In 1803, 75 Igbos chose to drown in the ocean rather than be sold into slavery. According to history, the Igbo slaves were a rebellious kind. They’d rather be free than chained up. They told stories about how they killed their lords and attempted to flee. So, in 1803, they were transported to another slave ship after their former master discovered their rebellious nature.
They were to be brought to a rice plantation, which is known for its harsh working conditions and physical demands. The crew of the new slave ship became dissatisfied with the Igbos’ boisterous behaviour due to their cramped conditions under the deck.
They took turns forcing them to shut up. But the Igbos would not listen. Soon, the crew realised they weren’t simply generating noise; they were chanting together. The chorus most likely improved their morale and allowed them to break free from their bonds.
They were to be brought to a rice plantation, which is known for its harsh working conditions and physical demands. The crew of the new slave ship became dissatisfied with the Igbos’ boisterous behaviour due to their cramped conditions under the deck.
They took turns forcing them to shut up. But the Igbos would not listen. Soon, the crew realised they weren’t simply generating noise; they were chanting together. The chorus most likely improved their morale and allowed them to break free from their bonds.
This can be translated as: “The water spirit of Omambala brought us here, the water spirit of Omambala shall take us home” Omambala is a river in Anambra.
There are still claims that the souls of rebelled Igbo slaves can be found in Dunbar Creek. Even in the silence of the night, one could hear their distant ‘Orimiri’ chants.
According to Pete Edochie in an interview, those souls seek appropriate burial procedures to reunite with their ancestors in their respective hometowns. The chorus most likely improved their morale and allowed them to break free from their bonds.
