Onyenweanyị (Ọja) - Alex Ugwu ¦OZIGE¦ (Official Video)
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- Опубліковано 5 лис 2023
- This is the official music video of 'Onyenweanyi(Ọja)' by Alex Ugwu. This music was first performed in FILM 2023 by St Cecilia Choir, of St Joseph Parish, UNIZIK TEMPSITE Awka. They are also the choir featured in this video.
The composer's note for the song "Onyenweanyi"
ONYENWEANYI
Research and music analysis
UNIZIK TEMPSITE HYMN ENTRY
The Ọja, besides being the most symbolic and transcendent instrument in the Igbo culture, is believed by Ndị Igbo to be a link to and from the spirits. It directly SPEAKS God’s message to the people that are ‘Ọmalụ’(Those that know intrinsically) and also directly SPEAKS the people’s message to God.
Note how we use the word ‘SPEAK’. It is because that is exactly what the Ọja does; speaks. It plays melodies for melody sake too, but its main role in the Igbo cultural worship and tradition is to talk poetically and pass a message. This is why when a typical Igbo, that is, an Ọmalụ hears the Ọja, because they hear what the Ọja is saying, their typical response is ‘Ọja kwube, na a nam anụ’, which directly translates to ‘Ọja speak, for I am listening and hearing (Understanding).’ A person that plays the Ọja is called Ogbuọja.
There is also simplistic and relatively connected version of the Ọja in human form (voice) and that is the ‘Mbem’, done by the ‘Ọmambem’. This is a human that connects and channels the spirit of the Ọja, to sing (speak) sentences with deeper meanings, using the melodic and rhythmic language and nuances of the Ọja, all while moving with ngala/nganga (a walk or movement that is majestic, sophisticated and glorious).
The ‘Kyrie’ in the catholic liturgy has lines that are first said by the priest and then responded to by the congregation. In the catholic doctrine, the priest almost directly metaphorically plays the role of the Ọja in the holy mass. He becomes the link between God and man. The message of God is channeled to God’s people through him and vice versa.
In an inculturation of these both worlds; where the Ogbuọja and Ọmambem become one(the soloist) and supports the role of a priest in singing the Kyrie in the holy mass, we would not only witness a pure and seamless marriage of cultures, but a match made in heaven, as they fit so perfectly and intuitively.
Another very deeply cultural aspect of this kyrie besides the cultic way it sounds and feels, is the dramatic and melismatic use of the sound ‘O’ in the word ‘Onyenweanyi’. In the Igbo culture, when one is before a dignitary, be it a King, Lord, Priest, Chief or even a wealthy man, before communicating exactly what you came to say, you ‘sing their praises’, talkless of a deity or a god. Words like Odogwu, Dike, etc are not titles but words associated with this particular culture of glorifying and revering greatness.
One may immediately think that this culture is solely to butter up the person before asking for something, to increase the likelihood of getting it, but as much there is some element of truth in that, realistically speaking, it is very far from the pure cultural application of it. It is more so to PERSONALLY acknowledge and appreciate the glory of greatness. Key word is ‘PERSONALLY’, that means it is more for the person showing reverence, than the person being revered.
It almost goes without saying, that Igbos are a proud people and in this context, an Igbo acknowledging, appreciating and embracing what they are proud of enough to express it, makes both parties(the appreciator and the appreciated) connect, in the true Igbo sense of the word.
Now one of the more subtle ways Igbos express this admiration, that is featured in this song, is by dramatically affecting and altering the sound and/or pronunciation of a word or a few of its syllables for more soothing grandeur. An example of this is in the phrase, “Gáà gáà n’ogwu”, which means, “He who walks majestically on spikes, unaffected”. The pronouncation of that ‘A’s in ‘Gaa’ is altered from a flat balance ‘a’ sound to the first ‘a’ going up and the second ‘a’ going down, so you have a dramatic up and down movement introduced into and otherwise flat pronunciation of ‘Gaa’, which contextually gives it the added meaning of “…majestically…” and “…unaffected”. If the word wasn’t pronounced like that, it would just retain its original ordinary meaning; “He who walks on spikes”.
The application of this sublime technique in this song, allows the Igbo uncontrollably express and experience and appreciate the wonders and grandeur of God. His Greatness; which is something they a proud of and also something that nourishes their believe in him. ‘Onyenweanyi’ which means ‘Lord’ just so happens to be a word use to express such. Another match made in Heaven.
Daalụ nụ
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I dont think there are still people surprised when Alex Ugwu does things like this that are out of this world, so I'll say, wonderful performance by the choir and I envy the fact you guys could work closely with our African music genius and maestro. Congrats
Great Again! The Igbo culture truly brings out the hidden fruits in the Igbo people. Using these symbolic fruits to give a true interpretation of the Catholic liturgy in that it sinks deeply into the bearers and audiences; is another positive dimension. Dear Mr. ALEX UGWU, I pray God to keep growing your exceptional inspirations to continually bless our souls and draw more souls closer to Heaven. Amen🙏 (LORD Have MERCY on US 😭🙏)
MY God!!!!!!!!
Alex Ugwu... I need to know you in person. This is just beyond marvelous.
I see the raw passion in these singers and I don't only see a choir with a genius but a people feeding the deep vacuum and natural burning connection and desire for their culture which is hanging by a thread. I've never seen a more Igbo song in this modern times than this classic. More Nigerian composers and choirs should see this and be inspired to move in the right direction. The direction of truth, the direction of culture.
Thank you Alex Ugwu, congrats St Cecilia choir Unizik Tempsite.
This is art, this is culture, this is tradition. All I can see here is a rare depiction of igbo music and what the performance should be. I see nothing foreign here. The gesture, facial expression, the burning desire, the igbo attire, the remorseful display are all equal to none.
Your choir, not just singing the song but they performed the song, which also involves the interpretation of the song, reading out meaning from the piece and allowing the meaning connect with their body expressions. I can actually see people who are really remorseful for their sins😂
So with this I say a very big thank you for this masterpiece Sir. Alex Ugwu. Congratulations 👏👏 you are indeed a maestro in excelcis
What more can I say kwanụ 🤷🏽♂️
Kudos to you Alex Messiah Ugwu. The musical god and deity of our time. I'm glad I am part of this production and as well have you as my own personal person.
The more I repeated watch this video, the more I keep discovering new artistic nuances that I'm sure were consciously left there for those that have eyes to see. One of my biggest wishes in life still remains that I have a casual conversation with you Maestro Alex Ugwu, atleast before I die.
Thank you for being a blessing to us all, in many ways than one.
Top notch 🎩
This is so natural and I love it
I need a copy
I felt shivers all over me just by listening to this song, I'm so proud of you Alex ugwu and I pray you will get to the top soon, because that is where you belong 💯.
Voice 💯
Coordination 💯
Rhythm 💯
I love your passion bro 🫂
Awesome💯
This is the best thing that has come out of FILM in terms of something that is true inculturation. I am an Igbo person and since the debut of this song in FILM i have been put in a trans and viscious cycle of repeating this song every single minute of the day. I just can't stop listening to it. Alex the great, well done.
Is it na FILM song? Which choir sang it? And what year?
Yes, it's a film song. One of their entries for this year's film last month (October) at DELSU Abraka
While I still have issues with the original renditions, are you sure you know enough about FILM to say this is the best thing to come out of FILM?
Or rather, you can access if you, Chukwudi my guy, know what FILM is really about. If you do, you will allow everybody to his opinion.
@@chukwudiosademe5400Bros, what is your issue with the original rendition?
Extraordinary 🔥🔥
I'm just speechless😲🥺 I'm convinced Alex Ugwu was brought to this world to make my stay on it heaven🥺.
Thank you Alex Ugwu❤❤❤ and thank you to this beautiful choir😘
Please I don't have words for now until I get these goosebumps off my body.
Can't wait to go back to singing 🥺🥺🥺🥺
It has really gotten to the point where we should stop calling Alex Ugwu's works masterpieces. Anything that comes out from him is on a totally higher and different Universe of its own, so we have to come up with something better. Wetin be this😫🙉. And the choir to try!!!!
Alex Ugwu you are a gift to humanity at large but to me specially and my love goes out to you❤❤❤
I'm telling you! Every single work is already a masterpiece out of the bath. I have never hard an average Alex Ugwu song talk less of a not so good one, and we still what to call these outrageously good ones masterpieces? No nahhh
Very nicely done
As an Igbo person, I give this Alexian Masterpiece a 20\10. Wonderful💯
There has never been a better interwoven combination of the Oja and the human voice like this, and in such a deep and artistic manner. Alex Ugwu will never disappoint💯. Kudos to the choir as well, I'm sure working with a genius is never easy, we then to only see the results and forget the sacrifices and effort it took to get there. Awesome production
Everybody here should go and read the description 😊
Nice.... Very nice.
Now it is a perfect blend of the Igbo tradition and the kyrie.......
Very nice 👍♥️
My ovaries😭😭😭...I can't get tired of watching anything from Alex Ugwu, but you see this particular one with this choir, it is too much for me😫😫. God of mercy!!!
This should have won hands down, I had literal goosebumps when it was performed live.
I was there live too and I was almost in a trans! It was so overwhelmingly beautiful!
Thanks for this my brother.
"Uwa bu Olili" indeed 😢
You always bring out the best. This is topnotch
Goosebumps!!!
This is the finest representation of Igbo culture I've seen in this space.
Otogbuola m. ❤❤❤❤❤.
Oja n'ekwu.....A na m anu.
Igbo kwezuonu o❤❤❤
JESUS CHRIST!!!!😲 This is art at its finest and no surprise its from Alex Ugwu. And this Unizik tempsite choir also did a really great job. How lucky you guys are
Chineke Nna!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Alex, there's no new adulation or praiseworthy words that I will say now that you haven't received concerning your immense talent and your outstanding works.
Over time, you may have come to know how positively I feel about your works...I've always been of the opinion that Nigeria doesn't deserve you because you're meant for bigger things.
When you are ready to think bigger picture, you let me know.
Once more, congratulations on this masterpiece.
Well rendered Artistically.🎉
Mysteriously felt.
Killi meeee
AKAM DI N'ELU 🥺🥺❤️❤️❤️
IGBO culture well represented ❤️❤️❤️✅
Alex is in the universe of his own musically 🥺and he never fails to take us there with him in every piece!
Wow
This depicts the Igbo tribe really.
I believe if they had done this exactly like this in the competition, it would have been interpreted better.
This is very good. Still giving the pride Igbos normally carry about but enclosed with humility and emotions.
Unlike the competition that was too harsh, brash, forward and loud.
This is really good.
Thank you Mr Alex Ugwu. This is it.🎉🎉🎉
E kelee m gi🎉
You took the words right out of my mouth. This performance in this video is just sooo beautiful. I'm not happy that they didn't perform it exactly like this in the actual competition. In the competition, it was rather too aggressive.
Now, I really really love the song🥺. This song could have won that category if it were like this video
Dayum 🎉❤
Nice one
Please can I get the soft copy.
If you didn't read the description you are really missing a wealth of knowledge
I am impressed, May Ur CHI announce you, son😊
The Description is everything.....If you did not go through it, please kindly do
Beautiful🥺❤️
My best ❤
Onto something magical. I can feel it.🔥🤌
Master piece!!! 🎶
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
I enjoyed every bit of this beautiful piece
This is Beautiful ❤❤❤❤
Wow wow wow wow...What have I just watched. This is beautiful❤❤❤
your mother really gave you a gift. This performance is epic. Never seen an artistic represention of the Catholic " onyenwanyi" and the local flute. But this one? is legendary. you are sure going places. Alexandra.
Thanks a lot. I am very grateful. Sadly I have to use this medium to address something very important.
The Oja is not a flute or a 'local flute' at that. The flute is a totally different and unique instrument on it's own. It has no ties with the history and heritage of the Oja whatsoever. Calling the Oja a flute is the same thing as calling Africa Europe just because they are both continents.
The name of Oja in whether in China, Italy, France, Germany, Russia etc remains Oja.
I'm only using this comment as a medium to pass this information to everyone. It's in no way a direct response to this beautiful comment.
Daalu
Beautiful performance 🎉
❤
This is everything I think it should be... Congrats Alex for paving the way....
Bravo 👏🏾 Alex.
Terrific performance.
I just wish I could hug you again Alex. The memory of this at the last festival will keep me going for a long time because you not only composed this masterpiece but delivered to highest standards.
From the piece to vocal blending to the cinematography.. This is a work art🔥... This is balance☯️.. This is a spoon🥄
Magnificent
This is breathtaking
This is awesome. Alex you are awesome. But the tonality of ONYENWEANYI (Lord) sounds like ONYE NWANYI ( A woman). Just an obsevation. However this is great
😂😂Nice , there should always be room for improvement, no matter how impeccable a piece seems
No I think you are totally wrong. The tonality captured in this song is actually arguably more correct than the usual tonal inflection used in saying or singing "Onyenweanyi".
The usual one is (m m r r) which still means lord but the one used in the song (m m r.l, r) is even technically a much more proper and powerful way to say 'Lord' especially in the context of the songs texture.
What is totally out of the question is "A woman" which it's tonal inflections a (m m m l, l,) 'Onye nwaanyi'. That's very far from the discussion. The tonality of this song is perfection.
Why is it written official video. I thought the videos that will be released by FILM are the official videos. This song was composed for FILM, so the official video should come from FILM.
No that's where you are very wrong. As much as it was written as an entry for the FILM festival, it is not written exclusively for FILM and is still first and foremost the composer's song and intellectual property. FILM can and may release their own official video of its performance on the FILM festival stage, and while that is also valid, nothing holds water to the composer's own official video or official anything about the music.
But there is variation between the official rendition and this particular one. The key was reduced, the pace was reduced, I also doubt if the ichaka was used this way.
Adjectives can never describe my emotions after listening to this... ❤🤍
Kindly bless us with the script ❤