ogene udu 1

This short video by Eugene Skeef shows 5 brilliant Igbo musicians from Nigeria demonstrating the different instruments of an ogene-udu ensemble. Opanka, who introduces the improvised piece on ogene, is the leader of this group that Eugene caught up with in a village in Enugu state, eastern Nigeria, just before they were to perform ritual music at a funeral. The ogene is a double bell. The udu played here is the one-hole version of the clay pot drum. You are invited to appreciate the polyrhythmic interlocking of rhythmic patterns played on the different instruments within an overall 6/8 rhythm.

[@daniellockley7581]

This is amazing. So much funk with just 2 bells. Also, I love the expression on the face of the guy in blue, it gradually shifts from, "wtf you looking at" to "this is the dopest shit you've ever heard."

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

+Daniel Lockley thanks for your comment. I agree with you!

[@GhanaPAS]

Things Fall Apart brought to life. Good job.

[@StepFreeDanceTV]

We salute you Ndi Igbo | @StepFreeDance

[@hanniballecter7103]

I was just gonna say the same.

[@Cantor214]

I just started reading Things Fall Apart and it mentions the ogene in the first few pages. I started reading the book because it is on Neil Peart's reading list.

[@iamdarinlee]

Me too!!!

[@beckpalmer8367]

i'm writing a paper on Igbo music, i'm definitely using this as one of my sources! :)

[@obalichianam8703]

From left to right: 1 Udu, 2 Ichaka and 2 Ogene. Beautiful music. Throw in the Opi (native flute), and you'd literally be calling out the gods!

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks

[@adonaiyah2196]

Yeah this musoc makes me feel possessed

[@Fayanora]

The face of the guy in blue steals my attention. He's looking at the camera like "What the eff you lookin' at?"

[@Boitranstornado]

every time I need to return to the roots I watch this monument of life and music hugs from Brazil

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks with lots of love.

[@TomSwindellPictures]

My fav video On youtube! The best… cowbell Is life itself.

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks.

[@kingsleyichu4993]

This is what I missed out on being so removed from Nigeria...unfortunately with the hustle and bustle of the US, my elders had this only going into my early years of life. Then and now it still brings me joy to hear the native harmony of the ogene

[@onahanthonyozoemena]

Honestly, your skills are indescribable, add oja and make it last for long. I want to enjoy it fully with my mates.

[@________1166]

Things Fall Apart brought me here. I imagined that ogene was some time of drum.

[@8AUGS]

The Bells are the Ogenes, the leading instruments, thus "Ogene Music".

[@TheMahlobo]

Thank God I was there with Eaugene Skeef,when we meet up with these guys from nowhere and decided to do this performance piece for us.

[@YazGuitarChannel]

I think I may have to agree with you. I keep coming back to this clip over and over again. I am floored by the complexity yet accessibility of the polyrythms. This stuff is genius.

[@8AUGS]

Several "Ogene" videos on YT

[@kindbeats]

This is what it's all about. The true roots of our craft.

[@lunalea1250]

Thank u for this beautiful music/dancing from what looks like very simple instruments but are steeped in traditions and customs!🥳💚🙏🏾

[@c.e.9547]

man this so next level, makes me laugh it is so great.... and other people listen to compressed radio music

[@jessicajohnson2494]

Such a beautiful art form!

[@bigborn973]

am in new york, 42 stories high above the earth, but I take my village any time. I miss my people so much. I feel like am in prison over here.

[@angeloviedo7156]

This is pure gold. Amazing musicians!

[@eternoloser]

Awsome! beautiful music, polyrithmic wisdom. Greets from Argentina.

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

+Hernán Bermúdez Thanks for your encouraging comment. I hope to be reconnecting with these guys soon to develop my udu project. Watch this space.

[@keithpurtell1213]

I have come back to this for years. Amazing rhythm. Looks like handmade instruments; sounds great!

[@tomb8067]

short video ! but i watch it every day! can't get enough !! ordered three ogene from ghana now. cheers, thanks all member to this group from germany

[@thebaddest3452]

Ogene is nigerian so how did you order it from gh?

[@ronaldgraygray1460]

Oh yess!

[@thaigboprincess7723]

Nothing LIKE OGENE to make you Move! MOORREEEE

[@Chevyslam88]

I'm in Love with who I am...pure Nwafor (Igbo boy) undiluted!

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks for your positive comment, dharmaone77. I will be posting another video from the same guys soon. All the best!

[@8AUGS]

The Instruments from left to right - UDU, ISHAKA, ISHAKA, Ogene, Ogene. There are several musical instruments that can accompany Ogene ; long-single Ogene(propped up on its tail end), Oja or Opi(Flute), drums, etc. The Ogene is the leading instrument, and all others are added according to taste and also if the players are competent. On the question of Ogene at funeral, Yes, we celebrate life well lived. The Igbos send, especially a dead elderly, off in grand style, with music and dancing, and even masquerades. Funeral celebrations can last up to one month depending on age, chieftaincy status, number of in-laws, membership in organizations, government position, etc. Each group comes, at prearranged times, with their families and musical groups, and even masquerades, to pay homage to the dead and condolences to his/her family.

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks for your meaningful comment, brother.

[@queenbinagnondjevode7253]

Je veux bien udu tam-tam

[@UGOEBENAJA]

CHAI. Igbo Gave The World Music. Udu For Hiphop. Ogene For Salsa. Oga Dili Igbo na Nma. YAGAZIE.

[@julieannejones9243]

Afrikan Intelligence you are a fool don’t other African countries have their own beats you think the world revolves round igbo

[@luisduron2333]

I wasnt gonna Subscribe.but the end were people were dancing made me change

[@soca___j]

the roots of soca music !

[@Emeka7777]

Ogene! These are guys are really talented. If they were in western world , the will make money.

[@kitdownes730]

always come back to this video!

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks, Kit. Such great memories from back in the days when I first shared this with you at Purcell.

[@ThatsABiggon]

OMG, no place on earth rivals the rhythmic genius & beauty of Africa... BAR NONE!!!

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

WOW!!! What a wonderful feeling for me to receive your beautiful comment as we enter 2013, my brother. You have no idea how much purpose and hope you have given me through your positive comment. I will take your message and continue to believe in the power and beauty of sharing life's rhythms through music. Please tell me more about yourself. Peace.

[@fabysosa7695]

Interesante rítmica. Otra dimensión. Gracias por compartirlo. Abrazos desde Uruguay

[@iiicuuubreathingfullyoohoohooh]

Mmmm just getting start too. So many subtle sounds. Enjoyed it.

[@Meatwad787]

13 years later and I'm still waiting to see what kind of dance moves the last man had. 😢 Come on 😂 release the footage, please.

[@illitrait]

...my man was about to unleash some hot moves - release the footage!

[@ickyasa1366]

Some more of them, but i don't think the guy dances 😂 sorry kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3ykpXqjnLRmo80si=PI4ZrrFOYfntCeM-

[@prestonmidden33]

wow... that was awesome. Good video, better music, great find. Thanks.

[@iykepav3073]

This is opanka from iwolo oye. He is displaying his God's given talent

[@okaforkingsley2390]

oooooo...... my God.. this is beautiful

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks @Okafor.

[@zoemusumeci]

Hello, I'm reading Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. The word 'ogene' is often mentioned in this book and so I wondered what it meant. Then I saw this video and I felt many beautiful things... my spirit united with nature. You look very relaxed and having fun. Thank you so much! Love from Argentina.

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Zoe Musumeci yes the instrument is very central to Achebe's culture. Thanks for your comment 🙏🏾

[@zocainelochukwu37]

Patrick opanka .... see Elochukwu, my name sake, chai! Those days at ugboghe abakpa nike enugu....

[@Africa1000]

Another great video Eugene! You are doing a really great job in delving into our culture! I've watched this video countless times but felt like commenting today! As you will know this is just a taste of our wonderfully rich cultural heritage. It is through people like you that these ancient skills and traditions will survive because sadly too may Igbos have chosen to reject their cultural identity, turning instead to the West. It is a great loss for them because this is what defines us as Igbos and far too many are ignorant of what Igbo music dance and rhythm as given the world as a direct consequence of the Atlantic slave trade. One only need to look at Brazil, The West Indies and the USA for obvious Igbo influences. Even today, Jamaican patios uses Igbo language! Sadly most Jamaicans and Igbos are ignorant of this. I urge all Igbos to cherish what we have before it disappears!

[@hcassells66]

yes unu is the most used igbo word in jamaica and soso as well. we also have masquerades called jonkonu that closely resemble igbo masquerades, the music used in the masquerades is quite similar as well 😊

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

+howard c Thanks for your beautiful comment.

[@watkissca]

The origins! still very much alive and kicking. Beautiful.

[@Hotty6363]

忘れた頃に聴きたくなる。今回も見つけるのに苦労しました。

[@abelmicheal1592]

Igbo kwenu.. Proudly a Biafran

[@musiicxlover93]

This was incredible, I've never seen anything quite like that

[@kombabakh]

Brilliant! Greetings from Russia!

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks.

[@Pacocajonflamenco]

Viva amigos precioso valla ritmo viva africa y sus habitantes muy buena percusión me ha encantado

[@blimolhm2790]

vid still goes hard

[@junusui]

great!!!

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks.

[@obioraromeo2332]

Getting his number will serve as my little contribution to making sure that his creative act does not die unnoticed. thanks once again and keep it up.

[@stephne8115]

Very good

[@oh_rhythm]

at first when I saw these dancing dudes I was a bit amused by their weird looking dance routine, but after dozens of times watching this video I realize that if I were to be lucky enough to be there I would have done exactly that same dance :) still amazing after all this time. Bravo

[@illitrait]

...when the spirits visit, you must dance.

[@schmeinstein]

way to go eugene. thanks for bringing this to our attention. yoruba music is easy to find, igbo not so... and it is very beautiful too.

[@JHL]

@eugeneskeef Thank you for your kind words. I'm revisiting this video every now and then be inspired by these amazing musicians. I'm hoping that this, and all the other musical treasures coming out of Africa will get more recognition in the rest of the world during the coming decades. This stuff should be performed in the great concert halls and dance halls all over the world.

[@windhorsage]

This is Awesome! My favorite clip of percussion on the entire internet! Please don't EVER take this one down!

[@herz0101]

Love to see more videos of these guys. Great!

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks.

[@8AUGS]

@ herz0101 Search YT "Opanka Ogene".

[@Midiman741]

Great sound! Often these videos have sub-par sound....thank you so much for sharing!

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

+Midiman741 you're more than welcome. Thanks for your positive comment.

[@kenslay]

+Eugene Skeef Hi Eugene, I sent Opanka's mobile number to your hangout, am not sure if you received it..

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Hi Eke, thanks for your help, but no I didn't receive the number. Please send it via this comment thread.

[@kenslay]

Here it is, 08063314036. Have a pleasant day..Ekene

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

@U0777 thanks, yes i read that book back in the seventies when i was still in south africa, my country of origin. thanks very much again...

[@Jerevand]

This is an amazing piece. There's too many great musicians like you who will never be known unless someone sees this. You. Are. AWESOME!

[@nicholasnwanzi2973]

Excellent display of talents and love for an African unique cultural instruments. Well done guys

[@rawr4444]

2:07 3:07 just wow reminds me of Reich and Dawn of Midi!

[@Mojoelize]

this is awesom man! im doin a project in school and i needed samples of igbo instruments like da oja and ogene and ima play this at my school this is too cool!

[@Tkm-bi8gk]

How did the project go?

[@yapiinnocentyapi2640]

la force de la beauté réside dans son apparente simplicité. Merci à vous, c'est évidemment beau.

[@hoshumberry]

Wonderful.. the dancing really puts it into context. Lets hope these folks always find the place and time to share this beautiful spirit. Thank you for posting and to all the people in the video, heichka..thank you

[@crila07]

deep, I love the sound, the groove is so special, hypnotic, great musicians!

[@BollywoodBrass22]

Fantastic!

[@Bongodelica]

The Power of percussion is incredible, add a little voice and dance and unbeatable. Keep the Faith brother. thanks also for sharing one of my favourite videos on the Web, I often watch this . please dont take it down ever. ache

[@8AUGS]

Several "Ogene" music on YT

[@LechugaZafiro]

wwaaa so beatiful the rythm the sound!! many thanks!! gracias for showing this!

[@sevacrayfi]

Awesomeness.

[@saggisok]

Super skillfull. great arrangement. Ebeano 4 life.

[@JohnTigueDotCom]

Yes! We have liftoff!

[@sarahnwabueze8590]

Sarah

[@bitchpilled]

love these nigerian bells

[@uduboy]

Inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Brian Melick thanks for your comment. Your work on the udu sends positive ripples about the origins of this beautiful instrument. Keep up the good work, beautiful brother. Love and light.

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Brian Melick Have you seen this one?: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a16biGObg76AiNk

[@tomb8067]

I love it. Thanks for a new instrument !!!

[@annickph4999]

nickel trop top j'adore 💕

[@martyglassley7835]

great video and great skills. just played along with my udu, great rhythms here.

[@efraintoro5073]

Right On ... thanks for the post .... all is there a symphony of pitch and pulse and movement... please post the whole video if possible. 3s and 2s all the way after the intro. This is the basis of all ethnic music in the planet in pulse and in pitch. Very slow and very fast at the same time there are two octaves or 3. and 6 and of 2 and 4 .... they UDU plays a swing pattern The chekeres play a combination of a known 6/8 pattern and the bells are playing melodies of 12 notes or triplets to the pulse ... First Africans as we know come from South Africa the cradle where vocal and string instruments are the norm with very little percussion ... the more middle west the more drums .... the way it is .... in the USA we have lost all this ... the Caribbean and Brazil still has some .... check it out .... music is human not fr9m any particular culture .... enjoy all ethnic music .... as it is the natural manifestation of a culture of underline physical realities yet to be acknowledged.

[@venetiancat]

I LOVE the way they dance, it's so cool!

[@illitrait]

...when the spirit hits you, you respond - sometimes you speak, sometimes you dance.

[@BetoVelandiaOriginal]

Guy in the right is about to drop the hottest rap album

[@awahugochukwu4147]

I love it,,,

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Hey JHL, thanks for your comment. I have just checked out the video on your channel - I love what you're doing. Amazing in every aspect!!!!!!!

[@goldbluetears]

this is so amazing!

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

My brother, thanks beyond measure for your beautiful comment! You have no idea how much purpose , faith and hope you have given me through your positive words. They give me the strength to continue unabated to give my life to the perpetuation of the power and beauty of music in uplifting our lives and spreading love and peace. Thanks again...

[@idelisab2621]

Wao

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Thanks for the love and appreciation 🙏🏾👏🏽

[@picotexokoh1255]

this is the original one

[@BCaroselli]

This is incredible!

[@xeropunt5749]

Real music is medicinal. Therapeutic. Tasty. Nutritious. Rings true. Must be effective. Your body can tell. Your whole body/being is an eardrum

[@kenslay]

Opanka onye nwe Une..042 for life

[@nafsika2004]

great respects! greetings from Greece

[@claytonluke81]

Amazing!

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Clay Hunter Thanks for your positive comment.

[@ruser0084]

Was one of them playing a jug? That is 😎.

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Yes, that's a version of the traditional udu pot drum. I will send you a link to a video that shows the making of this beautiful instrument.

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a16biGObg76AiNksi=5jFuIprLcNzPWVpg

[@MalamIbnMalam]

@Emeka7777 That is true, same can be said for many other Musicians in West Africa. From Nigeria to Senegal.

[@McDoinky]

Checking out what an ogene is through Things Fall Apart

[@annanichole2712]

Thank you so much for your well explained response! And I did like the video.

[@garye4678]

That was excellent. I have to share this on Facebook :)

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

+Gary E please do share it on Facebook!!! Thanks for your positive comment. This music needs to be heard more widely...

[@garye4678]

Your welcome Eugene. I really love African music & percussion. Take care. From Tasmania, Australia.

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

Gary, your comment makes me so happy about human unity on this beautiful musical planet of ours! Keep it up!

[@garye4678]

Thanks Eugene. I took drum lessons a while back & I learnt some Afro/Cuban rhythms: Songo, Cascara, Montuno etc... I eventually joined a Salsa band playing Drumset with Timbales. I took away my Floor Tom & used the Timbale & Companas there instead. I love that genre of music & I realize that these very rich rhythms were born in Africa & were then moved to Cuba via the horrible, horrible slave trade that existed hundreds of years ago. I have the book called "Afro-Cuban Rhythms For Drumset by Frank Malabe and Bob Weiner". It's an excellent book & in the Introduction, it delves a little into this sad series of events. However, I try not to dwell on the painful events that were inflicted to these poor Africans, but rather, in the celebration of such beautiful rhythms. I hope I haven't offended anyone by mentioning this, but I feel it's part of the history that all people should know about. Thanks.

[@EugeneSkeef230650]

+Gary E Love and light, my dear brother!

[@ampleoppourtunity]

Great art work. Well done 100%

[@hectorluissancio8660]

Bravooo!!! Excelente!!!!!

[@Darkbottle]

Can't get enough of this. Where is part 2? Must. Hear. The. Rest, Awesome!

[@8AUGS]

Look up "Ogene" on YT.

[@Baukereg]

Beautiful!

[@umehtochukwu9990]

Old opanka ❤

[@dharmaone77]

this is awesome. please keep posting more stuff like this :)