By Cosmas Omegoh
Ije Enu, the long-awaited documentary film on the life and times of highlife music maestro Celestine Ukwu, has hit the screens with high commendations and positive reviews trailing it.
The first showing of Ije Enu was at the recently held Celestine Ukwu memorial symposium (Season 2) in Enugu where members of a select audience were thrilled and moved to tears by the short, tragic but all-achieving life of the celebrated musician.
The documentary collated and sieved the diverse views of many people, including relatives, classmates, friends, associates and surviving band members of the renowned singer, songwriter and music producer weaving an interesting tale.
Viewers commended the story-telling technique of Q-Toz productions and the producer/director, Chikezie Ifedobi, who started the project several years ago, traveling across the country to meet with associates of the man seen as one of Nigeria’s most enduring artistes.
Speaking after the showing, Ifedobi who first hit the limelight by his documentary on the history of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, entitled “Timeline in the den,” told of his unwavering interest in the music of Celestine Ukwu since he first listened to him, adding that he was struck by the uncanny art and craft in his sound.
While lamenting the passing of some of the people who featured in the documentary, without watching the final cut especially Ukwu’s closest aides Buzuzu Magbo, Ifedobi also told of his plans for more screenings across the country and beyond.
For sociopolitical and culture scholar and former DG of CBAAC, Ozo Dr Ferdinand Anikwe, who was the chairman at the screening “Ije enu, the documentary film on Celestine Ukwu’s life is a very befitting memorial for a very creative musician whose music would outlive us all.”
Mike Odiong, GM, Premier Music, the recording label that released some of Celestine Ukwu’s music, commended the film maker for a job well done.
Musician and musicologist Ikenna Onwuegbuna who has studied and documented the music and message of Celestine Ukwu in many academic journals stated that “in Ije Enu, documentary film maker Chikezie Ifedobi has become a trail blazer for venturing into a relatively unpopular area of film making.
Music historian Fred Iwenjora who also featured in the documentary said “watching Ije Enu tells me that Celestine Ukwu and his musical and philosophical legacies lives on.”
“His new appointment is well-deserved and comes as no surprise given his remarkable dedication to service, his passion for the media, and his ongoing support for Sports Writers in Bauchi State. We are proud to celebrate this moment with him and wish him continued success in his new role.
“The Association is confident that Mukhtar Gidado will continue to bring the same level of excellence, professionalism, and commitment to his new position as he did in his previous role. His appointment is a testament to his hard work and unwavering contributions to Bauchi’s media and sports sectors.