Theresa Onuorah
Theresa Onuorah | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Queen Theresa Onuorah |
| Born | January 9, 1942 |
| Origin | Unubi, Anambra State, Nigeria |
| Genres | Egedege, Highlife |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Dancer |
Theresa Onuorah (born 9 January 1942) is a Nigerian musician and dancer, recognized for her significant contributions to Egedege, a prominent style of Igbo cultural music and dance.[1][2] She is the founder of the Egedege Dance troupe of Unubi.[3] Originally from Unubi in Anambra State, Nigeria, Onuorah gained renewed mainstream attention in October 2021 following her feature in the song "Egedege" by Larry Gaaga, alongside Flavour and Phyno.[4][5]
Early life
[edit]Theresa Onuorah was born in 1942 in Unubi, a town in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.[4][6] Her father was an 'Egwu Ekpili' musician, and his musical background reportedly influenced her early passion for music.[7][5] Onuorah began performing as a teenager, traveling to various towns to sing and dance at local events. By the age of 20, she had established a reputation as a performer.[8] Her early dedication to music reportedly limited her opportunities for formal education.[5]
Career
[edit]Onuorah started her music and dance career at a young age, though she released her first album at the age of 34 (circa 1976). Some of her notable albums include Oba Egwu, Onwanwa mu na Chimo, and Ogene Ekwubego mu na Onye ga-agba Egwu. In 1985, she formed the Egedege Dance troupe of Unubi.[3] The name "Egedege" is said to signify prosperity and courage in Igbo culture.
Her musical style is characterized by the use of traditional Igbo instruments such as the udu and ekwe, distinctive drumming patterns, call-and-response vocals, and storytelling.[9] She became a recognized performer at cultural events throughout Southeastern Nigeria, including weddings, festivals, and funerals.[10] Onuorah is credited with popularizing Egedege music and dance, contributing to its recognition as a significant Igbo cultural art form.[5]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- Onye Akpala Aku Nnadi Ga Eli (2019)
- Egedege (2021)
Singles
[edit]- Egedege (2021)
- Egwú ndị Eze (2017)
- Ugochi Nyerem (2017)
- Ojemba Enwilo (2017)
- Onwunwa Munachi (2017)
- Ekene Dili Anambra Na Imo Medley
- Nye Bere (2019)
- Onye Ejila Ihe Uwa Gwa Medley
- Ijerem Irue Medley
- Egedege (featured by Larry Gaaga, with Flavour, Phyno; Pete Edochie also featured in the video, 2021)[11][12]
- Obodo (featured by Larry Gaaga, with Flavour and Phyno, 2024)[13][14]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Queen Theresa Onuorah". Igbo People Biography. IgboPeople.org. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ Obi, J; Clearwater. United Kingdom: Austin Macauley Publishers. ISBN 9781398482746
- ^ a b Wangethi, Isaac (2022-04-15). "Queen Theresa Onuorah's biography: age, children, net worth". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
- ^ a b Ifeanyi Ndukwe (June 3, 2022). "Egedege: The Journey Of Ijele". The Nigerian Voice Entertainment.
- ^ a b c d keetu (2022-11-05). "Theresa Onuorah: Biography, Age, Family, House, Music And Net Worth 2024". Retrieved 2024-10-07.
- ^ "Queen Theresa Onuorah". Igbo People Biography. IgboPeople.org. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Queen Theresa Onuorah". Igbo People Biography. IgboPeople.org. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Queen Theresa Onuorah". Igbo People Biography. IgboPeople.org. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Theresa Onuorah: The Queen of Egedege and Her Enduring Legacy in Music". Oma's Garden. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
- ^ "Queen Theresa Onuorah". Igbo People Biography. IgboPeople.org. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ Motolani Alake (October 22, 2021). "Larry Gaaga features Flavour Pete Edochie, Theresa Onuorah and Phyno on new video for, 'Egedege'". Pulse Nigeria.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "New Music + Video: Larry Gaaga feat. Flavour, Phyno & Theresa Onuorah – Egedege". BellaNaija.com. October 22, 2021.
- ^ Okhide, Peter (2024-11-01). "Larry Gaaga, Phyno, Flavour, Theresa Unuorah 'Obodo'". NotjustOk. Retrieved 2024-11-03.
- ^ BellaNaija.com (2024-11-01). "Dance to the Rhythms of Culture in Larry Gaaga's "Obodo" feat Phyno, Flavour & Theresa Onuorah". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2024-11-03.