“Sule Dein Na Mu” is a beautiful and nostalgic song by the traditional music group Amase Awo, performed in the Okrika dialect. This indigenous piece takes listeners back in time, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Wakirike people, a group native to Rivers State, Nigeria, and part of the larger Ijaw tribe.

Okrika, a town and port in southern Nigeria, lies on the north bank of the Bonny River and on Okrika Island, about 35 miles upstream from the Bight of Benin. Historically, Okrika started as a small fishing village of the Ijo (Ijaw) people in the mangrove swamps of the eastern Niger River delta. It rose to prominence as the capital of the Okrika kingdom in the early 17th century, engaging actively in the slave trade. After the abolition of the slave trade in the 1830s, Okrika transitioned to exporting palm oil. However, it was overshadowed by the ports of Bonny and Opobo and was eventually eclipsed by Port Harcourt by 1912. Okrika was revived as a commercial port in 1965 with the completion of the Alesa-Eleme oil refinery and the construction of pipelines to a jetty on Okrika Island. Today, refined petroleum products are Okrika’s primary exports, and the town has a vibrant local trade in fish, oil palm produce, salt, cassava, taro, plantains, and yams.

Amase Awo’s “Sule Dein Na Mu” captures the essence of this culturally rich town. The melodious harmonies and rhythmic beats of “Sule Dein Na Mu” bring to life the vibrant history and traditions of the Okrika people. It’s a celebration of their resilience and cultural identity, evoking memories of the past while reinforcing the community’s values and heritage. The song serves as a bridge between generations, preserving the legacy of the Wakirike and ensuring that their stories and traditions continue to be passed down.

Listening to “Sule Dein Na Mu” by Amase Awo is like stepping into a time capsule that transports you to the heart of Okrika. It’s a reminder of the town’s historical significance and its ongoing cultural vitality.