End of an Era: Alhaji Omenge, Veteran Eloyi Singer Goes Home.
By Yahaya Kana Onzonu
The passing of Alhaji Abdullahi Omenge, one of the most revered Eloyi (Afo) singers, marks the end of a golden era in Eloyi music. News of his death hit me with ferocious intensity. Nevertheless, his name will forever be etched in our hearts, not only for his remarkable contribution to the art of music but also for his profound impact on the preservation of Eloyi language and culture.
While as a young man, I may not have break out years of Alhaji Omenge’s musical career, I am fortunate enough to have been around when it blossomed. Most importantly, I count myself lucky to have been immersed in the brilliance of his work. Growing up, his proverbs-packed, infectious, and didactic songs were an integral part of our daily lives. His music was more than just entertainment, it was a conduit for cultural education, an archive of wisdom, and a bridge connecting generations.
My father’s cassette player often brought Omenge’s mellifluous voice to life. Whenever his music filled the air, it came with a certain joy and nostalgia. My father’s permanent smile, a testament to Omenge’s artistry, highlighted the deep connection he had with his songs. As a young man, I used to believe my father loved Omenge’s songs because they connected as friends, until I developed enough Eloyi to start appreciating the lyrics. Omenge’s were not merely tunes; they were lessons, stories, and a celebration of Eloyi heritage woven into beautiful melodies.
The late veteran’s music played a pivotal role in shaping I and my siblings’ understanding of the Eloyi language. His clever use of proverbs and traditional expressions made his songs a veritable classroom. My siblings and I would listen intently, only to be quizzed by our parents about the meaning of certain proverbs. Of course, we often failed to grasp their depth, which prompted our parents to explain. This simple yet effective method of teaching allowed us to appreciate the richness of not just our language, the wisdom and creativity of Alhaji Omenge.
In the 1990s, Alhaji Omenge was a household name, reigning alongside his contemporaries, most notably his rival, late Musa Ogimba, the father of another wonderful musician who is also late, Tanko Musa, popularly known as Ojameca. Their rivalry was not a divisive one; instead, it elevated the Eloyi musical tradition. Omenge, along with his gifted backup singer, Alhaji Operiri Wu Odi Igbeji, favoured the rhythmic beats of the Konga drum, while Ogimba and his backup, Ogyego, mesmerized their audience with the Oba.
This creative diversity between Omenge from Eki and Ogimba from Ambu provided a balanced representation of Eloyi artistry, leaving listeners spoiled for choice. The debate was never about who was better among them, but it was about enjoying both whenever one had the opportunity. From the both artists eulogised themselves, there was no doubt they respected each other while of holding an entire language spellbound with their musical charm
While I have encountered Omenge, first through my father’s cassette player and in person when he comes to visit his friend, father in our house in Nyanya, my first live encounter with the late sage was during an Omadegye celebration at the Ende-Mu-Ena playground in Odu sometimes in the 1990s. The experience was magical, and while I have been fortunate to witness several more of his performances, it is the personal meetings with him that stand out.
One unforgettable occasion was when he visited our home in Eloyi (Kana), to have a chat with my late uncle, Catechist Mathew Ogelebe. His creative use of euphemism during that conversation remains etched in my memory. Referring to my uncle, a traditional psychiatrist, he poetically invited him to visit his grandson who was having some mental struggles with the words: Mi yi oye mi uwufo mo ogba amma, olafiyawu aku olafiya mo. This display of linguistic finesse and cultural sensitivity encapsulated Omenge’s unmatched gift with words.
What set Alhaji Omenge apart from his peers was his longevity. He not only outlived his doppelganger, Musa Ogimba, but also other notable, younger names like Origima and Ojameca. This longevity allowed him to remain a towering figure in Eloyi music and cultural life for decades. His songs transcended time, resonating with both young and old, making him a unifying force in the entire land. He seemed an ever present figure whose presence made it the demise of all his musical contemporaries a bit bearable. Now, the Eloyi people have been truly stripped bare of musical creativity with his passing
Yet, Alhaji Omenge was beyond music, his life and work were a celebration of Eloyi cultural creativity. He contributed immensely to the preservation of Eloyi material culture, ensuring that future generations would have a repository of wisdom and art to draw upon. His ability to weave words, rhythm, and cultural values into his music elevated him to the status of the undisputed custodian of Eloyi heritage.
The loss of Alhaji Omenge is an irreparable one, not just for his immediate family but for the entire Eloyi nation. However, in this moment of grief, we find solace in the fact that his legacy will endure. His songs, filled with wisdom, humour, and life lessons, remain a treasure trove for generations to come.
As we bid farewell to this iconic figure, we celebrate a life well-lived, a career that enriched our culture, and a legacy that will continue to inspire. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Eloyi community during this difficult time.
To people like me and a river of others, Alhaji Omenge was more than a singer; he was a teacher, a storyteller, and a guardian of Eloyi heritage. May his soul rest in peace, and may his music continue to echo in our hearts, reminding us of who we are and where we come from.
Ungboo wu aleku!
