Carving a Path
In the vibrant world of music, some artists carve their paths, bringing a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Vancouver Ter-Allam, sometimes known as Ter-Allam or simply Vancouver, is one such musician whose journey reflects a deep connection to his roots and a commitment to creating timeless music. Let’s delve into the life and career of Vancouver Ter-Allam, exploring the influences, challenges, and distinctive sound that defines his musical identity as he releases his new single titled “Dooshima U Ter”. Interview was conducted by AkweyaTV’s Idajor Ajah.
Early Beginnings and Musical Inspiration
Vancouver Ter-Allam, born Jeremiah Vancouver Terhemen Benjamin Kaor Allam, traces his musical roots back to his family. He remembers starting to sing very early in life, though more clearly at the age of 12. Raised in a household where singing and dancing were ingrained in the family tradition, Ter-Allam’s journey began with inspiration from his mother, a singer and dancer, after whom he used to sing. The album “Tar Usha” carries the weight of his family’s musical legacy, with the song “Yesu Hemba” being particularly special, as it was written by his mother.
The Evolution of Ter-Allam
Ter-Allam, sometimes called The Bantu Man by his fans, officially adopted the stage name Ter-Allam, with “Tar Usha” lead track of an album by the same title becoming his trademark song. Reflecting on the universal appeal of music, Ter-Allam emphasises that one doesn’t need to understand the language to connect with it. His music, deeply rooted in the Bantu culture, transcends linguistic boundaries, drawing listeners from diverse backgrounds.
“My father was a clergyman and used to love Christian music, but my brothers used to bring secular music to play on the turntables in the house, of course, when my father was not around.”
The Genesis of Ter-Allam’s Music Career
While pinpointing the exact start of his music career proves challenging, Ter-Allam’s initial recognition came through radio broadcasts in Nigeria. A pivotal moment occurred when listeners from various linguistic backgrounds praised his music, marking the beginning of his impactful journey in the music industry.
“I sing in the Bantu language and Tiv is one of the Bantu languages.”
The Bantu are a diverse group of ethnic groups spread across a vast region of sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa. The Bantu languages belong to the larger Niger-Congo language family and some researchers suggest that the Tiv people are part of the Bantu expansion that originated in the West-Central Africa region. This theory posits that the ancestors of the Tiv migrated from the Cameroon-Nigeria border region and spread across present-day Nigeria, possibly interacting and intermingling with other ethnic groups along the way. Linguistic evidence supports this view, as the Tiv language belongs to the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family, which is also associated with many other Bantu languages.
“My father was a clergyman and used to love Christian music, but my brothers used to bring secular music to play on the turntables in the house, of course, when my father was not around.”
The Influence of Family and Tradition
Despite the Bantu links, Ter-Allam’s family, deeply embedded in the clergy, played a crucial role in shaping his musical inclination. His mother’s singing and his grandmother’s influence created an environment where music, entertainment, and tradition intertwined seamlessly. Ter-Allam credits his upbringing for instilling a love for church and traditional music.
Like the Tiv, Bantu cultures are rich in artistic expression, including vibrant traditional music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts. Drums, xylophones, and various stringed instruments are commonly used in Bantu music, which often accompanies ceremonial and social events.
Ter-Allam’s Musical Philosophy, Challenges and Constraints
The journey to success is rarely smooth, and Ter-Allam faced his share of challenges. From strict familial constraints on playing certain sounds in the home to the struggle of establishing a sound system, he navigated obstacles with resilience. Yet, his passion and love for music prevailed, propelling him to explore various genres and experiment with sounds.
Ter-Allam’s music is a fusion of traditional Bantu sounds, reggae, R&B, and contemporary elements. While he doesn’t categorise himself as a strict gospel or secular artist, he sees his music as a reflection of inspiration.
Ter Allam is an award-winning theatre director. He studied Performing Arts at the Benue State University Makurdi and the University of Abuja, both in Nigeria. Ter-Allam’s commitment to originality and authenticity is evident, with his compositions serving as a timeless bridge between tradition and modernity.
“I sing in the Bantu language and Tiv is one of the Bantu languages.”
Looking Ahead
As Ter-Allam embarks on his third album, the focus remains on creating music that transcends time and borders. His vision is not driven solely by commercial success but by the desire to inspire and leave a lasting impact on future generations.
Ter-Allam sees his music as a vessel for Bantu culture and tradition, making him a torchbearer for the rich musical heritage he hails from. His second album, Yesu Hemba, was done as a tribute to his mother, an album that he and his beloved mother were to record together.
Vancouver Ter-Allam’s musical journey is a testament to the power of tradition, family, and passion. Vancouver Ter-Allam admits to being heavily influenced in recent times by South African musician and politician Ringo Madlingozi. He is also influenced by the works Umoja performing troupe and its grand depiction of the traditional Zulu society in transition into modernity under the influence of colonialism. As he continues to evolve as an artist, his commitment to authenticity and originality sets him apart in the dynamic world of music. Ter-Allam’s story is not just about melodies and rhythms; it’s a celebration of cultural heritage and a timeless musical legacy.
He is billed to perform on 1 April 2024 at the 4th Rydeem of Light International Gospel Reggae Festival in Kaduna, Nigeria. The festival is organised by the Gospel Reggae Team Initiative, with support from Akweya TV, Symphony Production, Lofond Sound, Jimona Print and the Media Service Centre, Kaduna.
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7m7dvJuyA7h5XMc22i
