- Chief Pericoma Mezuo Okoye, reported to be the father of Nigerian rapper Speed Darlngton, an Igbo folktale singer
- Aside from being a singer and songwriter, he was a strong traditionalist who deeply believed in the ancient ways of his people
- Pericoma was known for several displays of supernatural powers that earned him the alias Lion of Africa
Chief Pericoma Mezuo Okoye was well-known throughout Igboland for his musical style as well as his deep belief in and practice of the Igbo peoples traditional religion, Odinala.
His musical approach was an oral rendition of the culture, proverbs, and traditions of the Igbo people.
Remembering Pericoma Okoye The Fearless Lion of Africa.
Credit: @historylover_001, @speedarlintvSource: Instagram
He first gained recognition in the early 1970s, when he sang in the choir of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Arondizuogu Imo state, before becoming the main vocalist of Troupe, a cultural music group.
After recording an album with them, he moved to form his own group in 1976, which released yearly albums and produced around 200 tracks during their reign.
Okoye was the cultural prime minister of Arondizuogu until his death and acquired lots of traditional titles such as Ar�s� Makaja Mb� (first Makaji god) because of the mysterious things he could do.
Pericoma was more than just a musician; he was a figure whom people feared and admired. He accomplished miracles that many regarded as sorcery. These accomplishments earned him the nickname Lion of Africa. He even appeared in a film alongside Nollywood legend Pete Edochie called Lion of Africa, which chronicled the narrative of his early life.
The Igbo legend ended the illegal taxation of people in Upper Iweka, Onitsha. It was alleged that Pericoma was on his way to Onitsha when he was stopped by the local boys at the then-infamous Upper Iweka road.
These unlawful tax collectors, unaware of who he was, requested his tax receipts, which he ignored.
One of the thugs picked him up, placed him over his shoulders, and brought him to their office. He did not say a word or complain during this whole time.
According to reports, he suddenly grew too heavy during the trip, and the guys who carried him tried to let him down, but couldnt. They implored him for several hours to come down, but he refused, insisting that the gods be appeased before he would come down.
He made various requests, including a large sum of money. When his desires were finally fulfilled, Pericoma gracefully came down from the mans shoulder after many hours of appeasing.
The tale of this magical encounter was recounted by Anaede Unu in a song titled Pericoma na-anyi ajo aro (Pericoma embodies so much weight). This incident was reported to have put an end to the problem of unauthorised tax collectors in Upper Iweka.
Okoye had numerous wives and children, including Omor Perry, his eldest son, Ebube Izuogu, a traditional singer, and Fenfe Pericoma Johnbosco.
Darlington Okoye, the notorious Nigerian rapper who goes by the name Speed Darlington, revealed in July 2017 that Pericoma Okoye is also his father.
Pericoma Okoye reported to be Speed Darlingtons father.
Credit: @speedarlintvSource: Instagram
Okoye was honoured with the Distinguished Achievement Award by the Mbari Literary Society in Owerri in July 2010 for his contributions to the development and preservation of the Igbo language and culture.
He reportedly died on February 16, 2017, in a hospital in Okigwe.
Source: TheTalk.NG
Singer 2baba Finally Opens Up on Split With Annie in Viral Video, Triggers Reactions From Fans Nigerian singer 2baba has finally opened up about the details surrounding his divorce from his longtime wife, Annie Idibia During recent interview on the Mzansi podcast, the music star spoke with Nedu and his co-host on what happened with his crashed marriage 2babas words triggered a series of mixed feelings from netizens with some of ... Read more Continue reading here
Newly Married 2baba Says Its Impossible for a Man to Sexually Be With One Woman, Says Na Biology Nigerian singer 2baba has caused a huge buzz on social media over his recent claim about men being with multiple women During the interview, the music star boldly asserted that a man cannot sexually be with one woman 2baba gave his reasons for making such a claim and netizens reacted to the newly-married singers words ... Read more Continue reading here Osita Osadebe: Inspiring Story of Doctor of Hypertension Who Ruled Igbo Highlife Music For Decades A few Nigerian music artists have left an indelible mark on the sands of time with their talents and timeless songs, which continue to serve as sources of inspiration for the younger generation today. One of such people is Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, a Nigerian Igbo Highlife musician who died in 2007. Popularly known as ... Read more Continue reading here Moment Davido and Wyclef Jean Greeted Each Other at Abuja Event Trends: Sweet Fanta Diallo Nigerian singer Davido and Haitian musician, Wyclef Jean, are making headlines over their recent interaction Just recently, a video made the rounds on social media of the two music stars greeting each other at an event in Abuja The heartwarming display between the two men drew the attention of many social media users and they ... Read more Continue reading here Chivido White Wedding: Davidos Sister and Chioma Update Fans About Their Party Plans, Share Videos Nigerian singer Davidos big sister, Sharon and his wife, Chioma, have started planning ahead of the Chivido white wedding The celebrity couple are getting set to have their white wedding ceremony in August, and some of the party plans have been shared with fans Some social media users reacted after Sharon and Chioma updated them ... Read more Continue reading here
