The profound message of Agaba in Jukwaa Ese
Chidorum Nwakanma
Experienced business leader, author, and specialist in integrated marketing communication,
By Chido Nwakanma
Many years after the Taijo Wonukabe management highlighted his versatility as an Account Manager with an alternative track as a budding musician, Obisike Nwosu transmuted from budding on 1 November 2024. For more than ten years, Nwosu worked on his craft. He has now released a ten-tracker titled Jukwaa Ese.
Obisike was the best-graduating student in his mass communication class at the University of Uyo.
Welcome to Agaba, the musician. I listened to his music following his invitation and assertion, "I have just expressed some thoughts in my new music album.” His thoughts are profound and expressed in Igbo poetry and proverbs.
Jukwaa Ese invites contemplation. It means to “ask about it” or look before you leap.
Jukwaa Ese by Agaba is an album that showcases the artist's unique style within the Afrobeats genre. Released on November 1, 2024, the album features tracks highlighting Agaba's musical talent and creativity.
Key Features of the Album
Listening Options
The album consists of the following songs:
1. Onye Nke M - 3:24;
2. Jukwaa Ese - 3:31
3. Ofu-Mbia - 4:09
4. Na-Abia - 4:11
5. Adamma - 4:18
6. Odibendi - 4:43
7. Onuezuike - 3:16
8. Jukwuaa Ese (Sax) - 3:31
9. Ukpana Nti Ike - 3:48
10. Tunekene - 3:31
Jukwaa Ese lives up to its billing as Afrobeat. Experts and music lovers describe Afrobeat as a genre that blends funk, jazz, and highlife elements. It addresses social and political issues and celebrates African culture and identity. Yet the approach is 234light touch.
The album Jukwaa Ese by Agaba explores several prominent themes through its tracks, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural and emotional narratives. Some themes include cultural identity, love and relationships, community and belonging, resilience and hope, and the celebration of life.
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Love and Relationships
Many tracks, such as "Adamma" and "Na-Abia," delve into themes of love, romance, and interpersonal relationships. These songs express the complexities of love, ranging from joy and celebration to heartache and longing.
Community and Belonging
The album also touches on themes of community, highlighting the significance of social ties and collective experiences. This is evident in tracks that resonate with communal values and shared histories.
Resilience and Hope
Agaba's lyrics often convey resilience and hope, encouraging listeners to overcome challenges. This theme is particularly relevant in personal struggles and societal issues.
Celebration of Life
Several songs celebrate life’s moments, emphasising joy, festivities, and the beauty of everyday experiences. This celebratory tone invites listeners to engage positively with their surroundings. Through these themes, Jukwaa Ese entertains and fosters a deeper connection with listeners by addressing universal human experiences within a culturally rich framework.
This album features a blend of Afrobeats and several tracks that showcase Agaba's musical style. The track "Jukwaa Ese" is highlighted as a significant piece, along with "Adamma" and "Ofu-Mbia."
“Ife mfulu kam n’ekwu”, Agaba asserts in Jukwaa Ese. He affirms that he sings about what he observes. The advisory and cautionary note runs through tracks such as Tunekene, Ukpana Nti Ike, and Ofu Mbia.
Mr Nwosu told this writer. “Agaba is my stage name. One producer gave it to me when he thought I was revealing some inconvenient truths, and I took it. Agaba means masquerade. In Igbo mythology, the masquerade always tells the truth, no matter whose ox is gored.
“The message in Jụkwaa Ese is that all that glitters is not gold. This message is anchored on the first line of the song, 'Anụ nine abụrọ anụ olili' which translates to 'every meat is not for the eating'. Some are good; some are not only bad but dangerous. I started saying it to my children before I turned it into lyrics.
Some of the inspiration for these songs comes from books written halfway, unpublished poems, and various creative endeavours that littered my laptop.
While I enjoy good beats, my music must have a clear thematic direction and message that is preserved in the beats. I want to be known as a message-driven artist.
My music is still evolving. Meanwhile, most people categorise it as Afrobeat.”
Agaba, the stage name, presents some challenges. Agaba is the name of the big masquerade in Igbo culture. It is often generic. This also applies to the caution Jukwaa Ese. Generic naming means the music lover must search from the four other artists with Jukwa Ese in their titles. They include Ugo Attraction, Odogwu Ironshow, Michael John and Jukwa Ese Jisos.
Stream Jukwaa Ese by Agaba for your enjoyment and inspiration.