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OJA Flute
The Oja flute hails from eastern Nigeria and
is often used with Nigerian drums such as the (log drum) Ekwe, (vessel drum) Udu and/or the Igba. This unique whistle
'talks' while the drummers are playing. During masquerade dances in eastern
Nigeria, the Oja flutist leads the drumming
and praise music and dance. An Oja
master is be able to produce several sounds directly analogous with spoken or sung words. Dancers also move to the tune of the
Oja flute as if it were a drum or other rhythmic instrument. If an
important person enters the performance space, the Oja
flutist may use this instrument to announce the name of such person. The
Oja flute is also played at home without
other instruments, or in the evening as a serenade accompaniment while strolling with a friend or life partner.
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