Music is a universal tool for telling unique stories. The Oja flute hails from eastern Nigeria. This unique whistle ‘talks’ while drummers drum and dancers dance.
Gerald Eze is at the peak of his powers, a master of the Oja who can produce several sounds directly analogous to spoken words. Dancers also move to the tune of the oja flute as if it were a drum or other rhythmic instrument. The Oja is used to announce dignitaries as they enter the performance space. The oja flutist may use this instrument to announce the name of such a person.
In an exclusive scoop with Gerald Eze, he gave us an insight into what it means to be a Griot and how his Indigenous roots contributed to his love for the Oja
Learning to Play the Oja: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
Gerald Eze’s journey with the Oja began at the tender age of five, influenced by his uncle, Rev. Fr. Herbert Ezeji, who exposed him to traditional Igbo music. He became inspired by the sounds of Pericoma Okoye’s Njima music and the vibrant energy of the Igbammanwu, a masquerade dance ensemble. This early exposure ignited a passion within him, leading him to aspire to play the Oja, a traditional flute-like instrument.
Eze received his formal education in a Catholic school, where cultural dances were a staple of school events, providing him with the opportunity to play the Oja. Initially self-taught, he honed his skills by listening to the music of the Ogene master, Osuma Malaika, and the Egedege Queen, Mama Theresa Onuora. His journey was not the smoothest, but a pivotal moment came when an older friend encouraged him to believe in his abilities. With renewed confidence, Eze continued to master the Oja on his own, uncovering the unique expression of the art that would later define his career.
Passing Down Knowledge: Ichoku Academy and the Future of Igbo Music
Understanding the importance of preserving traditional Igbo music for future generations, Gerald Eze founded Ichoku Academy, an institution dedicated to teaching Igbo and Western musical instruments. For the past 11 years, the academy has nurtured young talents who have gone on to excel not only in music but in fields such as medicine, law, and public health.
Eze’s commitment to educating the younger generation extends beyond the academy. He travels across Nigeria, performing in art centers and cultural institutions, reintroducing audiences to Igbo folk songs that have faded from popular consciousness. His educational tours, sponsored by FELBON Records, use Igbo music and instruments to teach morals and inspire creativity in secondary school students, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of Igbo music continues to thrive.
Telling Stories with the Oja: A Global Journey
Gerald Eze’s mastery of the Oja has taken him beyond the shores of Nigeria, earning him recognition on international stages. His performance with the Oja at the 2015 Headies Awards marked a significant moment, as he introduced the instrument to a modern audience in a groundbreaking performance that blended traditional sounds with contemporary music. However this was as a result of Chief Obi Asika who made a video on Eze which went viral and the rest they say is history from there on.
His talents have been recognized in academic circles. He has delivered lectures on the Oja at Dartmouth College, sharing his insights on the art form and its cultural significance. His collaboration with the Morehouse College Glee Club Choir, where he introduced the Oja into a performance of Prof. Laz Ekwueme’s “Obi Dimkpa,” went viral, showcasing the instrument’s versatility and potential to bridge cultural divides.
Future Projects: The New Rave of Indigenous African Music
Looking to the future, Gerald Eze is excited about the upcoming release of his new album, The New Rave, which he believes will solidify the status of Indigenous African music as the new wave in the global music scene. The album’s lead single, “Enyi,” is a rich blend of Oja, drums, storytelling, and folk songs, designed to captivate audiences in clubs, schools, parties, and national events.
Eze’s ambition to collaborate with other African musicians is also at the forefront of his plans. He draws inspiration from traditional musicians like Pericoma Okoye and Celestine Ukwu to contemporary icons like Don Jazzy and Dbanj. His dream of working with artists such as Flavour, IllBliss, Phyno, and Zoro reflects his passion for collaboration and his desire to bring the unique sound of the Oja to a broader audience.
From his early days of self-teaching to his international performances and academic contributions, Eze has dedicated his life to mastering the Oja and sharing its rich heritage with the world. There is no doubt that the sound of the Oja will continue to resonate and unite people regardless of their ancestral heritage.
