The Ubo-aka, a melodic-rhythmic instrument of Igbo cultural heritage, is a deeply spiritual tool.
In Igbo culture, every person is considered an extension of a spirit being. The Igbos call this spirit "Chi"—an ancestor who once lived on Earth. This chi acts as a guardian angel, guiding one's journey through life.
For the Igbo people, meditation is a shared experience with one's Chi. This spiritual guide offers counsel when needed. The profound connection between an Igbo person and their Chi is captured in the saying, "Onye kwelu, chi ekwelu" (if one believes, their chi believes). Similarly, the Ubo-aka is an instrument that serves its player, responding to their unique touch and spirit.
The Ubo-aka's music isn't confined to specific occasions or official purposes; rather, it's deeply integrated into one's personal life. In pre-colonial Igbo society, it's said that virtually every man owned this instrument. After a day's work, a man would sit with his Ubo-aka, playing to relieve stress and rejuvenate his spirit.
The Ubo-aka is an instrument that serves various personal purposes. Some use it to entertain friends and visitors, while others employ it for meditation, therapy and contemplation.
[Our Artist, Gerald Eze, performs the music of Igbo legend Mike Ejeagha for him in his home, using the Ubo-aka and the Oja.]
Regardless of its chosen purpose, one thing is clear: the sound of the Ubo-aka captivates listeners, guiding them on a journey of self-discovery. Its melodic tones are often compared to water dripping from stalactites. For the Igbo people, who view life as inherently spiritual, this instrument creates the perfect environment to commune with their chi and tell stories of their experiences through life.
The Ubo-aka, once a cherished part of every Igbo household, has sadly faded from prominence in contemporary society. It's heartening to see that, despite this decline, the instrument's legacy lives on through the passionate efforts of a dedicated few. While we may feel a sense of loss comparing it to the thriving Mbira tradition of Zimbabwe's Shona people, there's still reason for hope. Institutions like Ichoku Academy are working tirelessly to keep the Ubo-aka's spirit alive, crafting these beautiful instruments and passing on their knowledge to the next generation of Igbo children in southeastern Nigeria. It's truly inspiring to see Gerald Eze, our featured artist and the founder of Ichoku Academy, breathing new life into this rich tradition. By incorporating the Ubo-aka into his songs and live performances, he's not just preserving a piece of Igbo heritage - he's helping it evolve and find its place in our modern world.
Listen to ‘Uchu’ by Gerald Eze
