HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CHIEF: Paul A. Obi celebrates Sonex Oguike, a maestro of Afro Jazz
“Classical music gives musicians a kick. But African music gives everyone a kick.”
– Fela Anikulapo Kuti
In an era where Nigeria is shining as a vibrant cultural hub; where there appears to be cultural revolution; Nigerian artists holding forth front and centre at the Grammys and Afrobeat tunes are the staple of musical beats around the world – extending some thumps – up to a maestro will not be out of place. In arts and music, Nigeria straddles along as a giant that the country is and remains so. Arts, and music in particular remains a remarkable soother of soul, mind and brains. The creative minds behind such lofty artistic roles also deserve a critical lens and perspective that appropriately accord them their dues.
It is for these reasons that we often revered artistic gifts and adore legends who often comfort our souls and bodies. Such artistic or musical heroes could be global, national or regional icons within a locale. They constantly set our lives on a high and lift our souls in many ways. With their mastery of arts and sounds, they ushered us to the eclipse of inaccessible world. Here, comes: Chief Sonex Oguike – a heroic maestro, who with all intent and purposes, can be described as extraordinary and legendary. Sonex Oguike, by all measure is a Nigerian Afro Jazz Czar. Oguike comes with no duplicate in the business of sounds and Afro Jazz. In his artistic world, his talents and menthol voice – with such gifts; life itself comes alive and rebrand our sensual senses.
With his arts and sounds, Oguike gives humanity, as Fela posited above, both a kick and a start in several ways and meanings. He has both the charm and chasm that could untie the toughest and roughest moods and edges. His musical journey, like most global stars was likewise nourished and fertilised in the church. For Oguike, as a member of the Choir in St Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, his tutelage into the realm of rhythm and sounds began. Oguike recalled with nostalgia how the church and the ecclesiastical hymns of the Catholic Church contributed in shaping his experiences. According to him, “I was equally a chorister and pianist in St. Mary Catholic Church. I had my personal piano and amplifier that I used in playing for the church. The experience I gained in the choir kick started my musical experience.” He further explained that sensing his musical talent, and realising the impact it could have on society compelled him to consider showbiz as a turf. “When I realized that what I had was good enough to share with the world, I started writing my songs. An advice I got from one of my friends. I recorded my first musical demo in 1983-1984,” he said.
Professionally, from rallying his Orlu people with his melodious tunes, to scaling up artistic and musical productions with his Musicraft Studio in Owerri, to paying tribute to the late Igbo sage, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi; Oguike and his orchestra see society as a bedrock of sharing talents and refining the rough edges that littered the world. Oguike also has no special court he genuflects to; he warms himself to any amiable door that slits itself open.
As a gift to the Igbo nation and a cultural disciple that he is to Nigeria and the world, Sonex Oguike is today known with several sound tracks and works-of-arts. From Umuigbo, Achangulu, Nsegbu Uwa, Netelum Egwu, Anya Ahuha La, to Anya Ga Ahuha, Oguike has appended his signature not just on music as art; but also as a quintessential contributor to the Igbo folklore. By fulfilling the above tasks, and within the Orlu cultural history, Oguike has crafted a niche for himself far more as a musical critic who the people beckon on to for cultural and artistic navigation.
Added to that, Oguike has also been a good cultural Ambassador for Nigeria, taking his artistic and musical displays to Malaysia, United States, United Kingdom, Ghana among other countries. In his visit to Malaysia for instance, Oguike left a footprint with his song, Orlu Amaka N’ Malaysia. His performance in that Asian country is still being reckoned with till date. In US, he repeated similar feat such that, he has continued to play for many Igbo Unions around the world. With arts and music, Oguike adds to the cultural milieu of orientalism that is best known and associated with Imo State in the world of oriental music.
Indisputably, he remains a cultural pathfinder to many contemporary artists of repute. To his credit. Oguike has worked with several artists ranging from Flavour N’abania; J. Martins; Osu Baba, among others. In the course of his creative voyage, the musical maestro has had the support of Jude Ajaero, Greg Nze, Pascal Uche, Ada Onuoha, Joyce, Chris Iwuji, Emma Ndubuisi, Unaegbu, and that of his beautiful wife, Lolo Chinyere Oguike (Egovin). His journey throughout his musical career will somehow remain a timeless beckon of hope and faith, where artistic craft has a dependable place in society.
With Oguike, his life, times and music; it can be proven that notwithstanding that a child with a colourless start can rise up to become a cultural behemoth and pathfinder who points the way for others to follow. Despite witnessing the Biafran Civil War, Oguike’s creativity never left him. Thus, the totality of his being, from business, photography, arts and to music, Oguike remains a maestro. Born on 10th March 1962 in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, he celebrates his birthday today with style and grandeur, embodying the pinnacle of arts, culture, music and Afro Jazz.
Obi is a media scholar, researcher and journalist based in Abuja
