Each track answers that question differently. 1. “Ogene” (The Gong) The EP’s opener is an instrumental prelude. Using only traditional Igbo percussion (udu, ichaka, and the titular ogene), Mmaku creates a soundscape of tension and anticipation. It feels like the gathering of the council.
Released to quiet acclaim this month, Ojemba (translated roughly as “Journey” or “Expedition” in Igbo) is a five-track manifesto. It rejects the auto-tuned, fast-fashion tempo of modern Afropop in favor of something rawer: the heartbeat of the igbo (forest) and the cadence of the elders. The title track, “Ojemba,” opens with the faint sound of a metal gong ( ogene ) and the rustle of palm fronds. Then Mmaku’s voice enters—not singing, but calling . It is a sound that immediately transports the listener to a moonlit village square in Southeastern Nigeria. Omoo Mmaku - Ojemba -EP Album-
A surprising shift. This track is a tender, highlife-infused tribute to matriarchal strength. The guitar work is reminiscent of the early 70s—clean, crisp, and conversational. Mmaku sings about how the mother is the true compass of the family. It is already becoming a favorite for weddings and family gatherings. Each track answers that question differently
The EP closes on a celebratory note. “Ilo Uto” is the sound of the village dancing after the harvest. The tempo picks up, the flutes come in, and for three minutes, you forget the concrete jungle outside your window. It is a reminder that tradition is not static—it breathes, dances, and evolves. The Verdict In an era where African music is often flattened into algorithmic playlists, Ojemba is a defiant act of preservation. Omoo Mmaku is not trying to be Burna Boy or Wizkid. He is not trying to get a Drake feature. Using only traditional Igbo percussion (udu, ichaka, and
For fans of: Salif Keita, The Lijadu Sisters, Mdou Moctar (for the guitar tones), and early Beautiful Nubia. Stream ‘Ojemba’ by Omoo Mmaku on all platforms.