From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
An Ebonyi State-born Musician, Mr Stephen Martins Nkwegu who is popularly known as Cent De Martz (Saint Nkwegu) has launched a new music album titled Egwu Ekele at Lagos State.
The Egwu Ekele music album was dedicated to all the illustrious sons of Izhi Nnodo Ekumaenyi in Lagos by Saint Nkwegu.
Prince Ochoka commended Saint Nkwegu for his steadfastness in promoting the Izhi language, using music to preach love, peace, unity and prosperity for the Izhi nation.
The occasion was honoured by well-to-do Izhi people ranging from HRH Eze Osundu Augustine Nwego (Ezeoha I) to HRH Eze Simeon Azhiewa Okorie (Eze Nwachinemere I) and HRH Eze Cyprian Nwekee (Eze Izhi Gbirim). The trio were the Royal Fathers of the day.
The event which was hosted by the Association of Izhi Clan of Nigeria, AICON Lagos and led by the President - Chief Jim Edwin Ebili, the CEO Rockcell Communication Nigeria Ltd attracted the presence of the MD Choice Sanitary Wares Ltd - Chief Elder Dominic Nwibo, CEO Centagon Resources Nigeria Ltd - Chief Innocent Nwangbo, MD BMJ Megal Global Ventures Ltd - Chief Boniface Okpete (Anigor Nwuru Eze), CEO Ark-Moks Tech. Company Ltd - Chief Akiriko Sunday Umoke, MD Clemgo Company Ltd - Chief Clement Nwego as the Special Guests of Honour.
Chief Stephen Epete (Eze Ji), and Comrade Michael Nwophe (Rapture), among others.
In his remark, Saint Nkwegu appreciated them for their support, describing their presence and gifts as a booster to his calling in the music world and pledged more commitment to the profession to make them proud in society.
Recall that Cent De Martz (Saint Nkwegu) is an illustrious son of the Izhi clan in Ebonyi State. He had released about four music albums including Awebishi, G'anyi Buru Nanu, Izhi Tehuo and the Egwu Ekele, all in his local dialect.
Cent De Martz (Saint Nkwegu), in an interview, said he derives much joy in releasing music albums in his Izhi dialect, saying he has a special passion to correct certain mistakes, communicating courage, location and love of identity, general affection, peace, unity and prosperity into the lives of his people, their neighbourhoods and the fans.
He said: "For instance, my first music album - Awebishi - means where are you from? This album stands chance to challenge every Izhi child to trace his or her background no matter where he/she is living. It's a call to locate your original identity because as a human being you must know where you came from, your parents, their backgrounds and cultural heritages, among others. These will always challenge every reasonable Izhi child to know when he's on the right track and not to be acting like a prodigal son.
"In 2011, I released my second album -G'anyi Buru Nanu which means let's be one people. This music reminds us that the Izhi people no matter our numerical strength today came from one man and woman, a father and a mother. Therefore, the music preached against everything connected with the divisible tendency, now baptized as a kindred dichotomy - Igbojima and Unwuera. The music preaches love, peace, unity and understanding among our people, not only our people but the entire Ebonyi people because marriage has strengthened our relationship.
"In 2020, I released another music album - Izhi Tehuo - meaning Izhi people should wake up. It is a reminder to Izhi Nation to wake up and become united to be able to take our ration in Ebonyi, Nigeria and the world over, letting them know that with unity nothing is impossible for us as a people to achieve in any part of the world starting from 2023, the electioneering year when an Izhi Child is expected to become the Governor of Ebonyi State.
"Today, I released this music - Egwu Ekele to showcase our people, Izhi sons in Lagos State in a good light, with music skill. These men have distinguished themselves in many spheres of life including business, education, among others.
"From time to time, I listen to music of other great musicians projecting their people, communities, states and countries with their local dialects, and this I wish, will be my take to showcase our people to the limelight. We are just at the beginning of the great task but we trust God for greater accomplishments are coming in no distant future!!!"
