Odumodu is a folk style of music that is predominantly sung among the Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia, Abiriba, Umuahia, Ikwuano, and Ngwa people of the Igbo ethnic group, of Abia State, located in southeastern Nigeria.
[1] It is mainly used to uplift spirits and entertain guests at events, while extolling the virtues of illustrious men and women, and telling stories that edify.
It is sung by mainly men with syncopating rhythms of chants and harmonized choruses, incorporating traditional Igbo percussions, such as the ekwe/ekere, ikoro, udu, ekpete/igba (congas), ogele (big gongs), oyo, etc.
The blending of wise sayings, parables, mystifying hums, and the melodic drumming gives it a captivating feel that leaves the listener dancing in pace with its beats.
Odumodu is usually sung in the call-response style, which features vocals from a lead singer who elicits the response and backing of a group of vocalists, who are often the instrumentalists.