Christian Uzoma Onyeji Sr., a composer, ethnomusicologist, and pianist, is deeply dedicated to promoting classical music drawn from Nigerian-based content and methodology. Born on August 15, 1967, in Imo State, Nigeria, he carries on the musical legacy of his paternal grandfather, an Igbo master Oja (wooden flute) performer at traditional Igbo ceremonies.
Onyeji received a Diploma in Music Education in 1988, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music in 1990, and a Master of Arts degree in composition in 1995, all from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In 2002, Onyeji earned a Doctor of Music degree from the University of Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.
In 1996, Onyeji composed his first significant work, “Ufie,” an Igbo dance for piano, with traditional and artistic perceptions from the wooden slit Ufie drum, performed only by the men who have achieved respectable status in the Anambra part of Igbo land.
By 2006, Onyeji, who promoted the significance of the Oja in Igbo culture, also developed the drummistic piano style of composition, which he combined with the African Vocalism style from the Nsukka Choral School. In 2007, his work won first place (the gold cup) at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) held in Markudi, Benue State, for the choral composition titled “Omenala bu ike,” The work was commissioned by the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture (ISCAC) in Owerri, Nigeria. During that same period, he received the National Research Foundation of South Africa and North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa Research Fellowship for his investigation of the music of the Batswana tribe of South Africa.
In 2009, Onyeji became a professor of music at the Department of Music at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. There, he taught composition based on modern African art music, which he viewed as both a symbol of solidarity and unity and a tribute to the ‘gods’ of traditional Nigerian religion. From 2016 to 2018, Onyeji served as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Onyeji’s contributions to African art music are diverse and significant. His work spans symphony orchestration, modern compositions for the piano, choral compositions, and solo voice compositions. Each genre of music showcases his talent and creativity, which he draws from Indigenous African musical paradigms. His work, which advocates a logical continuum of African traditional music and dance preservation, has had a profound impact on the global musical community by decolonizing the African musical language and identity.
Onyeji’s scholarly works have been published in peer-reviewed journals such as the International Journal of Music Education and Awka: Journal of Research in Music and the Arts. His numerous awards include the Global Lifetime Achievers International Gold Award (GLAIGA) from Nigerian Top Leaders International Magazine and the Outstanding Vocational Service Award from the Rotary Club, Nsukka.
Christian Uzoma Onyeji Sr. and his wife, Elizabeth Ime Udoh Onyeji, a singer, are the parents of concert pianist Christian Uzoma Onyeji Jr.