Ozikoro
OzikoroArchive

Subject

artistry

5 records filed under this subject

Christy Essien-Igbokwe: The Voice of Nigeria’s Musical Golden Age

Christy Essien-Igbokwe (1960–2011) remains one of the most celebrated icons in Nigerian music and entertainment. Known widely as the “Lady of Songs,” she combined linguistic versatility, cultural storytelling, and social advocacy to transform the landscape of modern Nigerian pop and highlife. Her contributions to music, film, and institutional reform within the creative industry solidified her…

The Power of the Female Gaze: Women’s Role in Kalabari Masquerade Performance

Masquerade traditions across the Niger Delta are often portrayed as exclusively male-controlled institutions, with strict rules prohibiting women from participating as performers. However, among the Kalabari people of Rivers State, the role of women in masquerade culture particularly in the Owu and other water-spirit masquerades, is far more nuanced. While men physically don the masks,…

The Sekiapu and Governance: How the Dance Society Maintained Law and Order

Among the Kalabari people of the Niger Delta, the Sekiapu (also called the Ekine Society) stands as one of the most important cultural institutions linking artistry with authority. Often described as a “dance society,” the Sekiapu is far more than performance. Historically, it functioned as an agency of governance: enforcing laws, preserving moral order, mediating…

Dancing with History: Exploring the Nkporo Cultural Heritage through G. I. Jones’ Lens

The 1930s witnessed a remarkable documentation of the vibrant cultural practices of the Nkporo people, located in the eastern Igbo area of what is today Abia State, Nigeria. Through the lens of G. I. Jones, a British colonial administrator and ethnographer, we catch a glimpse of traditions that weave together artistry, spirituality, and social…

Place Nkporo

Cultural Identity of Isuochi: Origins, Practices, Attractions, and Úrì Body Art

Isuochi, located in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, is a significant community within the Igbo ethnic group. It is made up of several villages and towns. Towns in Isuochi include: Umuelem, Ndiawa, Achara, Ihie, Lomara, Mbala, Amuda, Ngodo and Umuaku. Known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and unique practices, Isuochi…

Place Isuochi