Chief Pericoma Mezuo Okoye (born 1948) was a Nigerian singer, songwriter and traditionist. His first name 'Pericoma' could alternatively be spelled as 'Pericomo' 'Perry-Coma' and 'Perry-Koma'. He was predominantly known throughout the Igboland for his style of music and strong belief and practice of the traditional religion of the Igbo people, named Odinala.

Early life

Okoye was born in Nigeria, specifically in Imo State, an eastern state occupied by the Igbo people of Nigeria. He was born in a community named Arondizuogu, a community that occupies three local government areas: Ideato North,

Okigwe Okigwe is the third largest city in Imo state in Nigeria after Owerri and Orlu. Okigwe is located in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Nigeria. The city lies between the Port Harcourt-Enugu-Maiduguri rail line, being the nearest city to the b ...

, and Onuimo. According to the biographical movie on Okoye titled ''Lion of Africa'', it claims Okoye whilst playing as a child with his peers in the forest, mysteriously got missing and was unable to be located for several years and would later re-emerge out of the forest as a teenager who possessed diverse supernatural abilities.

Prime minister

Okoye was prime minister of the Arondizogu community in Imo state until his death in 2017.

Music style

His music style could be best described as "oral rendition of the culture, proverbs, as well as the tradition of the Igbo people".

Acting career

He featured in a movie titled ''Lion Of Africa'' alongside Nollywood star,

Pete Edochie Chief Pete Edochie, MON (born March 7, 1947) is a Nigerian actor. Edochie is considered one of Africa’s most talented actors, being honored with an Industry Merit Award by Africa Magic and Lifetime Achievement by Africa Film Academy Althoug ...

. The movie, which was in two parts, was a biography of his early life, his involvement sorcery related activities.

Personal life

Okoye was a firm believer and practitioner of the traditional religion of the Igbo people, Obeah.

Traditional religion

Okoye whilst alive was as much a famous sorcerer as he was a musician as described by the Nigerian News outlet, Legit. His title 'Arusi Makaja' also hints as this, as 'Arusi' when translated to English language means 'deity'. His numerous victories during the ''Ito-Ebule'' competition during the Ikeji festival earned him the alias “''Lion of Africa”''. Okoye's most notable display of supernatural powers as reported by various notable Nigerian media, was in

Anambra state Anambra State is a Nigerian state, located in the southeastern region of the country. The state was created on August 27, 1991. Anambra state is bounded by Delta State to the west, Imo State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi St ...

where he made three tax collectors who approached him in bid to inquire about his tax status incapable of moving their legs whilst standing and causing them to be affixed to a particular spot for several hours.

Significance

Okoye was a prominent individual in Nigeria as a traditional prime minister in Imo state. He was instrumental and took notable roles in the development of the Ikeji festival held in his community. This festival which is held every April serves as a source of foreign income for Nigeria, as it attracts tourists from around the world.

Selected discography

*''Isi na udoh ga-adi'' *''High Tension'' *''Ikeji Izuogu'' *''Obodo Aghoka'' *''Igatakwuteya Aja'' *''Izu Ka Mma Na Nne Ji''

Death

On February 16, 2017, he was reported dead.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Okoye, Pericoma 1935 births 2017 deaths 20th-century Nigerian male singers