By Benjamin Njoku

The documentary film “Ije Enu” about the life and music of highlife legend Celestine Ukwu has hit the screens and is receiving high praise from viewers.

The film, produced and directed by Chikezie Ifedobi of Q-Toz productions, tells the story of Ukwu’s life through interviews with relatives, classmates, friends, and band members.

The first showing of Ije Enu was at the recently held Celestine Ukwu memorial symposium(season 2)in Enugu, where members of the select audience were thrilled and moved to tears by the short, tragic but all achieving life of the celebrated musician. The documentary collated and served the diverse views of many people including relatives, classmates, friends, associates and surviving band members of the renowned singer, songwriter and music producer weaving an interesting tale.

Viewers commended the story telling technique of Q-Toz productions and the producer/ director Chikezie Ifedobi who started working on the project several years ago, traveling across the country to gather stories and insights about Ukwu’s life and music.

Ifedobi’s passion for Ukwu’s music drove the project, and he was struck by the art and craft in his sound. Speaking after the screening, Ifedobi who first hit the limelight by his documentary on the history of University of Nigeria Nsukka titled; “Timeline in the Den” said he developed his unwavering interest in the music of Celestine Ukwu since he first listened to him. He talked about his journeys across the country in order to present an all inclusive documentary. While lamenting the passing of some of the people who featured in the documentary without watching the final cut especially Ukwu’s closest aides Buzuzu Magbo, Ifedobi also told of his plans for more screenings across the country and beyond. For sociopolitical and Culture scholar and former DG of CBAAC; Ozo Dr Ferdinand Anikwe who was Chairman at the screening said “Ije enu, the documentary film on Celestine Ukwu’s life is a very befitting memorial for a very creative musician whose music would outlive us all.” Mike Odiong, GM at Premier Music, the recording label that released some of Celestine Ukwu’s music commended the filmmaker for a job well done.