Talent borne out of passion
You could feel the breath of their steps and the sinew of the choreography this Friday evening. It was something majestic. For more than 30 minutes, the group thrilled everybody at the Crusade ground with their interpretation of the Bible story. Though, formed with the intent of winning souls for Christ, the group has metamorphosed into a force in the entertainment industry.
Speaking with The Guardian recently, Obokohwemu Ufuoma Gregory, the founder of the group, revealed that his love and passion for dance led to its birth. A pharmacist by profession, Gregory said, “I For Christ Dance Group is a confirmation of the statement that even in the midst of conflict, talents could be discovered.”
He continued, “our story is that of a people, who want to speak the word of God through creative movements and steps.”The name of the performing group was culled from a town called Iri in Isoko South local government Area of Delta State. Gregory added, “when a communal conflict erupted in the locality in 2003, the Iri Christian Association came together to pray over the crisis, which was rounded off with a vigil. I was new in the town, but quickly thought of a way to capture the youths. I organised choreography that was performed on the vigil day. Many youths appreciated what we did. But at that time, the group was called Iri for Christ, because we wanted the town to be for Christ.”
As the group grew and went beyond Iri, its name was changed to I For Christ Dance Group. According to the founder, “I For Christ may not have the kind of popularity that many contemporary dance groups have, however, over the years, we have etched our name in the minds of the people in the South South. We have become a household name in Warri, Asaba, Ughelli, Isoko land, Bayelsa and in the neighbourhood. Though, a lot of people didn’t take the group seriously, because they felt, we were dancing Michael Jackson in the church. To the youths, we were awesome, especially, when we had to do our presentation along-side drama. The criticism we received from the elders and the support from some, including the youths, actually made the group what it is today.”
He said, “I personally designed our costumes for the praise night, but after the vigil, we didn’t know what to expect, as my group members thought that was the end of us. Surprisingly, we started getting invitations to perform during programmes.”
Gregory also narrated a vision he had, where Christ appeared to him and said, “you have loved dancing more than preaching my word, and that was just the truth; I wouldn’t mind going to a programme just to dance. The message I got from Christ formed the basis of what my dance group should be like, what we do now is half drama and half dance.”
He said God is using his group to minister to many people, through their practical presentation of the nature of the lives of many. “I have met many people who had said to me ‘you have changed my life for the better’.”
To hype the level of entertainment, he said they sometimes interject comedy into the drama. “The songs embedded in our performances bring healing to people.”
Though a pharmacist by profession, Gregory said his desire to dance made him create time for his group even back in school (Delta State University).
Talking about one of their performances titled, ‘Dry bones rise again’ the creative director said he was inspired to perform it after reading the story in the book of Ezekiel 37, “I was amazed that this thing actually happened in the bible, then I visualised it and thought it would be a wonderful and powerful message to get across to people; and yes it did come out beautifully well to the glory of God. I admit it wasn’t easy trying to act the word of God, especially, when we were looking for the perfect costumes; there were things we couldn’t get in Nigeria,” he noted.
He also gave a hint to their up-coming performance, titled ‘Battle in the Heavenlies’ which will focus on the story of Daniel in the Bible.
Aside from the leader, the group also has Erinyeva Marvis Kome, Osihro Wealth Efe, Oki Emmanuel Orevaoghene, Omueza Victory Obokparo, Owolo Anthony Johnson, Ozah Ovie Alex, Ogeh Julius, Alamaige Lawson Alex and Osomowho Oghewho as members.
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.