Sẹ́kị́, the dance drama masterfully crafted by Yibo Koko, beautifully intertwines the art of American Tap Dance with the rich cultural tapestry of the Core Niger Delta Area. Rooted in the oral traditions of Ijaw, Ikwerre, Igbani, Ogoni, Ogba, Egbema, Ndoni and more, Sẹ́kị́ unfolds a mystical narrative where gods from the aquatic realm forge a profound connection with mortals on Earth.
The dramatic crescendo occurs when protagonists, mesmerized by mystical beings and rhythmic drumbeats, abandon their fishing pursuit to share their extraordinary encounter with the community. Through a blend of Sanford Meisner’s total engagement and Stanislavsky’s memory recall techniques, the locals are treated to a mesmerizing re-enactment, infused with comedy, buffoonery, and exaggerated expressions. (Credit: Yibo Koko)
Sẹ́kị́, as a pantomimic dramatized dance collage, embraces eclecticism, drawing from various forms to captivate its audience. Beyond the theatrical spectacle, it serves as a non-violent response to foreign incursions, challenging stereotypes about the Niger Delta’s cultural disposition. The performance, lasting ninety minutes, encompasses a range of dances and masquerade displays, showcasing the Kabuki tradition’s influence and celebrating the region’s virtues and values. It stands as a powerful testament to cultural resilience and a call for understanding and appreciation.
One major attraction of Sẹ́kị́ is its successful fusion of the cultural variations of upland and riverine Rivers State, maintaining its non-partisan and near puritanistic position, above the decay of environmental degradation, militancy, kidnapping, ethnotribalism and klepto-egomania. We salute Sẹ́kị́ Dance Drama in its twenty-fith year (27th May 2023), first performed as Owu-Amapu Ti at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos in 1998. One had been opportuned to watch an electrifying, command performance of Sẹ́kị́ Dance Drama at the Rivers State Cultural Centre, Port Harcourt on 12th December 2018.
Yibo Koko is a creative and innovative individual with a strong academic and professional background in the dramatic arts, experienced in initiating and managing highly successful events including those designed to raise awareness of cultural and development issues. This Rivers State born consummate professional from Amadi-Ama, Ogoloma went to the prestigious Okrika Grammar School and University of Port Harcourt, Creative Arts Department where he graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts. He is a product of the stable of Prof Ola Rotimi at The Crab Arts Theatre. At Unique Uniport, Yibo was noted for many things. His doggedness made him the frontman for various Anti-Cult campaigns as an undergraduate in the University. This led to the ultimate anti-cult revolt of Saturday, 23rd March, 1991 which was known as ABUMOG. He was chosen as the Care-Taker Committee Student Union Leader by Professor Kelsey Harrison (Vice Chancellor) though he was not an active member of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). There was also the “Family Dialogue” meeting of Federal University Student representatives with the Babangida regime in May 1991, where he was voted as the Spokesperson for ALL Federal Universities in the presence of Professor Babs Fafunwa (Hon. Minister for Education) and Professor Idris Abdulkadir( NUC Secretary General). They negotatiated for the installation of 75 KVA generators to ALL federal university campuses and two 30-seater Daihatsu buses for every federal university in 1991. In the same year, he made it possible for the Arts students of Rivers State origin under National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS) to start receiving bursaries from the Rivers State Government.
Yibo still no dey gree for anybody. He won the Mr Macho competition during his time at Unique Uniport, against the wishes of the Organisers due to overwhelming audience support. Though they grudgingly declared him winner, they refused to give him the prize of six thousand naira (big money at the time). When he carried the Electronic Mixer they had loaned from Beverly Cafe for the show on his head wearing swimming pant and body wey dey shine like spilled crude oil dey go hostel, dem come sabi say the matter serious.
He later studied at the Film Academy at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford University and at the Universal Studios, Hollywood, California where he produced the ward-winning short film on Female Genital Mutilation, ‘Clean Woman’. Watching the film again, many years later still left a lump in one’s throat. He is a recipient of the “Outstanding Achievement in Film making Award” by Women of African Descent Film Festival at the 42nd Brooklyn Arts Council International Film Festival.
Over the last decade, Yibo Koko has served on different boards, committees in the creative and tourism industry as a Creative Consultant and Set/Production designer. He is the Creator/Director of CNN-Recognized Seki Dance Drama, a judge On Nigeria’s Got Talent(NGT) Show and Executive Producer/Creative Director Nigeria’s Got Talent Franchise. He is a Consultant to Bongoe TV South Africa; former Production Consultant/ Head Of Production African Magic Mnet West Africa. He is the Chairman Of Teen Africa TV On DSTV Channel 315.
Yibo Koko is currently Director General/ CEO, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency. Rivers State has the unique opportunity to utilise the multi-talented son of the soil to put it’s culture firmly on the world stage but time will tell whether a prophet will ever have honour in his homeland. His most recent projects include Seki Dance Drama – Tracing The American Tap Dance To The Indegenous People Of The Core Niger Delta Area Of Nigeria, as well as a feature Film – Three Tramps And The Law, in post-production (Shot On Arri Alexa).
In 2021, Sẹ́kị́ performed in New York at the behest of the Consul General, also in Kingston Jamaica during Jamaica at 60, and in Congo, Kinshasa on the invitation of His Excellency Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo,
Back home, there was an exclusive performance at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on the 30th of September 2022, at the instance AFREXIM Bank and the Nigeria Governors Forum. Yibo has a visible presence of social media where he occasonally teaches people traditional dances (Kònjù sẹ̀kị̀). The Cardinal rehearsals in honour of Rex Jim Lawson via the Live Streaming was aired on 16 January, 2024.
In his words, “Sẹ́kị́ Dance Drama is an embodiment of creative, artistic, economic, academic, and other components strewn together and geared towards human capital development and within the gamut of the creative economy; this and more is what the brand Sẹ́kị́ represents.” The Sẹ́kị́ ecosystem has five (5) autonomous revenue-generating capabilities but integrated to position the Sẹ́kị́ BRAND around a monetized cultural experience.
Today, the Department of Theatre & Film Studies at Rivers State University, in collaboration with the Sẹ́kị́ Dance Drama Foundation presents the first ever SEKIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE. Sekiology – “Spinning Deep, Branching Wide, and Intensifying Potentials.”
The conference theme, “SEKI PERFORMANCE AND CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE NIGER DELTA,” reflects a deep commitment to exploring the multifaceted dimensions of this art form. From theatre directing to dramaturgy, from choreography to digital culture, each sub-theme promises to unravel new layers of understanding and appreciation for Sekiology. The dedication of scholars, artists, and cultural custodians, to delving into the essence of Sekiology not only enriches academic discourse but also amplifies the voices and stories of communities that have long been marginalized or overlooked.
According to Yibo, “I have no doubt that this conference will serve as a catalyst for further exploration, collaboration, and innovation in the realm of theatre studies. May it be a resounding success, sparking conversations that resonate far beyond the confines of academia and igniting a newfound appreciation for the transformative power of Sekiology.”
On the academic level with scholars, artists, and cultural custodians that are dedicated to delving into the essence of Sekiology, this not only enriches academic discourse but also amplifies the voices and stories of communities that have long been marginalized or overlooked.
25th – 27th March 2024; Amphitheater Rivers State University, 9am daily.
Yellow Sisi (Kelechi Yibo-Koko) is his wife and they are blessed with three children (Amoni Jnr, Tekena and Daibi). Yibo’s Mum is my elder sister. That makes me Uncle D! I am proud to confess (if you have not deduced) that Sekiology is my nephew’s creation. Pleased as punch. It will be a delight to see it blossom – that beyond the dance performances, the Sẹ́kị́ Brand becomes a Creative Economy Tool-kit to jumpstart people-driven growth projects in Rivers State, the Niger Delta and beyond.
Abiye Hector-Goma is a General Practitioner based in Leeds, UK with a keen interest in the cultural heritage of the Wakirike people