



































Tonemic Substitution


 

 

78 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 

 
78 

 FIVE IGBO ART MUSIC COMPOSERS: AN ABRIDGED 

HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION OF THEIR LIVES AND WORKS 

Adaobi Blessing Okoye & Alvan-Ikoku O. Nwamara Ph.D.  

 

Abstract 

gbo Art music refers to literary/written Igbo musical 

compositions which trained musicians produce under the influence 

of their western music training. It is a product of Igbo African’s 

contact with Western education and religion.  The composers are 

mainly of Igbo extraction and have excelled in the art in various ways. 

They have equally made effort to document their works in form of 

sheet music, however, lack of improved documentation strategies 

(online), led to the loss of many of their works and hence the need for 

this research. The research method adopted for this study includes 

observation, oral interview and review of related literature. This work 

tends to document five Igbo art music composers selected each from 

the Five South-Eastern States of Nigeria which are; Abia, Anambra, 

Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states. These choice is basically on their level 

of popularity, academic achievements and contributions to Igbo Art 

Music, compared to their peers in their states. The outcome of the 

study is hoped to provide a platform for related works and set the ball 

rolling for further studies or similar works to be extended to all known 

Igbo Art musician.   

 

I 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts (ARMA) Vol. 15 2021 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 79 

Introduction 

The arrival of the European missionaries in Nigeria in the middle of the 

nineteenth century brought new changes both in the scope and content 

of Igbo music which led to the emergence of Art music. Semi-formal 

art music making and training in Igbo land can be traced to have started 

many years ago with the church through the missionaries (CMS) that 

brought Christianity into the Igbo land around 1857. In those days, 

church music was the only form of art music that was in existence with 

the church as the only patron of the newly introduced music genre. 

Other forms of art music were not known to have been in existence 

and if at all, must have been sparsely performed and patronized. In 

Yoruba land (western Nigeria), Lagos to be precise, where the 

missionaries arrived before coming to the east (Igbo land), Lynn in 

Nwamara (2009) informed that the year 1860 marked the first 

performance of western music (art music) in Lagos with the audience 

consisting of merchants, churchmen, civil servants, students and 

artisans, while the performers were mostly black immigrants. In Igbo 

land no specific date is known to the authors to have been given as 

when such a performance took place for the first time, though having 

stated earlier that church music started with the church in Igbo land, 

it is still not known of the period when such was experienced.  
 

According to Nwamara (2009), these composers began by direct 

translation of English songs to Igbo language, creating religious words 

for existing folk tunes and creating new melodies for new texts, some 

of which are derived from the Bible. Okafor in Agu (2002) observes 

that: “they had no musical training as such apart from what they learnt 

in schools and teacher training colleges. Their success depended to a 

very large extent on their interest in music” One of the greatest feats 

they eventually achieved with their strong spirit of nationalism was 

eradication of the belief that Igbo native airs, traditional rhythms and 

instruments had pagan connotation. Some of these composers include 

Daniel Ojukwu, Nelson Okoli, Rev. Ofili Kelly, Ishmael Nwangene, 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 80 

Uzoma Asiji, Godson Opara, Ben Okagbue and Ikoli, Harcourt Whyte 

of the Methodist church etc. They are referred to as early generation. 

 However, with the establishment of the Department of Music, 

University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1961 which brought about a new phase 

in the composition of Church music, Igbo people began to receive 

formal and structured music education. They were taught by European 

musicologists and Western trained Africans based on Western music 

concept. They improved on the short comings of their predecessors in 

their compositions and blended both Western and African music 

idioms. “This cross fertilization of African and Western musical 

elements has resulted in a type of musical synthesis called African art 

music” (Adegbite, 2001, p. 77), which Igbo art music is one of its 

several branches found in Nigeria, West Africa.  Some of the 

composers that fall under this category include David Okongwu, Sam 

Ojukwu, Felix Nwuba, Humphrey Nwokolobia Agu, Dan C. C. Agu, 

Ugochukwu Onwuka, Chuma Chukwuka, Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara, Chukwudi 

Ezeokoli and many others. 

 

In recent times, some other higher institutions in South Eastern 

Nigeria have followed suit to establish Departments of music like 

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (Anambra State), Chukwuemeka 

Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam (Anambra State), Alex 

Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo (Ebonyi State) and 

Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Owerri (Imo State). These 

institutions have aided in very significant ways to produce more art 

music composers of Igbo extraction as they are found within reach. 

The five composers selected for this study are drawn from five Igbo 

states; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states as follows; Prof 

Alvan-Ikoku O. Nwamara from Abia, Prof Dan C.C Agu from Anambra, 

Mr Emmanuel Eze urom from Ebonyi, Dr Jude Chika Nnam from Enugu, 

Prof Christain Uzoma Onyeji from Imo states. As mentioned earlier, 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 81 

they are selected from their states, based on their level of popularity, 

academic achievements and contributions to Igbo Art Music, in 

comparison with their peers in their states. This does not in any way 

suggest any form of superiority or supremacy to other composers.  

 

The Igbo of Nigeria 

The Igbo tribe are located in the south-eastern part of Nigeria which 

consists of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. A sizeable 

Igbo Population is also found in Northern Delta and Rivers states. 

Geographically, the Igbo homeland is divided into two unequal sections 

by the Niger River—an eastern (which is the larger of the two) and a 

western section. The Igbo people are one of the largest ethnic group 

in Africa with more than 30 million people and with a population density 

ranging from 140-390 inhabitants per square kilometer. Altogether, 

Igboland has an area of some 40,900 to 41,400km.  Until the arrival of 

the British colonialists, the Igbos practice decentralized systems of 

government where Leaders of this system are chosen on the basis of 

age; the older an individual is the more likely they will be chosen as 

community leaders who are typically referred to as elders. The 

supreme leader known as Igwe has the final say on all issues. The Igbos 

were known to be very hardworking and talented people. Agu (1992) 

notes that:  

The Igbos are mainly farmers, traders, and tradesmen. They 
have always appreciated that through sacrifices and religious 
songs they appease their gods into benevolence, since they 
depended and look upon them for rich harvest and steady 
progress in their trade and social life. The Igbo worship their 
gods regularly and no matter how many times this was done; 
music accompanies most stages of it. (p. 13). 

The Igbo of Nigeria are very religious people and music, whether vocal, 

instrumental or a combination of both, also plays significant roles in 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 82 

their religious ceremonies, periodic festivals and ritual sacrifices. 

Music is the pivot on which all cultural, religious and social activities 

rotate. Onwuka (2001) affirms that, “it does not only accompany many 

events of the life cycle but also helps to preserve and transmit societal 

norms, values and much of its cultural aspirations. (p.1).  

 

Igbo Art Music 

Art music is a term that refers to a musical tradition implying advanced 

structural and theoretical considerations and a written musical 

tradition. Ekwueme (2008) describes art music as “music of serious 

intent, composed and performed in the idiom of European classical 

music by formally trained musicians in conservatories, music 

institutions and universities as opposed to folk and popular music” (p. 

118). The term “Igbo art music” was coined and used mostly by scholars 

typically to describe the works of Igbo composers that exhibit the 

influence of Western classical music. Igbo art music can be seen as a 

genre of music created and developed by Nigerian-Igbo musicians who 

had training in techniques of western art music; which exists in various 

forms like solos, duets, trios, choruses, anthems etc. 
 

Semi-formal art music making and training in Igbo land can be traced 

to have started many years ago with the church through the 

missionaries (CMS) that brought Christianity into the Igbo land around 

1857.  In those days, church music was the only form of art music that 

was in existence with the church as the only patron of the newly 

introduced music genre. Igbo art-music compositions, despite their 

deep roots in Igbo tradition, are performed by music specialists in 

front of an audience that cannot participate. Such musical 

presentations did not exist in Igbo traditional music practice. For 

instance, music, especially singing, existed in everyday Igbo land as 

part of culture, religion, vocation, and drama. Participation typically 

involves the whole community, where one group sings a call, and another 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 83 

sings the response. However, the fusion of African and Western music 

idioms in a manner that gives particular prominence to the strong 

features of Igbo music was a strategy for reinstating Igbo cultural 

identity in music in church and school. 

 

Development of Art Music in Igbo Land  

In recent times, with the establishment of departments of music in 

some of Nigerian institutions of higher learning, art music making and 

composition have undergone various stages of improvement and 

attained a certain level of recognition in Igbo land.  One unique quality 

of most Igbo art-music composers is that they have a thorough 

understanding of the Igbo traditions, which gives them more flexibility 

when they combine African and Western classical idioms. According to 

Nwamara (2009), the development of art music in Igbo can be 

categorized into two periods or rather, generations of Igbo composers 

as follows: 

(a) First Generation Composers and  

(b) Second Generation Composers  

Each of these generations has its peculiarities in form, techniques and 

style of composition which distinguish it from the other although the 

latter did not immediately deviate completely and entirely from the 

practice of its predecessor; instead it started by developing new ways, 

means and approaches to Igbo art music compositions and later 

graduated to making efforts towards possibly creating and achieving 

art compositions of complete Igbo identity. As this paper intends to 

look into the history of the five selected Igbo art music composers 

including their lives and works, the two classifications will be looked 

into but with more emphasis and focus on the second classification 

since it is the generation that the five selected Igbo art composers 

represent. 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 84 

(a) The First Generation Composers 

These are the composers who according to Okafor (1976:63), “had no 

musical training as such apart from what they learnt in school and in 

the teacher training colleges with their success depending to a very 

large extent on their interest in music.”  They were talented, 

committed and hardworking having exhibited all these qualities in their 

compositions.  Nwamara (2009) noted that the fact notwithstanding 

that they inherited art music making and composition directly from the 

missionaries and were indoctrinated to follow the western music 

concepts, idioms and ideologies strictly and sheepishly, they were able 

to create their own works especially through translating the texts of 

English songs to Igbo texts, creating new texts for existing folk tunes, 

creating new tunes for new texts or new tunes for existing hymn lyrics 

and in some cases, rearranging existing tunes.  

According to Omibiyi (1979), the growth of nationalism led to the 

development of Nigerian creative music which was as a result of the 

revolt against European culture between 1890 and 1920 in Nigeria.  

Indigenous art music actually started with the determination of the 

early Christians to restructure Christianity to suit African customs 

and institution where the use of native music would flourish.  One of 

the greatest feats they eventually achieved with their strong spirit of 

nationalism was eradication of the belief that Igbo native airs, 

traditional rhythms and instruments had pagan connotations.  Some of 

the Igbo art composers that fall within this group include Nelson Okoli, 

Daniel Ojukwu, Ishmael Nwangene, Rev. Ofili Kerry, Ikoli Harcourt 

Whyte, Ben Okagbue, Very Rev Msgr. Cyril Ezenduka, Uzoma Asiji, 

Godson Opara, Rev David Okongwu and others. 

 (b)The Second Generation  

This generation of composers emerged as a result of the establishment 

of the Department of Music in some Nigerian institutions of higher 

learning, starting with that of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 85 

State 1961; Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education 1974; Nnamdi 

Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state 1992; Chukwuemeka 

Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State 2012; Alex 

Ekwueme-Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State 2015; 

Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu State 2015. With this high level of 

formal music training and education, they did not only improve on what 

their predecessors did, they developed original Igbo art music 

compositions that derived immensely from both the Igbo compositional 

idioms and the western harmonic principles and techniques.  These 

composers took care of the shortcomings of the music of the First 

Generation composers in the process of creating their own music and 

consequently, took Igbo art music and art music generally to a higher 

level that is near perfection.   

Nwamara (2009) informs that these composers have so far made 

indelible marks in the world of music nationally and internationally. 

Some of their works have received much acceptance and patronage 

both by the Igbo and non-Igbo audiences and many of these composers 

have achieved beauty in form and style.  Their works have made much 

impact and have conveyed much feeling to their various audiences.  

Among many of these contemporary Igbo composers include: 

 Prof. Meki Nzewi, Late Dr. Joshua Uzoigwe, Felix Nwuba, Okechukwu 

Ndubisi, Sir Sam Ojukwu, Prof. Dan Agu, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, 

Nwokolobia Agu, Lawrence Emeka, Alphonso Okosa, Prof. Christian 

Onyeji, Humphrey Nwafor, Dorathy Ipere, Chuma Chukwuka, Anozie 

Ubani, Ugo Onwuka, Joe Onyekwelu,, Chudi Ezeokoli, Dr..Jude Nnam, 

Prof. Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara, Rev. Fr. Ben Agbo and Tochukwu Moneke, 

Jude Nwankwo, Urom Eze Emmanuel and many others.  

 

The five composers under study here are all selected from this second 

generation composers; Prof. Alvan-Ikoku O. Nwamara from Abia State, 

Prof. Dan C.C Agu from Anambra State, Mr Emmanuel Eze Urom from 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 86 

Ebonyi State, Dr. Jude Chika Nnam from Enugu State, and Prof. 

Christain Uzoma Onyeji from Imo state. 

 

The Composers 

This is arranged alphabetically according to their state of origin -Abia, 

Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.  

 

Composer No. 1: Alvan-Ikoku Okwudiri Nwamara (Abia State) 

Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara, a professor of African musical arts composition, 

theory and performance is a prodigiously talented composer, 

performer, music producer, prolific writer and researcher was born on 

the 30th day of July 1975 at Uzuakoli, to the family of Chief Christian 

Iheanyichukwu Nwamara (the Ebubedike 1 of Umumba-Nsirimo) and 

Lolo Emily Uloma Nwamara of Umumba-Nsirimo, Umuahia L.G.A. of Abia 

State. He is popularly called De Music Oracle. 

 
Plate 1: Alvan-Ikoku Okwudiri Nwamara 

 

In the course of his training and work experiences, he had the rare 

privilege of getting in contact and working with many big names in 

Nigerian musicological scene such as the late Felix Nwuba, late 

Okechukwu Ndubisi, and the living Sir Sam Ojukwu, Prof. Meki Nzewi, 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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Prof. Dan Agu, Prof. Christian Onyeji, Prof. Richard Okafor, Prof. Laz 

Ekwueme and so on. Nwamara’s contact with these great masters and 

his love for pop music has a great influence on his style of choral 

compositions. Some of his sacred choral compositions include Mụ Onwe 
m bụ Mbiliten’ọnwụ, Ịhe adịwomma, Tonụ Ja, Yoke Nke m, Akwụkwọ iwu, 
Nwunye gị ga-adị ka osisi vine (composed for his wedding), Ka m si yọọ 
nna (dedicated to his son, Kamsiyonna), jagajaga, ezinwa, Annah, Ajo di 

and numerous others. As a composer, he has many compositions and 

music publications to his credit.  

(a) BOOKS: 

1. Nwamara, A. O. (2019). The Voyage of DOREMI: An Opera. Awka: 

Printscape Publishers Ltd. 

2. Nwamara, A. O. (2018). KAMSIYONNA Dramatic Chorus Book. 

Awka: Printscape Publishers Ltd. 

3. Nwamara, A. O. (2017). The Saints Triumphant Vol. I. Awka: Soleks 

Publications Ltd. 

4. Nwamara, A. O. (2016). Contemporary African Art Music for 

Christian Worship in Igbo Liturgy. LAP LAMBERT Academic 

Publishing. https://www.lap-publishing.com/ 

5. Nwamara, A. O. (2016). Sacred Igbo Contemporary Youth Songs 

Series Vol. II. Awka: Soleks Publications Ltd. 

6. Nwamara, A. O. (2015). Sacred Igbo Contemporary Youth Songs 

Series Vol. I. Awka: Soleks Publications Ltd. 

7. Nwamara, A. O. (2010).The Soloist’s Companion Vol. II. Awka: 

Mount Carmel Publishers Ltd. 

8. Nwamara, A. O. (2007). The Soloist’s Companion Vol. I. Awka: Mount 

Carmel Publishers Ltd. 

 

https://www.lap-publishing.com/


Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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(b) Discography: 

1. 2022: Onwu Bu Uzo Ndu: Tribute to Late Ma Joy Nwakego Okonkwo. 

Original Composition Performed by Vocomotion Chorale. 

Composed, Directed and Produced by Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara for 

Alvikon Concepts. YouTube Publication. 

 2. 2022: Onye Nso Anaa: Tribute to Late Ma Joy Nwakego Okonkwo. 

Original Composition Performed by Vocomotion Chorale. 

Composed, Directed and Produced by Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara for 

Alvikon Concepts. YouTube Publication. 

3. 2021: Unu Ebela Akwa: Late Engr. Chuba Ogbutor. Original 

Composition Performed by Vocomotion Chorale. Composed, 

Directed and Produced by Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara for Alvikon 

Concepts. YouTube Publication. 

4. 2020: Ezinna Cyril Laa N’udo: Late Dr. Cyril Belonwu Umeh 

(UMEONONIRUAKU). Original Composition Performed by 

Vocomotion Chorale. Composed, Directedand Produced by Alvan-

Ikoku Nwamara for Alvikon Concepts. YouTube Publication. 

5. 2019: Lord Heal Our Country, Nigeria. Vocomotion Chorale Directed 

and Produced by Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara for Alvikon Concepts. 

YouTube Publication. 

6. 2019: Olisa Biko Zite Udo. Vocomotion Chorale Directed and 

Produced by Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara for Alvikon Concepts. YouTube 

Publication. 

7. 2019: Gini Kayi Geme. Vocomotion Chorale Directed and Produced by 

Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara for Alvikon Concepts. YouTube Publication. 

8. 2018: Aga m n’eto Jizos Kraist Vocomotion Chorale Directed and 

Produced by Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara for Alvikon Concepts. YouTube 

Publication. 

9. 2018: Aka Ngozi: Vocomotion Chorale Directed and Produced by 

Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara for Alvikon Concepts. YouTube Publication. 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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10. 2017: Mu Onwem bu Nbilite N’onwu na Ndu: Vocomotion Chorale 

Directed and Produced by Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara for Alvikon 

Concepts. YouTube  

11. 2017: Nwunye Gi G’adi Ka Osisi Vine: Vocomotion Chorale Directed 

and Produced by Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara for Alvikon Concepts. 

YouTube Publication 

12. 2016: Nwanyi Akiti - Department of Music Choir, Nnamdi Azikiwe 

University, Awka YouTube Publication. 

13. 2016: Ladon Sings - A Compact Disc Recording of Ten Songs by a 

Soloist: IzuuEzeme. Directed and Produced by Alvan-Ikoku 

Nwamara for Alvikon Concepts. 

14. 2011: Welcome to UNIZIK: A Collection of Four Songs (Nigeria 

National Anthem, Anambra State Song, UNIZIK Anthem and 

UNIZIK Welcome Song). Produced in Collaboration with Prof. Dan 

C. C. Agu. 

15. 2008a: UNIZIK Water. Original Jingle Composition in Video 

Compact Disc. YouTube. 

16. 2008b: Akajiani N’Ogbunike: A Tribute to Prof. Ilochi Okafor 

(SAN) Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (2005 - 

2008). Original Composition in Video Compact Disc (VCD). Also in 

YouTube. 

17. 2007: Jesus Lives. Published Live Performance of an Easter Cantata 

by Harold De Cou’s in audiotape. Okumedia’s Studio, Onitsha 

18. 2003: Shine in Me. Compact Disc recording by Bro Moses Obiorah 

Edeh Arranged, Directed and Produced by Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara 

for Alvikon Concepts. A.P. 002. Fogosonics Studios, Onitsha.  

19. 1997: Sweet Jesus. Published Original Choruses in Audiotape. AP. 

001. Rogers All Stars Studios, Awka.  

 

 

 

 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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Some of his commissioned compositions include; 

1. 2022: Birthday Song for The Archbishop of Province of the Niger 

and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. 

Alexander C. Ibezim 

2. 2019: Nnukwu Ajuju for Campus Classicals- All Nigerian 

Universities Contest (UNIZIK contingent) 

3. 2018: Faculty of Arts Anthem (Nnamdi Azikiwe Univ. Awka) 

4. 2017: Association of Nigerian Musicologists (ANIM) Anthem 2017 

5. 2016: FUNAI Anthem (Collaborative Composition of Fed. Univ. 

Ndufu-Alike Ikwo Anthem) 

6. 2013: Akwukwo Iwu A (Diocese on the Niger). Onitsha.  

7. 2012: Ndokwa Diocesan Anthem (Edited) 

8. 2012: Examine Yourself (Asaba Diocese) Synod Anthem  

9. 2012: K’ayi Jee Na Bethlehem (Xmas Africana) (Vocomotion 

Chorale 

10. 2009: Yoke Nkem Adighi Egbu Ngbu. (Asaba Diocesan Music 

Festival.) Jan   

11. 2008: Democracy in Anambra (for the Commissioning of the Stock 

Exchange) Onitsha 

12. 2008: O dim Ka M Nabu Mgbe Nile – An Arrangement (Diocese on 

the Niger). Onitsha. 

13. 2007: Seat of Wisdom Anthem (School Anthem). Enugu. July 

14. 2005: Mu Onwem Bu Nbilite N’onwu Na Ndu. (Diocese on the 

Niger). Onitsha. March 

15. 2005: That We May be One (WOWICAN National Singing 

Competition). March  

16. 2005: Sharon House (Diocese on the Niger). Onitsha.Via Master 

Voice Chorale 

17. 2004: Anambra Enwerewo Onwe Ha (Anambra Broadcasting 

Service (ABS)). Awka. July 

18. 2003: Late Chief Mrs Mokelu’s Biographical Anthem (Master Voice 

Choral Group). May 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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19. 2003: Lawyers and Nation Building (For NBA Bar National 

Conference in Enugu). July 

20. 2003: Water is Life (based on FGN and UNICEF lyrics). July 

21. 2003: Trinity Model Secondary School (School Anthem). Nnobi. 

Sept. 

22. 2003: Press CDS Anthem NYSC, Yola Adamawa State. 

23. 2002: N. N. P. C. is Twenty-five Years (Master Voice Choral Group 

at Abuja). Nov. 

24. 2002: Jerry and Cee School (School Anthem) Obosi. Dec 

25. 2000: Arts for Living (University of Nigeria Faculty of Arts Song) 

Nsukka 

26. 1999: MUSAN Anthem (Music Students’ Association of Nigeria) 

Nsukka 

27. 1993: A. S. A. Anthem (Anglican Students’ Association) Onitsha: 

January 6 

Other sheet compositions include; 

28. 2014 Gini Kayi Geme? 

29. 2013 He’s Coming Back – SATB Arrangement 

30. 2012 Anah Nwa Nma. Jan. 

31. 2011  Ndi Nwuru Anwu Nwe Ngozi 

32. 2010 Iya (A Solo Composition). March 

33. 2010  Ko Wa Fin Iyin Fo Ni Ise Nla (A Solo Composition).July 

34. 2007 Mi Khe Shigwe (A Solo Composition). July 

35. 2006 Stage Band Arrangement of UNIZIK Anthem 

36. 2006 Ekeresimeesi 

37. 2006 Amuru Ya N’ulo Anu 

38. 2005  Ekworo (In Collaboration with Lady N. Okonkwo) 

39. 2003 Chukwu Nna Di Nso (SATB) Feb 

40. 2001 Atula Egwu 

And so many others, including biographies and other spontaneous 

compositions; too numerous to mention. 

 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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Samples are below:  

  



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 93 

Composer No 2: Daniel Chikpezie Agu (Anambra State) 

Daniel Chikpezie Christian Agu is a professor of ethnomusicology and 

composition, music director, conductor, performer and organist. He 

was born on 18th January, 1949, at Iyienu Hospital, Ogidi, Anambra 

State, to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Agu. He is a native of 

Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state, 

Nigeria. 

 
Plate 2: Daniel Chikpezie Christian Agu. 

 

His Compositions: 

Some of Dan Agu’s Sacred and Secular works/musical contributions; 

1. Welcome to Nike Diocese (2016)-Contains (6 tracks) in a CD 

2. Selected choral works of Dan C.C Agu (2015)-Contains (10 tracks) 

in a CD 

3. Ekelem Gi Nnam , Chinekem (2011)-Contains (7 tracks) in a C.D 

4. Welcome to Unizik -Contains (4 tracks) -2 by Dan Agu; 1 by Alvan-

Ikoku Nwamara; and 1 by Ben Odiase. 

5. Abu Oma Devid (2018)-Contains (12 tracks) in a CD 

6. Ihunanya (1985)-Contains (12 Tracks) in a Plate 

7. Women, the pivot of the Nation (1980)-Contains (8 tracks) in a 

Plate. 

8. Udo Di Nma (1976)-Contains (8 tracks) in a plate. 



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9. Let the choirs sing. Vol 1(1988)-Contains 10 Anthems. 

10. Let the choirs sing Vol. 2 (2001)-Contains 13 Anthems. 

11. Let the choir Sing Vol.3 (2001)-Contains 10 Anthems. 

12. Art songs for contemporary Nigerians choirs (2002) -Contains 7 

Anthems 

13. Contemporary Classical Anthems (2002)-contains 5 Anthems  

14. The African Church Anthem Book-(2003)-contains 20 Anthems. 

15.  Ten songs arranged for Children-(2023)-contains 10 songs 

16. Anthems and chants for worship Vol.1 (2023)- contains 4 Anthems 

and 35 chants 

17. Songs of life (2017)-Contains 48 Anthems.  

 

Samples: 

 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 95 

 

 

Composer No 3: Emmanuel Urom Eze (Ebonyi State) 

Mr. Emmanuel Eze Urom is one of the youngest music composers, an 

educator, choral director, and singer. He is a native of Orrah, Ozziza 

in Afikpo North Local Governement, Ebonyi State. He studied at 

Government Secondary School Afikpo where he obtained his NECO in 

2008 and also attended Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka where he 

obtained his Bachelor of Art Degree in Music in 2017. 

 

His first composition was a short prayer of the faithful ‘Zam Chukwu” 

in 2009 followed by his major full blown art composition tiltled “Chukwu 

Agozigom” same year. He informs that his composition did not fly 

because it was difficult to learn because he knew so little about chord 

progression. Later he gained admission into the Department of Music, 

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka where he obtained Bachelors of Art 

in Music from 2013-2017. There at the university, he came in contact 

with other great composers like Prof. Dan Agu and Prof. Alvan- Ikoku 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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Nwamara and because of his passion to be a lead composer, he began 

to acquire vital knowledge related to composition. 

 
Plate 3: Emmanuel Urom Eze 

 

Mr. Urom Eze composes mostly when he is inspired especially after 

listening to good music. He has about a hundred compositions and 

counting to his credits which includes 82 choral works both sacred and 

secular, one (1) instrumental work for the recorder, Fifteen (15) solo 

works 

 

Samples: 

 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 97 

 
 

 

Composer No 4: Jude Chika Nnam (Enugu State) 

Dr. (Sir) Jude Chika Nnam also known as Ancestor is a prolific 

composer, a multi-instrumentalist and a choral conductor. He holds a 

Ph.D in music from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. A liturgical 

composer with over 2000 catholic songs to his credit. He was born on 

November 10, 1965 into the family of Chief Patrick Chukwu Nnam and 

Mrs Felicia Nnam of Umunnnaugwu, Amechi, Uwani autonomous 

community in Enugu South local government area of Enugu state.  



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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Plate 4: Jude Chika Nnam 

Dr. Nnam has written many commissioned compositions. They are 

numerous and their names can be found at the footage of the 

compositions dedicated to them. They include The Art and Culture 

department, FCT, Abuja, Abuja Contigent during The national festivals 

of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Abuja, 

and other Anthems for some parishes in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Onitsha, 

Asaba and Port Harcourt. Since his works are generally in choral 

structure, choirs around the world find them useful during masses and 

church services. He has also done several projects for the Yamaha 

keyboard including a show in Dubai. In May 2017, Dr. Nnam was 

endorsed as a Yamaha brand Ambassador for Nigeria for their 

keyboard products with some of his songs sold as a standard in Yamaha 

keyboards.  

Dr Nnam has published an e-book that can be found online titled ‘The 

Ancestor’s Opium’, it is a collection of a hundred composition written 

by him. Among over 2000 songs he has composed are songs like ‘Take 

and sanctify’, ‘In Thanksgiving and Love’, ‘In love with Jesus’, ‘Naranu 

Rie’, Chineke Gbaghara’, ‘Kosisochukwu’, ‘Olisa’, ‘Uche chukwu’, ‘Agam eje 

n’altar’, ‘Abum Achicha’, ‘Thanksgiving of amazing grace’ etc. 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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Samples are below: 

 

 

 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 100 

Composer No 5: Christian Uzoma Onyeji (Imo State) 

Prof. Christian Uzoma Onyeji hails from Attah in Ikeduru local 

government area of Imo state, Nigeria. He was born on the 15th 

August, 1967. He had his Diploma in Music Education in 1988, BA (Hons) 

in 1990, MA in music in 1995, all from University of Nigeria Nsukka. 

Doctor of Music in 2002 from University of Pretoria, South Africa. 

First, second and third degrees are all in composition. He is inclined to 

all types of music but with more interest in art music, vocal and 

instrumental. 

 
Plate 5: Christian Uzoma Onyeji 

Works and Achievements 

Prof. Onyeji stated that his compositions have contributed to the 

development of the Arts (African Art Music) in different genres. He 

developed new creative processes (Research Composition, Drummistic 

piano composition, Africa vocalism, and Nsukka Choral School (NSC). 

These are frequently performed by professional performers and use in 

teaching and learning in schools especially syllables for secondary 

school. His compositions in highest demand includes Ufie (Igbo dance) 

for piano and Oga (Maiden Game) for piano. These are frequently 

performed by pianists. His best interesting composition includes “Ufie” 

(Igbo dance). This was his breakthrough composition in Africa art 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 101 

music for piano in the drummistic style. His most fulfilling and best 

rewarding composition is “Ufie” (Igbo dance). 

 

Selected Creative Works 

These include some of the Symphony, Piano works, solo songs, choral 

works, and experimental instrumental works. To mention but a few:  

 
Title of the Work Kind Medium Year of 

Composition 

1 Eze Nno Nu Vocal Solo 

Soprano/Piano 

2nd October, 

1989 

2 Love’s Desire for 

Sop, Ten and chorus. 

“ Serenade 1989 

3 Dim Le Abum Oyoyo " Three part song 1989 

4 Ele Dim’oma “ Solo Sop./Piano 1989 

5 Nemi Amambo “ Mixed Voices 1989 

6 Ina Za Muje “ ” “ 

7 Kra Kum Ko “ “ “ 

8 Ezigbo Nnameze 

Nno 

“ “ 1990 

9 Ziwalele “ “ 1991 

10 Soi Soi “ “ “ 

11 So Pi “ “ 1992 

12 Ko No “ “ “ 

13 Onye Turu Gi Ime ” Solo Sop./Piano “ 

14 Mambu Zule “ “ 1993 

15 Dakkada Anthem Vocals SATB 2020 

 

Some of his Instrumental Works include: 

1 Afro trombone  Instrumental Trombone/Band 1993 

2 Ufie (Igbo Dance) 

for Piano (Three 

Movements) 

“ Piano solo 1993 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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3 Afro trombone11 “ Trombone/Band 1996 

4 Ufie Thematic 1 “ Oja and Ekwe 

(Experimental) 

1996 

5 Ufie Thematic 11 “ Oja and Ekwe 

(Experimental) 

1996 

6 Mmuo (Spirit) “ Piano 1998 

7 Ije (Motion) “ “ ” 

8 Okike (Creation) “ “ “ 

9 Afo Naga (The 

Passing Year) 

“ “ ” 

10 Ikwe (Mortar) “ “ “ 

11 Hi Yom (A Quartet) “ Flute, 

Soprano,Piano, 

Cello 

2003 

12 Oga (Maiden’s 

Game) For Piano 

“ Piano 2003 

13 Jazz Duet “ Ten Sax. /Piano 2003 

14 Opi Akuko “ Clarinet 2012 

15 Iya “ Piano Duet 2019 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

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Summary/Conclusion 

The usefulness of documentation cannot be overemphasized especially 

for musicians, audiences who believe in originality or who might be 

exposed to misrepresentation. From the study, it was discovered that 

a lot has been written on Nigerian art music composers from the early 

generation to the present contemporary music art composers but not 

much has been written on Igbo art music composers. Most of the 

composers from the early generations are long forgotten and only few 

knew about them because there is no compiled documentation that 

really discuss about them and their achievements. It is worth noting 

and exciting when a generation can access their last generation 

achievements which were properly preserved for the future, hence the 

sole aim of documentation is accessibility. As Euba (1976) demonstrate, 

the early generations of Nigerian music scholars valorized preservation 

of Nigerian music as a crucial aspect of their scholarly framework, 

their noble and novel approaches could not be sustained after them 

because they lack sustainable and documentation framework. This 

study shows that some of the selected composers such as Prof. Alvan-

Ikoku Nwamara, Prof. Dan C. C. Agu, Prof. Christian U. Onyeji, Dr. Jude 

C. Nnam and many other Igbo art composers from the second 

generation have larger part of their works though not all, recorded in 

audio and visual form, and are available on online (via website, YouTube, 

Facebook etc.), yet there is need to collate and notate works of other 

Igbo art music composers both alive and dead in all the eastern states 

to avoid loss of their works and from going into extinction 

 

This work will no doubt provide an access to historical resources from 

the past to this generation and the other ones to come on Igbo music 

art composers. This can also serve as instructional materials to 

educational institutions and also, the research works has made 

available some historical account of some notable Igbo art music 

composers to other researchers, composers and analysts for further 



Okoye, A. B. & Nwamara, A. O.: Five Igbo Arts Music Composers: An Abridged  ... 

 Awka Journal of Research in Music and the Arts Vol.15 (2021) 105 

study. That we are in the 21st century and performing works by old 

western composers is a testament of the effort made towards the 

preservation of their musical creativity. 

 

Recommendations 

World civilizations are in part defined by their authentic cultural 

materials and historical documentations preserved or stored for 

posterity. The selected composers have made remarkable impact on 

both the academically trained composers and have in no small measure 

influenced the church art music composers that came after them, both 

the academically trained and non-literate composers and the new 

generation composers. Therefore, government, private sector and 

academic sector have to investigate into the documentation and 

archiving of life and works of notable Igbo art composers, their 

authentic performance practice and to promote global presence and 

relevance. Also, having the compilation of Igbo art music composers will 

encourage the young scholars to value and compose Igbo art music 

knowing that their works will be documented for posterity. 

Documentation of Igbo art compositions should be encouraged to ease 

research problems and finally encourage the introduction and 

application of Information and Communication (Computer) Technology 

in Igbo art music composition and development for easy global 

accessibility and acceptability. On a last note, the author wishes to 

stress here that this research work has not really covered all. The 

researcher thereby suggests that further research on it or related 

topics be conducted subsequently for update and currency, and more 

Igbo art music composers both from the ancient and modern 

generations especially in the eastern region be brought to limelight to 

enable the younger generation to study them both in secondary and 

university level. 

 

 



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Agu, D. C. C. (2012). Acceptability of contemporary choral music in 

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