Glad Ozidi and Tompolo's Debt

GLAD OZIDI - THE REMINISCING OF OWIGIRI GENRE AND TOMPOLO'S DEBT The story of Ijaw music cannot be told without the Owigiri rhythm, and the story of Owigiri cannot be told without Glad Ozidi. He is not just a musician; he is a memory, a voice from the creeks that taught the Niger Delta how to dance, think, and mourn at the same time. In an industry where most stars emerge as proteges of established legends, though he had short spells in the bands of Prof. IKB and Barrister Smooth in later years, Glad came with nothing but a God-given gift.He was not under the tutulage of anyone musically. The Man From The Creeks Glad Ozidi was born in 1968, a proud son of two ancient Ijaw towns - Kpakiama in Bomadi LGA and Ekogbene in Burutu LGA of Delta State. Two communities, one spirit. That dual identity would later define his music: deeply rooted, yet widely accepted across the entire Ijaw nation. He began his musical odyssey in 1986. At a time when many were struggling to find a sound. In an era when Owigiri heavyweights like King Robert Ebizimor and Professor IK Belemu were dictating the pace , Glad ,already as a greenhorn had breathtaking didactic lyrics delivered in rhythmic, piercing sopranos. He did not understudy any musician. He did not belong to any band. He came out from the creeks as a complete original. That is the first sign of a true legend. The Breakthrough: SIGBA Between 1986 and 1996,he toiled in the local circuits of western and eastern Ijaw, singing at burials, freedom ceremonies and community festivals. Then came 1996.The Year of Glad's Fireworks Glad released "Seribebeagonoela",a song the fans simply christened "SIGBA". It was not just a hit, it was an earthquake. SIGBA became an anthem in every waterfront, in every market, in every speedboat playing music from the creeks to the urban areas . The song's philosophical depth, mixed with danceable Owigiri percussion, made it evergreen. He did not stop. In 1999, he released another classic, "Ebitorofa", popularly known as "Ejime". It was a mournful, soulful dedication to one of his band members who died tragically. Every Ijaw man who has lost a brother knows that song word for word. Till date, more than 25 years later, both SIGBA and Ejime are compulsory at Ijaw weddings, funerals and boat regattas. DJs know that a party has not started until Glad Ozidi plays. A Pioneer and A Discography of Truth Glad Ozidi is reputed to be the *first Ijaw musician, both secular and gospel, to travel abroad for performance. In 2001, he was billed to perform in Cameroon. The trip ended in pain in Yaounde - he was unjustly arrested by Cameroonian police and his musical instruments were confiscated. He returned home empty-handed but unbroken. His catalog is vast and moral. With more than 17 albums, 25 singles and countless LPs, his titles tell his philosophy: "Fake Prophet", "Angotemoere" (Lazy Woman), "Ebitorofa", "Seribebeagonoela"and many more. His music is didactic - he sings to correct society, to warn the greedy, to praise the hardworking, to comfort the bereaved. That is the true essence of Owigiri. 2026: The Rebirth Many thought Glad was finished. The music industry had shifted to digital, bands became expensive, and legends were forgotten. Glad's potentials are today a rhetorical question to everyone of us. In 2026, at 58, Glad proved that talent does not expire. He released two powerful hit albums - "The Rebirth" and "Aguasimo". The albums are packed with what his fans love: clean Ijaw highlife, proverbs, and deep drums. Songs like "Bekemeowoye", "Yene", "Dirisinmo" and "Aguasimo"are already commanding airplay on Audiomack and Radio Delta Asaba. In the standout single"Bekemeowoye"*Glad eulogizes the heroic and philanthropic efforts of the Niger Delta contemporary freedom fighter, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo*. It is more than a praise song; it is a historical record. It is the type of song Tompolo himself must listen to draw more inspiration from to continue the struggle for the sociopolitical survival of the grossly marginalized Ijaw people in Nigeria. The Painful Reality- And yet, here is the tragedy of our time. At present, despite this abundant talent, despite giving the Ijaw nation over 38 years of undiluted music, Glad Ozidi has no band of his own*. The man whose voice once hired boats full of instruments now makes ends meet through carpentry work to feed his family in Ughelli town . He tunes wood because we have failed to tune his drums. This is not just about Glad. This is about how we treat our legends while they are alive. We are quick to post RIP, but slow to say SUPPORT. A Call to Ijaw Nation Ijaws should reawaken this legend now that he is alive. The Bayelsa state Ministry of Culture, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), our political leaders from Bomadi/Burutu/Patani Federal Constituency, The commissioner of Ijaw affairs and sons and daughters who love Owigiri must rise to reawaken Glad Ozidi, the Sigba King of Africa. A title,the late Owigiri progenitor,Professor IK Belemu bestowed upon him. A Cry From Tam Oburumu -Glad does not need pity. He needs: 1. A functional Owigiri live band in which modern musical instruments should be purchased for him. 2. Sponsorship to promote "The Rebirth" and "Aguasimo" on digital platforms.. Launching the recent albums for him . 3. Booking for festivals, Gbaramatu Amaseimokumor Festival Day, Ayakoromo Olorogun festival, and the numerous Niger Delta events and shows Glad Ozidi is not a forgotten musician. He is the reminiscing of Owigiri genre itself. If Owigiri must live, Glad must live. It is a responsibility we must all be involved in. Tam Oburumu ( Author/ Activist)