| Ikwokirikwo | |
| Cultural Origins: | 1970s, Southeast Nigeria |
| Regional Scenes: | Nigeria |
Ikwokirikwo (Ikwokilikwo)[1] is a high-tempo style of Igbo highlife music influenced by Ogene, which gives the style its fast-paced signature. The style emerged in the early 1970s. It was popularized by the Oriental Brothers and later by Kabaka Guitar Band.[2] It was pioneered by Oliver De Coque and Prince Nico Mbarga.[3]
After the Biafran war there was a hunger amongst the Igbo people to move on from the war. Ikwokirikwo came from this desire in the early 70s. Ikwokirikwo was much different from the somber sound of the Igbo highlife music which dominated the era before and presided during the war. The uptempo beat was one which needed the listener to get up and dance. Though Ikwokirikwo is heavily influenced by the ogene music, this style of music also incorporates other Igbo rhythms into the guitar chords. like many other African musical styles of its era It immediately later incorporated other musical styles from other parts of Africa like Benga music, Soukous, Makossa.[4]
[5] Etymology
The term Ikwokirikwo in Igbo culture is said to be an ancient mythical Igbo dance when a lady lures a warrior with her dance. In terms of Igbo highlife, the first use of the term was by Ikenga Super Stars. They introduced the term in their 1975 album in the track ‘Ikenga in Africa’ in a Sebene-like chant essentially giving the style of music its name.