Sonex, Goddy Iwuoha, Ifeanyi Azuike and Iyk Ehirim hold an evening at Ukwu I Republic.
2 min readUkwu I Republic, a bush bar operated by son of the soil of Umuaka from Uba, Mr Ifeanyi Azike has become a Mecca of some sort for Akalites who love nkwu elu, special fresh fish pepper soup with agidi, white rice specially prepared with special source. Chilled bottles of beer of any brand and more.
Saturday March 16 2024, Umuaka Times paid a just to say hello visit to the bush bar to witness things and interact with other Akalites who usually visit the bush bar. While on the way to the joint, Mr Goddy Iwuoha, Lagos based businessman joined Umuaka Times and together they went. On getting close to FMC Junction Owerri, Mr Azike was already waiting for the arrival of the due of Umuaka Times and Mazi Goddy Iwuoha. In less than 5 minutes’ drive, Umuaka Times, Iwuoha and Azike were all seated at the Ukwu I Republic.
After an exchange of pleasantries with other lovers of good food and nkwu elu at the Republic, one big can of Eva Water filled with fresh and absolutely chilled nkwu elu from Enugu State immediately lost her life. The incident happened the moment Umuaka Times beheaded it and poured the substance into a hungry glass cup on the table. Umuaka Times tasted the nkwu elu, nodded his head in appreciation and turned to Iwuoha and said: “Dede, kee toola ka aka ngwo Dee Sabastine.”
In few minutes time, the Afro Highlife music maestro, Sonex Oguike arrived at the Ukwu I Republic with his son. Immediately they arrived, real tam piam na kuru nuo began!
Azike who wanted to eat porridge plantain had already ordered it from the kitchen before Umuaka Times requested to eat it also. The food was immediately served to Umuaka Times but after taking two spoons of the special delicacy, he never ate again, citing reasons that it was full of pepper. In reacting to his claim, all the personalities at the table kwooye uze as they wondered why ordinary ose will make a man to reject such a wonderful food.
As Umuaka Times was about to announce his exit from the bush bar scene, Iyk Ehirim arrived. His arrival delayed Umuaka Times departure a little as more tam piam na kuru nuo was declared. Then came the ukwu-I delicacy. For those who may be wondering what ukwu-i, there is no way to explain what this special pepper soup full of anu eghu really is until you try it.
Throughout the evening, Umuaka Times became an emergency DJ, playing old tunes like Apostles, William Onyeabor, Cloud 7 and Jimmy Cliff from a mobile device he came along with.
From what Umuaka Times gathered, Ukwu I Republic Owerri is a kind of liaison office for people who love special dishes and drinks especially Akalites who can’t do without original nkwu elu from Enugu State and other special dishes.