Homecoming II (May 2025, NY)
As I sat with other members of the Ojeh family in Riverside Church beside Eric Grillo (schoolmate and OBC member) , I looked up at the high roofs, hanging chandeliers and stained glass. It reminded me of the many churches and cathedrals that Uche and I had spent our childhood in. Wherever a church was, we were not far away. Sitting on the wooden pews and listening to the pipe organs made the weight of the occasion dwell on my mind.
Each song told a different part of Uche’s story. The first song was a rendition of Nat King Cole’s – Nature Boy which was performed at Uche and Sheinelle’s wedding. It said – “the greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return” . Maverick City’s Firm Foundation” spoke to Uche’s foundational Christian experience and how God had always been there for him. It was a solid affirmation of the role of divinity in our human experience. Kirk Franklin’s “Imagine Me” really moved me as the piano intro started off. While the original song spoke about letting go of hurt and emotional pain, my mind went to what Uche must have passed through in the last few months of his life. The words – “Imagine me being free” ,………… All my scars (it’s gone), All my pain (all gone), It’s in the past (gone) brought me to tears.
Read More
Shortly after, Maverick City’s Jireh brought the words – “I will be content in every circumstance , Jireh you are enough” to the fore. This was followed by a musical performance of a band where Kayin played the bass. Seeing Kayin on the bass guitar was a bittersweet moment because I totally understood all the hard work that led him to that stage. The musical part of the legacy that had been handed to us mattered deeply more than most things. When I put together a musical recording for my dad’s birthday featuring my kids, my brother and myself, I sent Uche the video because I knew he would understand all the unseen work that had happened over the years with the kids. One of the songs that the kids played was referred to as the Egba Anthem.
Furthermore, I mentioned to him that it was composed by Fela’s grandfather, Canon J.J. Ransome Kuti. The reason why I gave him the historical background was because I knew he would equally love that part of the story as much as he would love the music. At the celebration of life, the realisation that Kayin was fulfilling his own part of the legacy in spite of his dad’s departure filled my heart with joy.
The last song to be performed by Uche’s church choir was Richard Smallwood’s “Total Praise”. In spite of the fact that this song is a favourite staple at African American funerals, the lyrics hit like they were brand new – You are the source of my strength …..I lift my hands in Total praise to you
By the time the choir got to “Amen”, most people were up on their feet in Unison.
As we gathered outside the auditorium after the service, the lyrics of “Total Praise” were all that kept playing in my mind. We exchanged warm hugs and condolences before family members departed to lay Uche’s body to rest.
Lord, I will lift my eyes to the hills
Knowing my help is coming from You
Your peace You give me in time of the storm
You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to You
