THE PASSAGE OF IZON MUSIC ICON: KING ROBERT EBIZIMOR BY DR. FELIX TUODOLO The sudden and untimely passage of the Izon music icon, King Robert Ebizimor came like a bolt from the blue. News about the tragic incident brought to end an era of thrills, frills and highly exhilarating indigenous Izon music that spanned through decades. King Robert Ebizimor’s death was a rude shock to the Ijaw nation and Lovers of Owigiri music. As a born philosopher, his songs captured dramatic life essence evoking imagery and traditional ballads. They were like food for thought and relief from despondency. Yet, King Robert Ebizimor became one of the pioneers of Ijaw high life music, drawing a modest living in palm wine tapping, timber, canoe carving and commercial fishing. However, fortune smiled on him when he made impact on the high life scene with his acolytes. King Robert Ebizimor had his music career first with David Bull later with Paul Osundu while his debuts spanned through West Africa. Ebizimor and other gifted stars of Ijaw origin like Professor I.K Belemu and the White Eagles all demonstrated passion and enthusiasm in high life music christened Owigiri. They rose from the pinnacle of their career to existing musical rhythms which were missing in the early sixties and seventies. Currently, those he mentored are blazing the music stage. They include Pereama Freetown, Abraham Young, Governor Akpoebi and Junior Robert (Izon-Ebi Alfred). Others are Miss Alfred Emkenemi, Bekeyi Kente and the present King Robert Ebizimor Band Leader, Fere. King Robert Ebizimor was a philosopher, as his songs conjured deep emotion tapping from various scintillating themes which gave root to varying development and movement. The Angalabiri- born maestro was imbued with talent and created epithets provoking deep thought out of his audience with his message that left them in reverie. In one of his memorable tunes he eulogized notable Ijaw sons and daughters which accounted for the proverbial profundity and dynamics, in which his music has remained undiluted. Such special renditions include masterpiece like seiteme, ejiro, yetari ere, kuruemi and duo ma bo. However, the greatest weapon was his baritone voice and radiated on the dance floor flow from his numerous enthusiasts. In his artistically mesmerizing and penetrating portrait, King Robert Ebizimor, unconsciously assumed multiple colours and famous for Izon lyrics. President Jonathan in a condolence message described King Robert Ebizimor as a music composer that used his talent to promote the Niger Delta struggle for emancipation. According to the statement, King Ebizimor music brought joy, gladness and good tidings to all who had contact with him while on stage. Also in a condolence message to the bereaved families and the Izon nation in particular, Governor Seriake Dickson described King Ebizimor as a great and untiring singer, who has been a source of inspiration. Governor Dickson said King Robert Ezibimor’s death is a monumental loss to Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation and the people of the Niger Delta. He recalled with nostalgia, his personal relationship with the legendary singer whom he referred to as an epitome of growth and advancement of Izon culture. In recognizing his sterling qualities, Governor Dickson rewarded King Ebizimor with appointment as his Special Adviser on Culture and Ijaw National Affairs. Other notable Ijaw nation men and women of goodwill including members of Bayelsa New Media Team, Ijaw Nation Forum, and Ijaw musicians were not left out in pouring encomiums on the Izon icon. As the Numu Pere one of Izon Ibe King Ebizimor Robert created a vacuum difficult to fill in traditional music history. The Numu Pere one has so far released over one hundred singles and was to have had a survival thanksgiving party on 2nd August 2014 at his Angalabiri residence in Sagbama LGA of Bayelsa State when he passed on in a ghastly accident at Warri in Delta state. Until his death at seventy one, King Robert Ebizimor was a guitarist, singer, composer, a philosopher and above all the king of Owigiri music of the Niger Delta. Indeed, King Ebizimor was a rare gem that will be greatly missed by many and future generation to come especially the parent Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, the Ijaw nation and the Bayelsa State Government. Not surprising that his brand of music has propelled the creation of the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs by the restoration administration of Governor Seriake Dickson. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Peremoboere Ebizimor and children. Adieu! Adieu!! King of Owigiri music. Adieu the Numu Pere One of Niger Delta!! Adieu!!!
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 07:28:23 +0000
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