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PHOTOS: Theresa Onuorah The Queen of Egedege Dance

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Theresa Onuorah, celebrated as the Queen of Egedege Dance, is one of Nigeria’s most enduring cultural icons. A singer, dancer, and innovator, she has elevated Igbo performance traditions onto a grand stage while safeguarding their authenticity. Through her artistry, she demonstrates how heritage can remain alive, dynamic, and relevant across generations.

Early Performances and the Birth of Egedege

Before 1985, when she formally established the Egedege Dance Troupe of Unubi in Anambra State, Theresa Onuorah was already captivating smaller community gatherings with her commanding stage presence and sonorous voice. Her natural talent quickly made her a local favorite, laying the foundation for what would become a cultural revolution.

The name Egedege refers to a royal-styled Igbo dance once reserved for kings, titled men, and the wealthy elite. Originally performed under moonlight as a symbol of prestige, Onuorah reimagined it as a theatrical art form open to wider audiences.

By infusing Egedege with elaborate choreography, resplendent regalia, and layered musical arrangements, she democratized a once-exclusive tradition, transforming it into a performance that combined palace grandeur with communal celebration.

The Regal Style of Egedege

What makes Egedege unique is its aura of majesty. On stage, Onuorah appears in rich Igbo attire adorned with coral beads, moving with the dignity of cultural royalty. The performance often begins with the piercing melody of the flute, signaling reverence, before swelling into call-and-response chants led by her commanding voice.

Traditional instruments—ogene (metal gong), drums, and flutes—blend with synchronised dance movements, all designed to embody dignity, identity, and pride. For the Igbo, Egedege is more than entertainment; it is a living archive of heritage and a display of social prestige.

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Rise to Fame

By the late 1980s and 1990s, Theresa Onuorah’s troupe had risen to prominence across southeastern Nigeria. She became the preferred performer for royal households, cultural festivals, and national celebrations, earning the title “Queen of Egedege Dance.”

Her popularity reflected her ability to combine authenticity with modern showmanship—positioning her as both custodian and innovator of a revered cultural practice.

Renewed Recognition in the 21st Century

While her name remained synonymous with cultural pride, Onuorah’s artistry found new life in October 2021 with the release of Larry Gaaga’s hit single “Egedege,” featuring Flavour N’abania and Phyno.

The collaboration fused Afrobeat with traditional Igbo sounds, introducing Egedege to a new generation.

In the music video, Onuorah appeared in her full regal splendor, a reminder of the timeless authority she carries. The moment echoed how Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti preserved and globalized Yoruba rhythms—both artists turning indigenous traditions into modern cultural exports.

Legacy and Impact

Theresa Onuorah’s genius lies in her ability to preserve and adapt. By elevating Egedege from palace courtyards to festival stages, she safeguarded its cultural significance while ensuring it resonates with younger audiences.

For the Igbo, her performances embody heritage, dignity, and identity. For Nigeria and beyond, she stands as a living symbol of African resilience and creativity.

As the Queen of Egedege Dance, Theresa Onuorah is not only a custodian of the past but also a cultural bridge—showing that tradition, when nurtured, can shine eternally in modern light.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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