Okwu ID Brings the Sound of the Oja to UCL for Black History Month

Ever wondered how to play the Igbo Flute?

October 2025 marked Black History Month, and to celebrate, Okwu ID visited University College London (UCL) to host an Igbo Flute Workshop, shining a light on one of West Africa’s most distinctive instruments, the Oja.

Led by traditional flautist Ogechukwu, the workshop introduced students to the history, symbolism, and sound of the Oja, a small wooden flute often described as the voice of the ancestors. Participants learned about its use in Igbo festivals, storytelling, and ceremonies before trying the instrument themselves. Each student received a handcrafted Oja made in Nigeria, giving them a lasting connection to the culture they were exploring.

The event was lively and hands-on. Students listened, played, and reflected on what it meant to engage directly with a living part of African tradition. Many shared how meaningful it felt to experience African culture through touch, sound, and community.

These workshops are important to us at Okwu ID because they bring people closer to the depth, beauty, and power of African heritage. Our mission is to educate and inspire young Black people and the wider public about the richness of African cultures. Too often, these stories are told by others and lose their depth and dignity. We believe it is essential to reclaim them and share their beauty in our own voices.

Workshops like this help us do just that, bringing African art, music, and knowledge to new spaces and celebrating our heritage with pride.

Follow us on Instagram @OkwuID to stay updated on future events.