Follow Us on Google
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The southeast region holds a treasure trove of great musical talents that have been forgotten despite their contributions to the development and growth of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
One such gems is the melodious Kez Ugonma Opara, a gospel music icon born on March 3, 1957, in Zaria, Kaduna State, who, despite recording 14 musical albums in the gospel genre, has remained uncelebrated.
Born to the family of late Captain Rev. Canon Godson Opara and Mrs. Gold Opara, her father, a Nigerian Army Officer rose to become a Canon in the Anglican Church. His devotion to his faith shaped Kez’s spiritual foundation making her decide to also evangelise through music.
Kez hails from Umuovakali, Umunam Imerienwe in Ngor Okpala area of Imo State. She attended St George’s Military School Zaria and Bukuru in Kaduna and Plateau States before rounding off at Oba Girls Secondary School in Anambra State.
Her musical career began in the early 1970s as a gospel singer, making her one of the pioneers of gospel music in Nigeria. With 14 musical albums to her credit, her inspirational songs became household anthems not only in Nigeria but beyond. Some of her notable tracks include “O Bu Gini Ga Egbochimu Ka m Ghara Ikpere Chukwu,” “Elu Uwa Mmadu Bi, Ja Ya Mma,” and “Nigerian Women.”
Kez’s contribution to the music industry led her to work with prominent record labels like E.M.I, Premier Records, and Anodisc Records. She has also worked at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Aba, under the directorship of Nda Pal Akalaonu.
Her music has been used to propagate the gospel of Christ. Besides, she donated music albums to various church ministries in support of their effort at propagating the gospel.
Kez’s service to God and humanity extends beyond music as she founded the Society for the Caring of Orphans and HIV Persons (SCOPE), a non-governmental organisation that has been of help to numerous people. Her philanthropic efforts have not gone without recognition.
She also worked with former Nigerian presidents, General Sani Abacha and General Ibrahim Babangida, helping to advance the women-oriented programmes of their wives.
Kez’s legacy is marked by her pioneering role in the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria, winning souls for Christ, and helping churches and Christian movements.
She received the MAMSER Award in Music, which earned her the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). Her music album, “Nigerian Women” was donated during her collaboration with the defunct Better Life for Rural Women, the pet project of the late Mrs. Mariam Babangida.
Kez Ugonma Opara’s story is a testament to her dedication to music, faith, and humanity. Despite her remarkable contributions, she remains an uncelebrated icon in the region. Regardless, she believes that her story will inspire a new generation of music acts and philanthropists in the region.
