Ewe Music
Ekpe Ite and His Ima Edi Obio Group
Ima Edi Obio Group emerged from the vibrant cultural landscape of south south Nigeria, documenting the traditional music of the Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom State, regarded as the most ancient of all ethnic groups in Nigeria and closely related to the Efik and Anaang peoples. Across three albums released between 1975 and 1979, the group captured the essence of Ibibio musical heritage.
Their debut, Ase Traditional (1975), opens with “San Ikese Ekpabrukim” and flows through nine tracks that showcase the depth of Ibibio music, including “Eto Mkpa,” “Mmaha Ino,” and “Iyip Uwem.” The follow-up Ase Traditional Vol. 2 (1976) continued this documentation with six additional pieces such as “Ifot Ufok Etemi” and “Mbet Obop Eyen.” The group employed traditional instruments like the Ibid drum, a medium-sized leather skin tom-tom, alongside the Obodom (wooden slit drum) and the Uta cow-horn trumpet capable of producing four-part harmony.
Dance and music served vital roles in Ibibio cultural celebrations and rituals, featuring drums, flutes, gongs, and graceful movements accompanied by melodious arrangements. Ima Edi Obio Group’s trilogy of albums stands as essential documentation of Ibibio traditional music, preserving ancestral sounds and ceremonial practices for future generations.
traditional music group could serve simultaneously as cultural preservers, educators, and political voices.

Artist:
Ekpe Ite and His Ima Edi Obio Group
Original Release Year:
1/01/1979
Genre(s):
Folk
Subgenre(s):
World
Release Country:
Nigeria
Artist Country:
Nigeria
Language(s):
Efik
Producer(s):
Ekpe Ite
Composer(s):
Ekpe Ite
Publisher(s):
Unearthed African Music Ltd
track listings
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Ewe Music
8:55
Please note that preview tracks are limited to 30 seconds. To listen to the album in full, click here
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Obon Music
6:30
Please note that preview tracks are limited to 30 seconds. To listen to the album in full, click here
-
Ayo Music
4:07
Please note that preview tracks are limited to 30 seconds. To listen to the album in full, click here
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Ukwa Music
5:55
Please note that preview tracks are limited to 30 seconds. To listen to the album in full, click here
-
Okop Umeh
5:59
Please note that preview tracks are limited to 30 seconds. To listen to the album in full, click here
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