Pericoma Okoye


Chief Pericoma Mezuo Okoye was a Nigerian singer, songwriter and traditionist. His first name 'Pericoma' could alternatively be spelled as 'Pericomo' 'Perry-Coma' and 'Perry-Koma'. He was predominantly known throughout the Igboland for his style of music and strong belief and practice of the traditional religion of the Igbo people, named Obeah.

Early life

Okoye was born in Nigeria, specifically in Imo State, an eastern state occupied by the Igbo people of Nigeria. He was born in a community named Arondizuogu, a community that occupies three local government areas: Ideato North, Okigwe, and Onuimo.

Prime minister

Okoye was prime minister of the Arondizogu community in Imo state until his death in 2017.

Music style

His music style could be best described as "oral rendition of the culture, proverbs, as well as the tradition of the Igbo people".

Acting career

He featured in a movie titled Lion Of Africa alongside Nollywood star, Pete Edochie. The movie, which was in two parts, was a biography of his early life.

Personal life

Okoye was a firm believer and practitioner of the traditional religion of the Igbo people, Obeah.
Okoye is the father of Nigerian internet personality & musician Speed Darlington.

Traditional religion

Pericoma Okoye whilst alive was as much a famous sorcerer or 'medicine man' as he was a musician as described by the Nigerian News outlet, Legit. His title 'Arusi Makaja' may also portray this, as 'Arusi' when translated to English language means 'deity' or 'oracle'. During the Ikeji festival he allegedly performed several feats which defied several rules of physics. A good percentage of the people from Arondizuogu, his community, believed he was a little god. Several displays of "supernatural powers" or "sorcery" as it was often tagged, and back-to-back victories in contests, earned him the alias "Lion of Africa".

Significance

Okoye was a prominent individual in Nigeria as a traditional prime minister in Imo state. He was instrumental and took notable roles in the development of the Ikeji festival held in his community. This festival which is held every April serves as a source of foreign income for Nigeria, as it attracts tourists from around the world.

Selected discography

On February 16, 2017, he was reported dead.