Celebrity

Umuonyeoziri Kindred Mourns, As Family Head Passes On

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2024

By Uche Onyeali

Umuonyeoziri Kindred in Umuagwu, Ogbor-Ihitteafoukwu Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State has expressed grief over the death of one of their illustrious elders, Mr Cornelius Onwuka.

Mr Onwuka, popularly known as Uturu, passed away on March 18, aged 70.
An astute businessman and resilient transporter, Onwuka was second to the eldest head of Umuonyeoziri Kindred before his death.

Expressing sadness over his death, a prominent leader of the kindred, Nze Aloysius Nnorom (Why Worry) noted that the deceased left the the kindred when his fatherly guidance was needed the most.

Nze Nnorom, however, acknowledged that no creature questions the will of the Almighty over anybody’s sojourn on earth.

“Well, Dee Bom Boy (Mr Onwuka) did his best in guiding this family aright and God Almighty decided to take him away at this time when we needed him the most. We cannot question his decisions, as he is the giver and taker of life. He knows when it is due for any creature to return home to him.

“However, all we can do is to pray for De Bom Boy to find joy in the bosom of the Lord, while we, the ones he left behind, continue to build from where he left us,” Nnorom said.

Speaking, first son of the deceased, Mr Uchenna Onwuka noted that his father played his role perfectly as a businessman to give his children the right training in life.

“My father never slacked in giving us all we needed to keep his family and legacy going.
“Uturu was never found wanting as long as family leadership and upbringing is concerned. We will continue celebrating him as a role model in every aspect,” he said.

The remains of the late Onwuka, who is survived by his wife, Grace, and seven children, will be buried on August 22 and 23, according to the burial arrangements announced by his family.

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Celebrity

Mariaa Voice expands gospel music mission with ‘Akoko Mi’ and four-volume CCC Hymns series

Published

1 month ago

August 31, 2026

The Gleamer

Maria Abimbola Iyaomolere, popularly known as Mariaa Voice, is expanding the scope of her gospel music ministry with a growing body of work that combines original inspirational music with a deliberate effort to preserve and promote the rich hymn tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).

Following the release of her inspirational single, “Akoko Mi (My Season),” Mariaa Voice has continued to build on a musical journey that increasingly reflects both her artistic identity and her desire to use music as a vehicle for faith, learning and spiritual upliftment.

“Akoko Mi,” which translates to “My Season,” carries a message of hope, patience and divine timing. Re…
[9:59 am, 31/08/2026] Wikipedia Guy: Mariaa Voice expands gospel music mission with ‘Akoko Mi’ and four-volume CCC Hymns series

“Akoko Mi,” which translates to “My Season,” carries a message of hope, patience and divine timing. Released in 2026, the song presents a declaration that seasons change, doors open and transformation comes at the appointed time. Its accompanying visual further reinforces the message of trusting the process and remaining hopeful for what lies ahead.

For Mariaa Voice, however, the song represents only one part of a broader musical assignment.

A particularly significant aspect of her recent work has been the CCC Hymns project, which has now grown to four volumes. The project brings together hymns from the Celestial Church of Christ, with Mariaa Voice intentionally selecting many songs that are not among the more commonly known hymns regularly heard in church settings.
According to the gospel minister, some of the selections also draw from newer hymns contained in the CCC New Revised Standard version, allowing the project to introduce listeners to a wider range of the church’s musical heritage.
“So far I have done CCC HYMNS VOL 1, 2, 3 & 4,” she said, explaining the motivation behind the project.
“The majority of the hymns in each album are not the common ones, some are new hymns included in the CCC New Revised Standard version.”

For Mariaa Voice, the project goes beyond recording and releasing music. It is also an effort to help people discover and learn hymns that they may otherwise have little opportunity to encounter.

“The main reason behind it is not just to showcase the beautiful and spirit-filled hymns God has given the church, but it’s also an avenue for people to actually learn to sing these hymns,” she explained.

That approach has given the project a distinctive place within her growing catalogue. Rather than concentrating solely on contemporary gospel sounds, Mariaa Voice is using her vocal ability and recording experience to bring renewed attention to a repertoire rooted in the worship tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ.
Her official catalogue now features four volumes of the CCC Hymns project alongside original songs including “IRE,” “ORI MI,” “Sin Oluwa,” “Se’yanú” and “Oti Funmilayo.”
The development represents a natural progression for an artiste whose musical journey began in the church.

As previously documented, Mariaa Voice’s early exposure to music came through the church choir, including her time with the “Little Angels” choir, before her talent was recognised and she was encouraged to pursue music professionally.

Over the years, that foundation has developed into a career spanning gospel music, songwriting, recording, performance and voice-over artistry. Her repertoire has also demonstrated a willingness to explore different contemporary gospel influences while maintaining a strong emphasis on positive and uplifting messages.

With “Akoko Mi,” that message remains central.
The song is built around the reassurance that delay does not mean denial and that every individual has a season ordained for them.
“Akoko Mi (My Season) is not just a song, it’s a declaration,” Mariaa Voice said.
“A reminder that no matter how long it takes, your time will come. Transformation will happen. Doors will open. Grace will speak. Nothing can stop what God has already ordained for you.”
That message has become particularly consistent with the direction of her recent work, music that does not merely entertain but seeks to encourage listeners, strengthen their faith and point them towards hope.
While the CCC Hymns series looks back to a rich worship tradition and helps bring lesser-known hymns to a wider audience, “Akoko Mi” looks forward, offering a contemporary expression of faith and expectation.
Together, the two strands of her recent work reveal an artiste increasingly defining her ministry around both preservation and inspiration, preserving hymns that deserve to be heard while creating new music that speaks to the experiences and expectations of today’s listeners.
With four CCC Hymns volumes now completed and “Akoko Mi” adding another chapter to her catalogue, Mariaa Voice continues to carve out a distinctive space for herself as a gospel minister committed to using her voice not only to perform, but also to teach, inspire and preserve a musical heritage for the next generation.

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