Have you ever heard of Igede? If you’re familiar with the 1970s Igbo highlife music scene, you might recognize the name—it’s even the title of one of Celestine Ukwu’s iconic songs. But what exactly is Igede?
Igede refers to a type of musical drum that plays a central role in traditional Igbo music. It is also the name of an ethnic group indigenous to Benue State, Nigeria. According to the 2006 census, the Igede people had an estimated population of 267,198, primarily residing in the Oju and Obi Local Government Areas of Benue State.
Historical Background of the Igede People
The Igede people are believed to have migrated from the Ogoja province, with oral tradition tracing their origins back to Sabon Gida Ora in present-day Edo State. Disputes with the indigenous people of Ora prompted their eventual relocation to present-day Benue State. On their journey, they made a significant stop at Nsukka in Enugu State before settling in their current homeland.
Cultural Ties with the Igbo People
The Igede share a range of cultural similarities with their Igbo neighbors. This connection may be due to their geographic proximity and historical interactions, including intermarriage. Their ancestor, Agba, is associated with the Agba people in Ebonyi State, as well as neighboring groups in Ishielu and Ohaukwu. Furthermore, the Igede language has notable lexical similarities with the Igbo language, suggesting a shared linguistic heritage.
Challenges During the Nigerian Civil War
The Igede people experienced significant hardship during the Nigerian Civil War. Their conflict with the Tiv, a neighboring ethnic group, led to considerable suffering, including cultural taboos against intermarriage between the Igede and Tiv communities.
The Igede People Today
Despite their historical challenges, the Igede people continue to thrive and make significant contributions to Nigerian society. Many Igede individuals are prominent in politics and journalism. The community also celebrates its heritage through the annual Igede-Agba Festival, a vibrant New Yam Festival that bears striking similarities to the Igbo celebration of the same event. Many Igede people continue to identify strongly with the Igbo, sharing various cultural customs and practices.
The Igede people’s story is a testament to resilience and cultural richness, making them an integral part of Nigeria’s diverse heritage.
