In the early hours of that very beautiful, promising and fateful day, the 27th June, 1940, a hero, preacher, teacher, philosopher, legend, activist, performer, artist, entertainer, counsellor, advocate and gentleman, CELESTINE ONWURAH UKWU was born. He was born into the family of Anigbogu Justus and Udenwo Nwokpoko Ukwu. His mother had lost about 4 other children all at infancy before his arrival; for which reason his father named him Onwurah (Death, keep off). He was a child of destiny.

As a child Celestine Ukwu grew up in his home town, Umuavulu-Abor, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, under the care of his parents. who were peasant farmers. He was very close to his father and accompanied him to all traditional functions and events. He was a lover of Egwu-Odo, (the traditional dance), and Ngedegwu instrument and later specialized in playing the Instrument. The Ngedegwu Instrument is made of a short trimmed woods, placed in rows and tied between a longer log or banana trunk. Each wood makes a different melodious sound. With two sticks in hand used to strike the woods. It was a secret and sacred instrument of the masquerade and could be used to call people’s names and communicate to them.

A smart, cheerful, honest, soft spoken but hyperactive boy. He took much interest in music. In his primary school days at St. Peters Primary School, Abor, he was the head of the shakpala music group; played with bottles and other local instruments, and later became the leader of Amakekwu Music group formed by his age grade, then in his community, Umuavulu-Abor. He garnered much of his traditional music skills and wisdom from his father and uncles.

Growing up, Celestine Ukwu was a lovable, smart and teachable young boy. His attributes endeared him to many, especially his parents and relatives which was one of the reasons, one of his uncle Vincent Ukwu of the blessed memory took him from the village to live with him in Port Harcourt.

His uncle was an ardent choir member and band master of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Port Harcourt. Celestine, was then enrolled in the Mission’s school, where he completed his primary education. He could not help but advance his love for music as he was always fascinated in accompanying his uncle to church for rehearsals and Mass.

After his primary education, Celestine moved to Maiduguri with another of his uncle, Mr. Felix Okololagwu Ukwu, (a teacher) where he advanced in his education and got his Standard Six Certificate in 1958. He was recruited into the teaching service in Maiduguri. Upon the transfer of his uncle, he moved with him this time to Zaria, where worked for a while more and also acquired a Teachers Training Certificate.

Coming back to the East from Zaria, he co-founded a band named Republic Knight Band. He took greater interest in music in September, 1960, which made him join Mike Ejeagha, shortly after which he took off to Congo Brazaville. He garnered and equipped himself with more and more experience from the then Music Icons like Mr. Picollo, Herbert Udemba, etc, and later moved back to Maiduguri and set up Freedom Jazz Band, with some friends.

Celestine Ukwu was a man of the people, a lover of sports, a man of intelligence, a peacemaker and iconic Philosopher. With his meditative and curative music, he endeared himself to very many, young and old inclusive. His music knows no bounds and serves as an elixir, guide, comfort, counsel and antidote to social vices, to his numerous fans.

A legend, Custodian of culture, African Mythologist, the Igede exponent, an astute philosopher and an outstanding gospel preacher.

Celestine Ukwu believed that he came to this world to preach the gospel and tell the truth about life for the betterment of mankind. In all his works, he preaches the basic laws of life and living; love for God and love for neighbors.

Despite the profound philosophical messages in his songs, he also modelled, garnished and applied very unique sounds and beats, with the use of even local musical instruments, the end product of which challenges even the most chronic lame to dance.

As a composer, he was very prolific and outstanding with philosophies, centering on all social aspects of life and co-existence. He advocates for peace, love, harmony, forgiveness, patience, hope, faith, hard work, understanding, perseverance, name it.

As a singer, he championed his course with immense conviction, empathy and simplicity.

Celestine Ukwu was very soft spoken, gentle, humble, loving and lovely, all of which reflect in all his works. His music took over the stage in the Seventies. He spoke Igbo, English, Hausa, Efik and Pidgin English fluently. He was a very hardworking, happy and contented man.

He had about 7 albums and some of his greatest hits include; Ije Enu, Tomorrow is so Uncertain, Ejim Nke Onye, Elege, NduKa Aku, Uwem Ereri Mbot Emi, Igede, Grade by Grade, Asili, Adamma, Uso Ndu, Money Palaver, Akwa Ana Ebelu Ego, Okwukwe Na Nchekwube, Okwu Eji N’elo, Ife Uwa Si Na Chi, Ilo Oyi, etc.

In 1976, Celestine Ukwu married a beauty, Josephine Uzoyibo Okereke-Attah, from a neighboring hamlet, Umuozo-Uwani, of his town. At that time Josephine was schooling at the School of Health, Oji-River, in Enugu State.

He was a very loving and caring husband. Even though he was always touring for his music shows, he would always make out time to visit his wife in school. And he embraced and treated his in-laws with so much love, care and respect as well.

One fateful day in May, 1977, Cele, (as he was fondly called by his family and closest friends), in the company of his friend Alexander Nwobodo (from Nkanu-Enugu State) set out on a journey to Ihiala, and on reaching Owerri road in Onitsha, a reckless driver ran into their car. He was admitted in a hospital and on his sick bed he narrated that his life belongs to God and that he was sent into the world to teach and deliver a message to the people about life. Celestine Ukwu died on May 7, 1977, leaving behind then, a pregnant wife, his parents and younger siblings; and it seemed like the world stood on a standstill; and in December same year, his pregnant wife was delivered of a bouncing baby girl, Cynthia Chikwado Ada Ukwu, who by the grace and favour of God almighty is today an erudite legal practitioner.

He was gone too soon. A committed musician, non- materialistic artist, an acclaimed performer and destined philosopher. A man of the people.

Written by:

CYNTHIA C. A UKWU.