Chief Oyerigha Echo Toikumoh

Echo Oyerigha Toikumoh, also known as Chief Echo, was a symbol of the timeless melody in the Arogbo-Ijaw and Nigerian highlife music scene. Chief Echo was born on February 18, 1945, and he passed away on the same date, February 18, 2007. Although this coincidence of his birthday and death date is somewhat unique, it lends to the legend of Chief Echo as a great maestro of music.

At the age of 11, Chief Echo began to display his musical talents. However, at the age of 12, his father died. It was said that this tragedy propelled Chief Echo to pursue music as a means of excellence in his life. From 1962 until 1964, he organised a five-member band comprising of Japer, Dedede, and Saino Erepatei. At that time, Echo's main instrument was the molo.

Echo's musical journey commenced at the age of 20 when he officially entered the Arogbo-Ijaw and Nigerian highlife music scene. In 1973, he formed Echo and the International Brothers of Arogbo, which eventually evolved into Echo and the Arogbo Fisher Brothers Band. This band would become the hallmark of Arogbo-Ijaw highlife music, signaling the musical talents and the resilience of Chief Echo.

Echo was faced with many challenges throughout his life. Upon the passing of his father, he was forced to end his formal education. However, he was determined to obtain as much knowledge as possible, thus embarking on a Grade Two Certificate programme in Benin. Despite his musical talents, Echo had to find work selling medicine and cutting logs to finance his musical journey.

Echo possesses an innate gift for music. Unlike other musicians, he was never formally taught to play any musical instruments or to work with any band when he started his journey in music. Instead, he became the guiding light for his band members, imparting him knowledge and skill to music to them.

Chief Echo's music represents the sound of the past echoing to the future, embodying the cultural heritage of the Arogbo-Ijaw people and resonating with the soul of Nigerian highlife music with his unique contributions to the genre.

As the custodian of culture and the bridge between generations of the Arogbo-Ijaw people, Chief Echo Toikumoh's legacy will forever flow through the heart of Nigerian culture. The story of Chief Echo Toikumoh began at the age of 11 and entered the highlife music scene at the age of 20. His journey from birth until his passing on the same calendar date leaves an indelible mark on the annals of Nigerian music history.