Queen Theresa Onuorah: The Unique Voice Behind Egwu Egedege
Queen Theresa Onuorah, a legendary voice in Nigerian music, especially among the Igbo, is known as the pioneer of the iconic Egedege Dance. Her roots run deep in eastern Nigeria’s highlife scene, and her powerful vocals have made her a cultural icon.
Born on January 9, 1942, in Unubi, Anambra State, Onuorah has dedicated her life to preserving Igbo music.
Her passion for the art can be traced back to her father, who was a well-known ‘Egwu Ekpili‘ musician. From a young age, Theresa felt a pull towards music, and by her twenties, she was already a household name in eastern Nigeria, performing at weddings, funerals, and other local events.
Her first album came out when she was 34, and it was just the beginning. She went on to create timeless works like “Oba Egwu”, “Onwanwa Mu Na Chimo”, and “Ogene Ekwubego Mu Na Onye Ga-agba Egbu’. Yet, it was the Egedege Dance that truly set her apart, a traditional Igbo dance that soon became synonymous with her name.
Her Egedege troupe took the eastern music scene by storm in the 80s, with her shows drawing massive crowds. In recent years, Queen Theresa has returned to the spotlight through collaborations with younger Nigerian artists like Flavour and KCee, showing her ability to bridge generations.
Notably, in 2021, she worked on a tribute to the Egedege Dance alongside Flavour, Larry Gaaga, and Phyno. This project was a huge success, blending traditional Igbo sounds with contemporary beats and bringing the Egedege Dance to a global audience.
The music video, featuring Nigerian cinema legend Pete Edochie, highlighted her cultural impact and won her a new wave of fans.
Despite her years in the industry, Queen Theresa’s influence has never wavered. Her collaboration with Flavour and KCee even sparked some playful social media drama, as fans debated who best represented Igbo culture in modern music.
KCee defended his work, saying that Igbo heritage doesn’t belong to one person alone. However, the real winner was Queen Theresa, who brought everyone together under the same cultural flag.
Her legacy is not just about music; it’s a testament to her dedication to keeping Igbo traditions alive and vibrant. Today, Queen Theresa Onuorah stands as both a pioneer and a bridge between generations, showing the enduring power of cultural music in a fast-evolving industry.
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