The birth of ‘Ekamba the Musical’

By Liberty Bassey

STUNNING dance moves, captivating visual arts, inspirational music, brilliant performances, spoken words, dramatic moves – these are all expressive examples of creativity, but they are by no means the only ones. Creativity is the very nature of life. From the most soaring, soul-inspiring instants to the mundane moments that fill daily life, creative acts abound. Creative activities are prayers in action, a continuation of divine activity in its infinite manifestations.

On Friday, October 25, 2024 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, a rare and unheard-of event – the first of its kind – took place at the Duellaz Landmark Event Centre. The stage was set. The actors, ready to break a leg at the stage performance of Ekamba the Musical staged by the Nkori Production.

The night of Ekamba was when the dream of one person found expression through a community of artists. Scene after scene, performance after performance, creativity flowed in synchrony with lighting, sound and theatrical expression. The night became a revelation! And the audience as witnesses! It was a night of applauses, laughter, rebirth, learning, and relaxing in a beautifully decorated hall with flowers, refreshments, and a gathering of refined minds.

“Ekamba, is who I say I am…
Ekamba is a state of mind,
Ekamba is who you are inside.”

And they sang, tugging at the tender chords that held the hearts of the audience. Ekamba… is greatness, negating the long held shadow of smallness – a strindent call-forth for the spirit of self-awareness, the innate confidence that no one is superior to you.

Ekamba the Musical is a vibrant celebration of culture, talent, and storytelling, brought to life by an extraordinary indigenous cast and crew. This Broadway-style production showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the region, blending contemporary theatrical elements with traditional art forms, making it a unique experience for audiences.

The cast of Ekamba exemplifies a deep awareness of social issues, weaving relevant themes into the fabric of the performance. Through a captivating mix of dance, spoken word, theatre performances, and songs, they explored the nuances of community life, identity, the quest for self-realization, purpose, and resilience. Each performance was a powerful statement, resonating with both local and broader audiences, as it addressed pressing social highlights while celebrating the beauty of Akwa Ibom’s culture.

The choreography was a stunning representation of traditional dance forms, infused with modern influences that reflect the dynamism of the community – the adventurous youth, and the reticent adult. The spoken word segments provided poignant commentary on societal challenges, allowing the audience to engage with the narrative on a deeper level. Meanwhile, the musical score, composed of original songs, elevated the emotional landscape of the show, making it not only entertaining but also thought-provoking; a true renaissance in theatre production.

Representing the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Sir. Charles Udoh was the Permanent Secretary, Grace Akpan, who averred that the night was simply a call to all Akwaibomites to key into the Arise Agenda of the present administration. She pledged the ministry’s support in ensuring that the “night” continues beyond this first outing.

“Look out for me…
I’m breaking free …
Bigger, better, just wait and see!!”

The poetic lines, rhythm and rhymes had, like Cupid’s arrow, struck home as speaker after speaker, spoke in glowing words about the visioner. Dr Cordelia Etuk, calling the night “a harvest of talent,” congratulated Mrs. Ekaette Umoh for putting up her personal resources to birth this dream.

Sir Ini Akpabio praised the homegrown crew, comparing them to the stage performances in long established European and American culture. He reminded the audience that we should start from the inside…and kill what keeps us down. “Just do it,” he said, in conclusion.

Founder, Uyo Book Club (UBC), and father of the Book Club initiative in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Udeme Nana, congratulated Mrs. Umoh, the visioner, recognizing in her a like-minded desire to brave odds and become a trailblazer. In a short but powerful speech, he applauded the entire crew for a world-class performance, a feat that has set the stage for growing Akwa Ibom State into the Ekamba phenomenon. He added that Mrs. Umoh’s creativity and innovation will compliment his vision with the Book Club initiative to turn Uyo into a city of high culture.

Representing citizens in diaspora, Mr. Ed Akpaita called the night “Time well spent.” He reminded the audience that Akwa Ibom people have pride and excellence embedded in their DNA, characterized by values of honesty and loyalty. Watch out, he said to the world…here we come! Maybe, a day would soon come that the cast would be invited to showcase their performances outside the state.

A scene from Ekamba the Musical

When HRH Etebom Okon Udo Ekpo, the Clan Head of Ikono Clan, Ikono Local Government Area and father of the organizer, took to the floor for his remarks, there was no doubt about the pride he and his wife felt as parents. He described his daughter as very unique, brilliant, and industrious. He commended the cast and crew, saying that our children are very intelligent… but sometimes, parents are the ones limiting their reach and aspirations. He admonished parents to selflessly guide and support their wards into careers that best serve their strength and leaning in life.

In response to the events of the night, Mrs. Umoh threw the hall into laughter when she declared she will be smiling, even in her sleep that night. The Chartered Accountant and pioneer DDirecto-General, Ibom-LED (Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre) gave a brief recount in the journey that birthed the nights’ superlative outing. Profuse with admiration for, and gratitude to her husband, she confessed that he is the wind beneath her wings.

Ekamba the Musical is more than just a performance, she began. It is a movement that encourages dialogue, reflection, and entrepreneurship. It showcases the immense talents within Akwa Ibom State, proving that local stories, told by local voices, can resonate far beyond regional boundaries, she said. She called for sponsors, adding that subsequent production will stand as a testament to the power of the arts in fostering understanding and community spirit, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, performance, leisure, and tourism.

Perhaps, all it would take in the nearest future is a search for stage plays online, a click, a purchased ticket, and you’re in Akwa Ibom State, enjoying a buffet of the best cuisines in Nigeria, the ambience of the most peaceful state, the highly rated hospitality and charm, and at night, the thrill of artistic high society.

As the performances came to an end, the audience took home with them a great lesson. Living is a creative act. It is the way we are in the world, the way we love, and the way we relate to everyone else. It is the way we interact with, and interpret our feelings. Understanding it in this way, we see how the visioner, Mrs. Umoh, through her thoughts, feelings, and imagination birthed the idea of Ekamba to recreate our experiences. She inspired the divine gifts of the performers to life through their creativity.

She inspired us all to be nothing but Ekamba!!

And who says the mistakes of the past should hold you down? Uduak patented her cleaning skills, earning high and became an employer. Amaeka rose above the wrong choices she made, got a PhD in Physics and grew her self-worth. Otu faced the truth of his past, ran a campaign of truth, and as fate would have it, became the governor of the state.

Embrace who you are!
Accept who you are!!

You are EKAMBA!!!

* Bassey, a poet and novelist, wrote this piece from Akwa Ibom