Emeka Esogbue

 Farewell Jimmy Cliff: From Stage to Jail in Nigeria By Emeka Esogbue My father was not only a music enthusiast but also a devoted follower of James Chambers, popularly known as Jimmy Cliff. Born on July 30, 1944, in Somerton (Saint James Parish), Jamaica, Cliff was a reggae legend and an idol for many, including my father, Patrick Chukwudumebi Esogbue. Growing up, I developed a love for Jimmy Cliff alongside Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley), another Jamaican musical great. My curiosity for both musicians grew with my father’s passion for music. His Kenwood turntable, accompanied by two speakers standing side by side on a table, rarely operated without the voices of these reggae icons filling our home. In the evenings, it was almost always Bob Marley or Jimmy Cliff. While both were immensely appealing, Jimmy Cliff held a unique charm that resonated deeply with my father. Unlike today, Cliff rarely performed on stage, yet his music was powerful, soft but compelling, rich in storytel...

 Music Development in Ibusa: A Personal Account - Part One By Emeka Esogbue "Egwu na sor nwa ogalanya, egwu na sor nwa ogbei" - Chief Ogbogu Okonji   The above quote which literarily translates to "The rich and poor enjoy music" illustrates the relevance of music to man's society irrespective of class, status or situation of the individual. Everyone enjoys music including the dead who the living rolls out drums to mourn.  Like the late Robert Nester Marley (Bob Marley) also said "Music is food to the soul." Gideon Chukwumaliobim Ikenwe in his book, "Akwukwu-Igbo Kingdom Culture: Ancient and Present Perspective" further illustrates this with the saying, "Every culture in this planet earth loves music and has it incorporated in its rituals both in time of sorrow and in time of joy."  He feels that "man's thought is inspired by music to reach out for solace, spiritual growth, and transformation." Music is the psychologica...