Pericoma Okoye

Chief Dr. Pericoma Damian Azubike Nwankwo Okoye, affectionately known simply as Pericoma Okoye, was a monumental figure in Igbo cultural and spiritual life. Born on November 7, 1948, in the revered town of Arondizuogu in Imo State, Nigeria, he emerged as a legendary musician, spiritualist, songwriter, and defender of Igbo tradition. His life and work were deeply entrenched in Odinala, the traditional religious belief system of the Igbo people, which shaped both his worldview and his art.

Pericoma’s music was more than entertainment—it was a vessel for ancestral memory, spiritual invocation, and cultural affirmation. His mystical and commanding voice, often described as otherworldly, resonated with themes of justice, spirituality, and community values. This unique blend of artistry and sacred tradition earned him distinguished titles such as “The Lion of Africa” and “Voice of Tradition.”

Through his compelling songs—rich in folklore, chants, and historical narratives—Pericoma became both a cultural custodian and a spiritual icon. His influence spanned generations, drawing admiration from traditionalists, musicians, scholars, and cultural enthusiasts alike.

He passed away on February 16, 2017, but his spirit lives on through his timeless music and the cultural legacy he helped preserve. Today, <strong”>Pericoma Okoye remains a symbol of resilience, spiritual authority, and the enduring power of indigenous identity in the face of modernity.

Early Life and Musical Ascent

Pericoma’s journey into the heart of Igbo musical tradition began in the early 1970s. His powerful voice first gained attention in the choir of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Arondizuogu. This early exposure laid the foundation for his transition into cultural music, where he soon became the lead vocalist for the renowned group, Troupe. After releasing a successful album with Troupe, Pericoma’s ambition and unique vision led him to form his own ensemble.

From 1976 onwards, he embarked on a remarkably prolific solo career, releasing albums almost yearly. His music, deeply rooted in the Igbo masquerade tradition, was more than entertainment; it was described as an “oral rendition of rarefied Igbo history,” vividly chronicling the people’s past, wisdom, and cultural nuances. Over his lifetime, Pericoma gifted the world with an extensive catalogue of over 200 songs, each a testament to his storytelling prowess and cultural depth.

A Cultural Pillar and Spiritual Force

Beyond his musical achievements, Pericoma was a revered spiritual figure and a pillar of his community. He held the esteemed position of Cultural Prime Minister of Arondizuogu until his passing. He was honored with distinguished titles such as Mezuo Mbụ nke Arọndizuogu (‘The First of Arondizuogu’) and Arụsị Makaja Mbụ (‘The First Makaji Arusi’ or Arusi Makaja 1), signifying his paramount spiritual authority.

His fame was further amplified by his appearance alongside Nollywood veteran Pete Edochie in the movie Lion of Africa, a title that quickly became synonymous with Pericoma himself, reflecting his commanding presence and fearless spirit.

Pericoma was an unapologetic and renowned practitioner of Odinala, the traditional Igbo system of beliefs and practices, which includes a deep understanding of mysticism and the natural world. His open embrace of traditional spirituality, often featuring praise for herbalists and those connected to the spirit world, set him apart. His demonstrations of traditional Igbo magic and spiritual prowess were legendary, drawing massive crowds, particularly during the annual Ikeji festival in Arondizuogu.

One of the most famous tales illustrating his extraordinary abilities occurred in Onitsha. Confronted by “agbero boys” (touts) demanding tax receipts, Pericoma remained unfazed. When one attempted to forcibly carry him away, Pericoma reportedly made himself impossibly heavy, grounding the man for hours until specific propitiatory rituals were performed to his deity. This event, immortalized in song by Anaede Unu as “Pericoma na-anyi ajo aro,” cemented his mystical reputation.

Honours and Recognition

In July 2010, Pericoma’s immense contributions to the preservation and promotion of Igbo language and culture were formally recognized when he received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Mbari Literary Society in Owerri.

Personal Life and Enduring Legacy

Chief Dr. Pericoma Okoye was not only a revered cultural icon but also a patriarch with a large family. He was married to several wives and fathered many children, some of whom have carried on his legacy in music and cultural advocacy.

Among his known children are:

• Omor Perry – Pericoma’s eldest son, who has been involved in the entertainment scene and remains active in preserving his father’s legacy.
• Ebube Izuogu – A traditional singer and cultural performer, Ebube has gained recognition for embracing his father’s musical genre, blending highlife with Igbo spiritual themes.
• Fenfe Pericoma Johnbosco – Another of Pericoma’s sons continuing in the family’s artistic footsteps, known for performing music inspired by his father’s style and message.
• Darlington Okoye (Speed Darlington) – A Nigerian rapper based in the United States, who in July 2017 publicly claimed Pericoma as his biological father. Known for his eccentric personality and unconventional music, Speed Darlington has spoken about his complex relationship with his late father, stating that while they were estranged, he respected Pericoma’s larger-than-life cultural influence.

Despite their different styles—ranging from traditional highlife to modern-day hip hop—these children collectively reflect the enduring musical and spiritual influence of their father. They stand as living extensions of Pericoma’s artistic spirit, each interpreting his legacy in their own unique voice.

Pericoma Okoye passed away on February 16, 2017, at a hospital in Okigwe, Imo State. His final interment was held on April 9, 2018, in his ancestral hometown of Ndiogbuonyeoma, Arondizuogu (Ndibeuche). The burial was attended by dignitaries, traditional leaders, artists, and admirers who came to pay their last respects to a man considered both a musical legend and a spiritual force.

His legacy remains firmly embedded in Igbo consciousness—in his music, in his children, and in the folklore that continues to swirl around his life. Pericoma is remembered not only as a performer but as a symbol of resistance, mysticism, and cultural pride. Through ongoing performances by his descendants and the preservation of his music, Chief Dr. Pericoma Okoye lives on—a voice of tradition that continues to echo across generations.

Controversy and Folkloric Encounter

One of the most legendary and widely retold incidents in the life of Pericoma Okoye occurred during the 1980s in Onitsha, a bustling commercial hub in southeastern Nigeria. While on a journey through Upper Iweka, an area infamous for the harassment of traders and travelers by aggressive tax enforcers, Pericoma found himself at the center of an unusual confrontation.

Unaware of his identity and spiritual stature, a group of tax collectors approached him, demanding to see his tax receipts. Pericoma, unfazed, chose to remain silent and noncompliant. In a show of force, one of the tax officials attempted to carry him physically to their office—hoisting him onto his shoulders. However, what followed defied logic and became the stuff of urban legend.

As the tax collector proceeded with Pericoma on his shoulders, the spiritualist’s body reportedly became supernaturally heavy—so much so that the men struggled and eventually staggered under the weight. Despite pleas for him to come down, Pericoma remained calm and immovable, declaring that certain deities had been offended and that rituals and restitution were required before he would descend.

He issued specific demands—including a cash offering—as conditions to appease the spiritual forces involved. Once these were met, after several intense hours, Pericoma calmly dismounted. The event stunned the community and reportedly led to a decline in illegal tax collection activities in the area.

The encounter became etched in Igbo oral tradition, giving rise to the popular expression:
“Pericoma na anyị ajọ arọ” — “Pericoma is too heavy for mischief.”

Until his passing in 2017, Pericoma was held in awe not just for his music, but for his perceived mystical authority and uncompromising stance against oppression. Stories like this reinforced his reputation as a man deeply connected to the spiritual realm—a custodian of justice through tradition.

May he continue to rest in power, eternally honored for his extraordinary gifts and unwavering dedication to the preservation of Igbo culture.

Selected Discography

• Ejezuo
• Isi na udoh ga-adi (2 volumes)
• Ekere Mgba
• High Tension
• Ikeji Izuogu
• Ute Nti
• Aja Egbu edi
• Irigworugwo
• Obodo Aghoka
• Igatakwuteya Aja
• Izu Ka Mma Na Nne Ji
• Nduka Aku
• Oderigwugwu
• Ogbaghara
• Awirigidi
• Zuzugboizugbo zugbo

References

1. Akolisa, U. (2020, May 8). Ihe mere Pericoma ji anyị ajọ arọ [What happened that made Pericoma our bad year]. BBC News Igbo. https://www.bbc.com/igbo/media-52585117
2. Aniche, E. (2019, December 28). Chief Pericoma Mesuo Okoye – traditionist, singer/songwriter and local politician. Notable Aros. Retrieved June 21, 2024, from https://notablearos.com/pericoma-okoye
3. Ejigbo City Diary. (2018, March 1). Final burial for renowned Igbo musician Pericomo Nwankwo Okoye. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://ejigbocitydiary.com/pericomo-burial
4. Frankwhite, N. (2017, February 17). Igbo traditional high life music exponent, Pericoma Okoye, passes on. The Authority News. (Archived February 19, 2017)
5. Khadijah, T. (2017, February 17). Ichie Mezuo Pericomo Okoye, Arusi Makaja 1, aka Pericoma, allegedly dies. Legit.ng. https://www.legit.ng/1089826
6. Nwankwo, L. N. (2016). “A Na-Enwe Obodo Enwe?” A socio-theological reflection on a track in Oliver De Coque’s album. Ministerium: A Journal of Contextual Theology, 2(1). https://www.ajct.org/article/obodo-enwe
7. O.G.A. (2017, July 9). Speed Darlington reveals he’s the son of Pericoma Okoye, says ‘I hated him’. Information Nigeria. https://www.informationng.com/2017/07/speed-darlington-reveals-hes-son-pericoma-okoye.html
8. Oluigbo, C. (2017, February 19). Pericomo Okoye: When a big masquerade exits the stage. Business Day. Retrieved November 14, 2023, from https://businessday.ng/life-arts/article/pericomo-okoye-big-masquerade-exits-stage/
9. Vanguard Allure. (2017, February 16). Singer and traditionalist, Ichie Mezuo Pericoma Okoye, Arusi Makaja 1 reportedly dead. https://allure.vanguardngr.com/2017/02/pericoma-okoye-dead

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