Pericoma Okoye

Pericomo Damian Azubike Nwankwo Okoye (1948 – February 16, 2017), known as Pericoma, was a Nigerian singer, songwriter and traditionist. In addition to his music, he was known as a practitioner of Odinala, the traditional religion of the Igbo people.

Life and career Okoye was born in 1948 in Arondizuogu in Imo State. He was a singer-songwriter in the Igbo masquerade tradition. He first became known in the early 1970s, when he sang in the choir of St. Michael's Catholic church in Arondizuogu and then became lead vocalist of Troupe, a cultural music group. After releasing an album with them, he left to form his own group and starting in 1976, released yearly albums. and was known as Mezuo Mbụ nke Arọndizuogu ('first of Arondizuogu') His magic performances drew large audiences to the Ikeji festival in Arondizuogu.

Honours In July 2010, Okoye received the Distinguished Achievement Award of the Mbari Literary Society in Owerri for his contribution to the growth and preservation of Igbo language and culture. Darlington Okoye, a Nigerian rapper who performs under the name Speed Darlington, said in July 2017 that Pericoma Okoye was also his father.

He died on February 16, 2017, in a hospital in Okigwe. Final interment in the village of Ndiogbuonyeoma, Ndibeuche was scheduled for April 9, 2018.

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