Sylvester Asoya
At just a few months shy of 13 years, Gozie Nwike is already dreaming about touching the sky. This extraordinary young man from Idumu Ozue Quarters, Umuolo Village, Onicha-Olona, a town in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, has all it takes to succeed. And as things stand, his childish curiosity and innocence may not necessarily be an encumbrance after all, given the young man’s excitement, eagerness and
enthusiasm with flute playing. But Nwike is not the only lad dreaming big in this part of Delta State well-known for extraordinarily talented people in creative arts and show business. In the same league as Nwike, is Ifeanyi Okwuokei, another 15 years prodigiously talented flutist from Issele-Mkpitime, a nearby community right next to Onicha-Olona.
One thing is certain: it is now clear that the duo’s desired musical destination is at the top. And these young flutists are doing everything possible to reach their dreams on record time.
For now, their skills remain their biggest asset with which to rule the world. And their ultimate destination, it seems, is to become or even surpass the records of James Galway, the world’s best flute player. This is definitely a tall order but from the look of things, there are positive indications that Nwike and Okwuokei will eventually live their dreams in no distant future. Part of their dreams and hopes in achieving their life goals is anchored on their determined decision to progress in all ways with their art. It is a fascinating reminder that one of their remarkable feats in fluting is the originality and innovation they bring to their solo performances in Delta State and across the country. The young flutists are so good to the extent that without additional devices, they are usually capable of producing sounds of definite pitch. For those who understand musical notes and their values, this is remarkable, and inventive too. And the harmonic frequency of their notes,
especially during life cultural performances are also distinguishing and enlivening.
At their performance recently during the burial in Issele-Uku of Sir Anazia Ejimofor, a progressive and well-known middle-aged man who died in his prime, the flutists shone like a thousand stars in spite of the anger and grieve at the funeral. The musicians also provided healing, especially for the grieving family of the deceased and their friends who came from far and near to say goodbye to a man of many parts.
Remarkably, the flutists are proving every day that they are made of sterner stuff with the honesty, respect and integrity they bring to bear on their career and life. There is no doubt that the journey ahead of these two gifted young musicians is still far but one thing is sure, recognition is within touching distance. And to their teeming fans, that destination is just a matter of time.
Aside the two wave-making lads, many people in the locality also look forward to the electrifying performance of Dike Onwordi. Though an older flutist, Onwordi who is 46, hails from Agwachime Quarters, Ogbe-Ofu Village, Issele-Uku. Onwordi is also making his mark and proving that age is just a number. In his view, his age, comparatively, does not in any way define him, his abilities, his confidence or his impending accomplishments. “Flute-playing is an art, but like every skill, each of us is gifted differently. My edge over my younger colleagues you just met who are equally endowed, is experience, and it comes with age. As they say, the sky is vast enough for all birds to fly without colliding. That is my attitude because I believe all of us can actually become very successful in life without unhealthy rivalry”.
Unlike Nwike and Okwuokei, Onwordi was born into a family of flutists and creatives. Onwordi who was obsessive about flute-playing at a very young age, honed his skill with alarming rapidity under the tutelage of a benevolent uncle. Today, he is happy to be earning a living from his little beginning as an apprentice flutist back then in his family’s compound. He insists that flute-playing is a family work, a trade that is open to every male child in his family. According to him, he was trained by Agulunam Ashibuogwu, his uncle who took him through the rudiments of flute-playing, stage presence and performance at a time many people looked down on music, acting and performing skills.
Today, most enlightened people know that playing flute comes with many advantages, including relieving stress, cultivating discipline, increasing brain function, helping body coordination and developing self-confidence. However, for Onwordi, the biggest benefit is the happiness flute gives him as a performing artiste. “Flute-playing gives me joy and I also receive messages from my ancestors anytime I am playing. Many people may not understand this part of direct communication with my forebears but that is the truth, we are always in constant touch anytime I am on set”, he says.
It is obvious Onwordi desperately desires more in terms of exposure and compensation from flute-playing. However, he is happy for where he is currently in his professional life as a flutist. After all, he is still going places on account of his flute and the notes the wind instrument produces, both at home and abroad. He has visited Jos, Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. He was also present at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, during the graduation ceremony of the young Issele-Uku monarch, His Royal Majesty, Obi Nduka Ezeagwuna.
Eventually, Onwordi who is also a farmer, will pass the baton of musical excellence to Nwike and Okwuokei, the ever-ready lads who are prepared to also give the light to the next generation. Like Onwordi, there are also many challenges limiting the creativity and growth of the two young and gifted artistes. For instance, Okwuokei who learnt under a professional flutist dropped out of school because of lack of support. According to him, the little money he makes as an itinerant minstrel, he uses for his upkeep. Sadly, his flute that he has been playing in the last four years is yet to return him to school which remains his top priority. “I want to be a musician in the near future but I also want to be educated so that I can function well in these changing times. I dropped out of school because there was no one to pay my fees and other necessary things. I will be so happy to return to school if a sponsor shows up today. I actually dropped out in class four, and I am not always happy whenever I see my old classmates going to school”. Nwike on the other hand, also wants support. However, the only edge he has is that he is in school. His parents are also alive and they encourage him a great deal. He is happy that his flute has taken him to many important cities in Nigeria. “I have visited Abuja, Makurdi, Lagos, Benin-City and Asaba. Everyone loves my art, including my friends who follow me to some performing arenas. And I feel good when they spray me money, it shows that I am doing well”.
Nonetheless, one thing that is very clear among these three Anioma flutists is that they would want to be remembered in years to come as Anioma’s legends of flute. This expectation or ambition will surely be established one day from the look of things. To a great degree, this realization is a source of happiness to the artistes who are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to be the best they can be.
