Here is another moment of joy and celebration as, once again, Akwa Ibom state marks her 31st anniversary come September 23, 2018.
The annual event is a celebration of statehood, culture, unity, diversity, growth, as well an appreciation of core indigenous values.
In moments like this, the Akwa Ibom community gets to reflect on the series of events in the state and, as well, devise plans to chart a course of peaceful development for the future.
Here is a list of indigenous Akwa Ibom songs, a mix of the old school and new school, that vibrates throughout the nooks and crannies of the state — creating resplendent and joyful memories on a day like 23 September.
ETUBOM REX WILLIAMS — NSASAK
Etubom Rex Williams Philips popularly known as Rex Williams kept the Ibibio pop culture alive even before the creation of the state, Akwa Ibom.
Nsasak is from the album seven track JULIANA album released in 1975.
Most of the songs you hear on radio today, at traditional marriages, at burials, on the lips of chiefs, women and children are songs done by Etubom Rex (or influenced by him)
He was born in Etinan in Akwa Ibom State in the 1930s and started music in the Salvation Army as a Trumpeter.
After spending a year at Teachers Training College, he moved out to work at a radio station in Enugu before resigning to go into professional music.
His performances at hotels in Lagos got the attention of Sir Victor Olaiye who invited him to play in his band as leader — in 1960.
Etubom Rex Williams had Sir Uwaifo as a member of the band he led.
Etubom was a contemporary to fellow music icon Chief Sylvester Henshaw Inyang.
He has released albums like Juliana, Kudara Ederimbot and others.
His music was, and still is, a proponent of love, peace and happiness, as he is quoted to say;
“I thank God my music is popular abroad and has been released again in albums. I am grateful to God for that. My message to our people is to be happy. I am a happy man and that is what I play in my music.”
MISH — AKWA IBOM AYAYA
This evergreen hit song is undoubtedly played repeatedly on every radio station throughout the day. It bounces everywhere on the streets through blaring speakers and hits the ceilings of different houses.
It tells the story of an Akwa Ibom indigene who returns home to discover a beautifully renewed state.
Mish, signed to KipinitReal Entertainment at that time, shot to fame via this song and gained the hearts of all. The cut was produced by Bad Bishop.
SIR WILKER — CHA CHA CHA
Sir Wilker is a well known musical figure in the state. The highlife Icon has multiple highlife hits to his name but CHA CHA CHA cuts out a major vibe.
It addresses the major issues in the society and, as well, gets everyone bobbing to the beats and boogieing to the sweet melody of the guitar.
Anyem Ufan was also a big hit by Sir Wilker.
UKO AKPAN — TEACHER AKU KPEP
Uko Akpan is unarguably a legendary music figure in the state. He has so many songs and albums to his name, some which are lost and some which he has forgotten.
He is the founder of the Uko Akpan Cultural group which performs cultural music at so many glamorous events.
Teacher Aku Kpeb is from the Album “The Best of Uko Akpan Cultural Group Vol. 1.”
The video was published on YouTube on 20th October, 2015. Teacher Aku Kpep is always there to satisfy the yearnings of the people to cultural music.
ENO WILLIAMS — SEWOYOYOM
Eno expresses her love for Akwa Ibom in this song and invites tourists to the state. The proud daughter of the state highlights the greenery of the land from the infrastructures, to delicacies, to great people, to wonderful opportunities, etc
She proudly declares, “I love Akwa Ibom!” How about you? Do you love Akwa Ibom?
IKPA UDO — AME NWOD
Formerly known by the stage name Indigenous MaliQ, Ikpa Udo has successfully shelved out Ame Nwod as a hit.
He is loved for his ability to inculcate the Ibibio language into rap music thereby creating a different form of rap pattern for other acts to follow.
Currently signed to Maximum Disturbance Record label, Ikpa has been enjoying the major relevance given to him by Ame Nwod — a song that is all about the vibe.
ZILLIONS — SIKE DIANA
Sike Diana is a special dedication to the people of Akwa Ibom. Released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the state, this song has been included in so many mixtapes in the state. It preaches Unity and togetherness.
Zillions raps in Ibibio and English buh decided to sing on the chorus which makes it more beautiful and catchy.
UKO AKPAN — TUM KERE
Enjoying another spot here on the list is Tum Kere by Uko Akpan from The Best of Uko Akpan Cultural group Vol.1 album.
This hit cultural song gives advice to religious leaders, politicians, youths and indeed everybody.
It doesn’t fail to bring in the cultural craze where both old and young bend down to shake their waste.
MCGALAXY — SEKEM
Sekem by McGalaxy is one the biggest global hits ever to be put out by an Akwa Ibom Indigene.
The worldwide banger raked in Millions of views on YouTube and, in no time, became and anthem in Nigeria — at its release.
Coupled with the special dance step, Sekem by the King of new dance is a vibe.
MR XTO — AFO KEDI
The Singer and Voice Over artist is known for his contributipn in promoting the Afro-gyration sound in Akwa Ibom state.
Afô Ke-edi is a famous Ibibio love song and very popular in the state and the whole South South region.
Mista Xto, here, describes his lover“ as the only one that gives his sleepless night and his feelings for her as the only thing that brings him happiness”.
Published on October 31st 2006, over 56k views, the Ibibio RnB is the third track on the album WETIN released in 2018.
These songs and many more from arts like Uwemedimo, David Sunday, John Jima, Late King Zoro Boy etc form a rich musical heritage for Akwa Ibom State.
These songs can’t help but flood back good memories.
