
Somtoo Onyejekwe
Somtoo Onyejekwe is a music technologist, multi-instrumentalist, and cultural educator dedicated to preserving Indigenous Igbo musical instruments. A graduate of the Department of Music, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, he further trained at Ichoku Academy under Gerald Eze, specializing in constructing and refining endangered Igbo instruments.
As Ichoku Academy’s Orchestral Director and Music Technologist, Somtoo focuses on the endangered Ụbọ-aka (Igbo lamellophone) and Ngedelegwu (Igbo Xylophone). He also builds and teaches the Igba (drums), Ekwe, and Oja (flute), enhancing their quality for contemporary use. A dedicated mentor, he has taught youth across Nigerian communities and directed the Ichoku Orchestra at events like the Egwuregwu Concert in Awka.
An expert on the Igba drum, Somtoo has performed as Lead Drummer in the academy’s ensemble outings at the French Embassy, the Uwa Mgbede Concert in Abuja, and the Centre for Memories. His instruments have reached international exhibitions like London’s Mboho Exhibition. He also works as a prominent DJ in Awka, Anambra State.