Joshua Uzoigwe, Nigerian composer and ethnomusicologist, was born on this day in 1946. A member of the Igbo ethnic group, many of his works draw on the traditional music of these people.
Uzoigwe studied music at the Royal schools of Music, London, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
and was a student of John Blacking of Belfast School of Music, Ireland.
At the time of his death, Joshua Uzoigwe had established himself as one of the main exponents of African pianism and one of the leading figures of the school of Neo-African composition. His command of the genre of African pianism is demonstrated in such works as Talking Drums (1990) and Agbigbo (2003) for solo piano, and in the instrumental part of the song Erin Ngeringe (1973).
Uzoigwe left an important legacy for succeeding generations of African composers and his stature will continue to grow as the modern African school of writing gains more recognition around the world.
Reference: Akin Euba (2005) Remembering Joshua Uzoigwe: Exponent of African
pianism.
Vera Onah performed Tuzu by Joshua Uzoigwe at the NAM Virtual Concert 2023.
One Response
An old boy of Kings College, Lagos, Joshua’s renown as an extraordinary star and master of music and piano, extended far beyond his departure from the school. I remember him, with thanksgiving to God for his remarkable talent and pray that He would bless his legacy. Thank you, Ayo! – Pst. Yemi Akisanya