From Fidlis Ndigwe, Awka
The death has been announced of Chief Onwuzulike Udengba of the “egwu ekpili minstrels” in Omabala area of Anambra State.
Late Chief Onwuzulike and his colleague, Chieke Umungalagu who was the back up artiste were from Umueri and Aguleri respectively. They started their musical career from age grade outings spaning over four decades and were rated the best Egwu ekpili minstrels in the region.
The duo and their musical career epitomizes friendly relationship and promotion of culture of peace and unity in the area.
Having Onwuzulike and Chieke grace an occasion in the early 90s, was a memorable experience and the people prepare ahead to watch their performance which was full of satire and allegory.
They used their satirical presentation to criticize government and those at the helm of affairs. Just like in “ochilinma ga achi ozo” in which they applauded the past Anambra local government chairmen who performed well in their administration and made caricature of those that pefrormed below expectations ” *Onye mee nma omee ugbolo n’abo* “.
Some other master piece from the duo include Azu Ameke Udeoba”, “Otuocha Ekwero Mmeghe”, “Ugoyibo Ivedegwu”, “Kris Udemezuo”, Odogwu neko nwayo, Chinyelugo, Onwu na atum egwu among others.
The Mgbadabuanu age grade singers utilized satire of the economic and political climate of their time in a pure Omabala dialect. Their musical career was as educative as it is entertaining.
The death of Chieke Umungalagu, over 10 years ago however, affected their musical career in the Omabala area, hence the major album recorded after his death by Onwuzulike was titled “Onwu Onye Umungalagu” and now, Onwuzulike Agbeee na Mgbago has joined the saints