known as Pericoma, was not only a talented singer and songwriter but also a devoted practitioner of Odinala, the traditional religion of the Igbo people. Born in 1948 in Arondizuogu, Imo State, Pericomo rose to prominence in the early 1970s as a member of the choir at St. Michael’s Catholic church before becoming the lead vocalist of Troupe, a cultural music group.

With his unique vocal style and deep connection to Igbo tradition, Pericomo mesmerized audiences with his oral rendition of Igbo history, creating over 200 songs that celebrated the culture, spirituality, and resilience of his people. “Onye Egbuna Ibeya Medley” is a standout track from his extensive musical repertoire, showcasing the intricate rhythms, melodious chants, and vibrant instrumentation that characterize Igbo masquerade music.

The medley, Onye Egbuna Ibeya is one of his great outstanding musical works of all time. Through dynamic drumming, rhythmic chants, and lively dance, Pericomo and his group invoke the presence of ancestral spirits and divine forces, seeking blessings, protection, and healing for the 1977 Ikeji Festival.

As listeners immerse themselves in the enchanting sounds of “Onye Egbuna Ibeya Medley”, they are transported to the heart of Igbo tradition, where music serves as a conduit for spiritual communication and cultural expression. Pericomo Okoye’s legacy lives on through his timeless musical works, which continue to captivate audiences and preserve the rich heritage of the Igbo people for generations to come.