Theresa Chizeberum Onuorah
Theresa Chizeberum Onuorah popularly known as Theresa Onuorah is a renowned Igbo highlife artist and the guardian of the Egedege Dance and Music genre, an essential part of traditional Igbo music. She was born on January 9, 1942, in Unubi Town, Anambra State, Nigeria. With several titles to her name, such as Onu Ejiri Mara Mba, The Queen of Culture, Queen of Egedege Music, and Queen of Unubi, she is a highly respected figure in Igbo traditional music.
Early Life
During her childhood, Theresa Onuorah was raised in Unubi, a town situated in the Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Her father, a local “egwu ekpili” musician, greatly influenced her love for music. Onuorah’s pursuit of music took her on various tours across Nigeria, which affected her educational journey.
Career
The beginnings of her career can be traced back to her father, who was an an accomplished egwu ekpili musician and traditionalist in their village. As a young girl, Onuorah often sang with her father’s group, and in her 30s, she established her Egedege Dance Group. With this group, she traveled throughout Eastern Nigeria and beyond, performing at a variety of events, such as weddings, funerals, and festivals. In 1976, at the age of 34, she released her debut album. The album includes songs like “Oba Egwu”, “Onwanwa Mu Na Chimo”, “Ogene Ekwubego Mu Na Onye Ga-Agaba Egbu”, and “Ebelebe Egbuonu.”
Achievements
In 1985, Theresa formed Egedege Dance Troop. The name “Egedege” was gotten from local slang for richness and bravery, which explains why the dance is termed a cultural classic and only played in royal or wealthy homes. The Queen of Egedege music and her dance crew members travel to different parts of the eastern part of Nigeria and beyond, performing on big occasions and events, such as festivals, weddings, and even the funeral of a wealthy person.
Personal Life
Theresa Onuorah turned 80 years old in 2022 and commemorated the occasion with a grand celebration at the Hollywood Event Centre in Awka on January 9th. While it is known that she has been married for over three decades, specific information about her family life remains limited. Reports have it that she is married to a man named Godwin Igboebisi, and they have grown children together, though further details about her personal life are scarce.
Is Speed Darlington Theresa Onuorah’s Son?
Lots of people keep asking this question, and the answer to this question is Yes, Theresa Onuorah had a past relationship with Chief Pericoma Mezuo Okoye, a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and traditionalist. The two had a child named Darlington Okoye popularly known as Speed Darlington who is a singer, rapper, and songwriter based in the US.
Songs
Theresa Onuorah’s songs include;
- Ugochi Nyerem
- Egedege
- Nye Bere
- Onwunwa Munachi
- Ka Anyi Kiribe Egwu
- Egwu Ndi Eze
- Ojemba Enwilo
- Onye Akpala Aku Nnadi Ga Eli Pt. 1
- Onye Akpala Aku Nnadi Ga Eli Pt. 2
Social Media Handle
For those interested in contacting Queen Theresa Onuorah, her Instagram page is @officialqueentheresaonuorah.
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