The death of one of Ebira finest traditional drummers called Okudu has thrown the land into a state of mourning as the the departed percussionist is one among many drummers in Ebira land held in high esteem.
According to Balogun Omeiza David, His death occurred on Tuesday 20th February, 2024.
The Director General Government House Administration, Alh. Dr. Umaru Oricha Shuaibu expressed his grief over the passing of Okudu, a man he described as “having all the patterns of drum beats registered in his brain.”
Speaking from his office at the Government House, Lokoja, he celebrated him for having lived a wonderful life that has helped in promoting the culture of the Ebira people through his drumming artistry that no one will listen to without shaking the head or the leg because of the rhythm and the wonderful sound coming from his beats.
In his words, “This is not the time that we expect Okudu to leave us as he has become part of the custodians of our musical heritage through his “Anuva” drums that is made from a pot and covered with a leather.
“His ability to beat the three Anuva drums made of different sizes interchangeably is a form of entertainment that that makes me to stand in awe each time I am privileged to see him perform. As much as we wanted him to live longer with us, Almighty Allah has decided to call him home. It is my prayer that his soul will be welcomed home in Aljanah Firdaus. Amen.”
The Anuva drum is a special drum that is played during different celebrations like burials, masquerade outings, Ozomeche celebrations, Onoku traditional rites and also when a new Ohinoyi is coronated. It is a traditional drum that has lived with the Ebira people of Kogi Central for ages of which a traditional female singer known as Eche-Ozoku uses for her traditional songs and the same has brought her fame both at home and abroad.
May the soul of the departed Okudu the Anuva drummer rest in peace with His maker. Amen.
