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.

Violin
0%
Piano
0%
Cello
0%
Voice
0%

The Ichoku Academy is amazing. It has impacted positively on my children and family. It has revealed hidden talent in them, improved their confidence, brought them to the limelight, inspired other children/families to join the academy, and encouraged bonding and teamwork in the family. It is also a source of income for them.

Patrick & Amaka Ezeno / Parent

Ichoku Academy exposed our children to the rich and beautiful musical heritage of Igbo people and its potentias in the world today. In providing them opportunities for stage performance before large audiences, it grew their self-confidence. It developed their sense of duty by assigning roles and responsibilities to them. It enhanced their appreciation of the African family values.

Ike & Christy Odimegwu / parent

The Ichoku Academy is an amazing initiative geared towards grooming young minds on the practical use of Igbo cultural musical instruments through dance, folk tales, and storytelling. My son, who has been a product of the academy since he was 12 years old, can now perform excellently well in the Sunday church service. The academy not only trains children and young people to use traditional and Western instruments, but it also builds their confidence and skills in performance and public speaking. I would recommend Ichoku Academy to every parent as a wonderful platform where their children can be given the opportunity to build their skills.

Martha Egenti / parent

Send Message to Terry