Artistes Archive

Evangelist John Igo Begha is a Nigerian gospel musician and traditional Tiv trumpeter from Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State. Known for introducing the Tiv trumpet into Christian worship, he began as a secular cultural performer before converting to Christianity and dedicating his talent to evangelism. Despite losing his sight later in life, he continued to perform and mentor younger musicians, becoming a respected figure in both Tiv cultural preservation and gospel ministry.

Ikyereve Israel Terhemba (25 December 1971–2025) was a Nigerian gospel musician and evangelist from Benue State. Known for performing Christian music in the Tiv language, he incorporated traditional instruments such as drums and trumpet into worship settings. His life story, which included a period of criminal involvement before his conversion in 1995, shaped his ministry and public identity within local Christian communities.

Blessing Nev is a celebrated Tiv dancer from Logo, Benue State, recognized as the Best Dancer at the Swange Music and Dance Festival 2019. Trained from childhood under the influence of her mother and early cultural troupes in Makurdi, she has performed with multiple ensembles, including Takuruku Entertainment Troupe. Known for her discipline, skill, and dedication, Blessing Nev continues to champion Tiv cultural heritage while inspiring a new generation of dancers in Nigeria.

Hembadoon Shaaji (born 29 July 1975) is a celebrated Nigerian dancer and cultural ambassador from Gwer, Benue State. Renowned for her mastery of Tiv dances, especially Swange, she has represented Nigeria nationally and internationally. A key performer with the Benue State Council for Arts and Culture and later the National Troupe, Hembadoon combines artistry, cultural advocacy, and entrepreneurship, earning recognition as one of the best dancers of her generation.

Ngunan Kwaghmande (1966–2004) was a Nigerian performing artist, dancer, and cultural ambassador from Benue State. Renowned for her exceptional talent, she represented Nigeria internationally with the National Troupe, performing in countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. A devout Christian, Ngunan combined her artistry with faith, mentoring colleagues and touching countless lives through both culture and ministry, leaving a lasting legacy in Nigerian arts and evangelism.

Tyôakura Agershio (1947–2003), also known as Ormbagwa u gber ve, was a Tiv singer and composer from Ushongo, Benue State. Famous for his Ichoghol songs, he used music to lament orphanhood, poverty, and social marginalization. Rising to prominence during his army service in Kaduna, Agershio’s work remains a powerful metaphor for the underprivileged and a lasting voice in Tiv cultural music.

Akumba Taangahar was a Tiv composer and political prisoner whose defiant songs gave hope to fellow inmates during the political crises of Northern Nigeria in the late 1950s and 1960s. Though he lived a quiet life outside the spotlight, his prison compositions spread widely among his people, capturing suffering, resistance, and faith in freedom. Remembered as an unsung hero, his music remains a powerful testament to courage and resilience in the face of repression.

Pa Iortimbir Ajabu (born 1923) is a revered Tiv traditional singer, composer, and troupe leader from Ushongo, Benue State, Nigeria. Renowned for pioneering the Ichegher performance style, he led a large community orchestra for over six decades, using music to educate, entertain, and comment on social issues. His life and work represent a vital link between Tiv cultural heritage and contemporary society.

Pevkyaa Zegi (16 March 1944 – 2 November 2018) was a renowned Tiv folk singer, oral poet, and composer from Mbamena, Sherev (Ingyenev), Ukum in present-day Benue State, Nigeria. Widely associated with the Gbangi (Swange) musical tradition, he was celebrated for his gentle performance style, socially conscious compositions, and enduring influence on Tiv traditional music for over five decades. He is regarded as one of the most prominent and well-documented Tiv folk musicians of his generation.

Tarker Golozo (1932–2000) was a celebrated Tiv oral poet and singer from Ikumbur, Gboko LGA. Starting as a teacher, he composed songs to ridicule wrongdoers and lament personal loss. Known for his commanding presence, he performed with Agule Mki, using song, storytelling, and repetition to educate and mobilize audiences on agriculture, politics, and community issues, leaving a lasting mark on Tiv oral culture.

Adamu Agbende was a celebrated Tiv trumpeter and dancer from Tongov, Katsina-Ala, Benue State. Renowned for his mastery of the trumpet and acrobatic performances, he showcased Tiv music locally and internationally, including France, Canada, and Venezuela. A member of the Benue State Arts Council Troupe and leader of his own band, Agbende combined tradition with dynamic stagecraft, inspiring generations and preserving Tiv cultural heritage until his death on 27 August 2009.