Ojapiano: The Mesmerizing Fusion of Amapiano and the Igbo Flute, Oja

Unveiling Kcee’s Mystical Ode to Tradition and Innovation in a Captivating Music Video

In the world of Nigerian artistry, there are certain artistes who dare to step outside the boundaries of conventional sounds and create something truly unique.

One such is the multi- talented Nigerian musician, Bad Man Kcee (BMK); full name, Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo, who has recently introduced a groundbreaking genre that merges the infectious beats of Amapiano with the enchanting melodies of the traditional Igbo flute, Oja.

This fusion, aptly named “Ojapiano,” is a testament to Kcee’s creativity and dedication to pushing the boundaries of music.

Unmasking the Mythic Aura: Kcee’s Artistic Evolution and Risk-Taking

From the moment you press play on Kcee’s music video, Ojapiano, you can sense a mystical charisma surrounding him, reminiscent of the saxophone-maestro, Lagbaja.

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With his face masked, he exudes a sense of intrigue and captures the attention of his audience. This is not the first time Kcee; the Five Star Music record-label-boss, has chosen to appear masked in a music video, he did so in his Ojapiano visualizer and Dum Dum, a collaborative feature with Skibii; and it certainly won’t be his last.

This small risk is a testament to his arty vision and willingness to venture into uncharted territory, something that new musicians often shy away from.

Director MattMax Returns: The Genius Behind the Camera in the Ojapiano music video

For his groundbreaking song, Kcee collaborates with the talented music director, Mattmax. The visual brilliance of Mattmax shines through in every frame, with wide and unpredictable angles that keep viewers on their toes.

Each scene carries a theme, with performers styled to complement the locations. The clever use of vibrant color palettes, such as yellow, black, and red, makes a captivating pictorial experience that is both stimulating, calming and soothing to the eyes.

Kcee himself stands out from the dancers, frequently wearing outfits different from the rest, but in a way that doesn’t overwhelm or exhaust the viewer.

Moreover, there are ambitious and bigger-than-music-videos scenes, like, when a *horde of ridden horses gallop through a sandy terrain, the camera pans to the hoofs of the beasts, and the scattering of sand makes it all the better, fostering an ecstasy of grandiose.

Again, dancers at some point can be seen bopping enthusiastically in a desert and mountainous terrain, probably AI or green-screen generated, it is a breath of fresh air.

Everyone is masked in a mix of western and Igbo cultural attire.

The Enchanting Oja — A Symbol of Igbo Tradition

Central to the Ojapiano experience is the Oja, a traditional flute played by the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. Typically associated with ceremonies, funerals, and important gatherings, the Oja adds a touch of history and tradition to the fusion of Amapiano and the Igbo flute.

In the music video, the Oja is blown by a masquerade, further emphasizing the connection between the ancient instrument, spiritualism, and the modern sounds, arts and crafts.

As the beat of Ojapiano reverberates through your speakers, you are transported into a world where tradition meets innovation.

The Reverberating Melody: JaySynths Masterful Production

No discussion of Ojapiano would be complete without acknowledging the incredible production behind the music. JaySynths, the producer behind the song and mastery of the Oja and Amapiano, has truly outdone himself.

Entering the official Producer Top 100 Chart in Nigeria for the first time as “Ojapiano” led the singles chart on TurnTable, his knack for integrating the distinct elements of SA-based sound and the eastern flute is evident throughout the flavored track.

The result? An impactful and mesmerizing melody that lingers in your mind long after the song has ended. JaySynths has proven himself not only as a talented producer but also as an innovator and competent collaborator pushing the boundaries of music production.

Asides Kcee’s idealization, he works with Akunne Francis (igwe credo); a self-proclaimed “Igbo cultural hype man,” who is heard throughout the song eulogizing the artiste.

You see, eulogies are a common attraction of Nigerian sub-cultures, the Yorubas’ and people of Edo state do it consequently. More so, the soulful Oja flute blower who was 18-year-old at the date of Ojapiano’s release, early June 2023, braces the production with his flutist-prowess. He is the delectable, Ojazzy Igbonile. And in his words, “THE VOICE OF THE SPIRIT SINGS THROUGH THE OJA.”

To underscore my points, BMK said in an interview with Cool FM’s celebrity OAP, Do2dtun, that he searched for music producers up-and-about Nigeria to fuse the Oja with Amapiano.

However, the complaints were consistent (paraphrased), “the Oja cannot sit on key!” JaySynths performed allure where many indigenous producers crumbled after three years of Kcee’s tiring creative expedition.

Give him his flowers, please.

Ojapiano: A New Afrobeats-Inspired Genre Emerges

Just as Asake and Seyi Vibez have been dubbed Afro-Fuji, and Burna Boy has been recognized as a pioneer of Afro-fusion, Ojapiano is poised to become the next big genre in Nigerian music.

With its unique blend of Amapiano beats and the enchanting flute, Ojapiano offers a refreshing and innovative sound that captivates listeners, particularly cultural aficionados.

You should know, Kcee revealed in the same Cool FM interview (see lower), that he received a bunch of calls for collaboration from the likes of Odumodu Blvck, Phyno, and even South African acts after the addictive tune hit international airwaves.

Ojapiano is a genre that speaks to the merging of traditional and contemporary, paying homage to the past while embracing the future.

The Impact on Kcee’s “Oja” Style, Bop and Imagery

Kcee’s foray into Ojapiano has not only showcased his musical talent but has also had a significant impact on his style and image.

As an artist, the way you present yourself can greatly influence how your audience perceives and respects you. By embracing the Oja flute and incorporating it into his music, Kcee has shown a willingness to experiment and step outside his comfort zone.

This bold move has not only garnered him more respect but has also inspired other musicians to explore new sounds and aesthetics.

As listeners are drawn into the enticing track, Kcee brags, “see as dem dey look o / all eyes on me like 2Pac o / I no dey for your chitchat Oo / carry your matter go TikTok o,” possibly a *limerick to the barrage of dancers, home and abroad who have created and re- created dance steps with the song.

In style, Kcee does the dance with choreographers in the music video too. Oftentimes, nudging his head forward while kneeing forward, again, in style. When it gets tiring, he goes backward, looking like he is about to fall. Then, he faces the camera and sways his arm in circular motion.

It’s done with so much class and color, words fail me.

And on the fashion scene, Kcee, who was often spotted wearing ski masks in music videos, live performances, and media interviews, leading to the release of the hit song, Ojapiano, is not the only creative to undergo a transformation in style and image to enhance his music appeal.

Both foreign and local examples abound when it comes to musicians changing their looks to make a statement. Foreign acts like Lady Gaga, with her bold and eccentric outfits, and David Bowie, with his ever-changing personas, have shown that embracing a new image can be powerful and inspiring.

And on the local front, Afrobeats acts like Tiwa Savage, Teni the Entertainer and Niniola have demonstrated how a change in appearance can elevate their aura, charisma, artistry, music and command attention.

Kingsley’s Rousing for a Full Ojapiano Album

Having successfully introduced Ojapiano to the world with his groundbreaking single, Kcee is poised to take it a step further. He plans to release a full album dedicated to this unique fusion of Amapiano and the Igbo flute.

This ambitious project promises to showcase the versatility and range of Oja-Amapiano, further solidifying it as a distinct genre in the Nigerian music scene.

The Kolapiano-Ojapiano Controversy: An “Alleged” Intellectual Theft in the Afrobeats Industry?!

This Twitter thread unlocks the intriguing case of Kolaboy and the controversy surrounding Kcee’s song “Ojapiano,” specifically focusing on the alleged similarities between Ojapiano and the promising South-Eastern tune Kolapiano.

Read below:

Closing Out on Ojapiano: What’s Next?

In a world where Afrobeats is constantly evolving, artistes like Kcee dare to venture into uncharted territory and produce something truly exclusive, cultural and inspiring.

Ojapiano, the mesmerizing fusion of Amapiano and the Igbo flute, Oja, is a testament to Kcee’s creativity and dedication to pushing the boundaries of music.

With its enchanting melodies and infectious beats, and the occasional eulogizing chants of, “K-CEee Lim-POoO-PoooO,” Ojapiano has the potential to revolutionize the Nigerian music scene and captivate audiences around the world, creatively.

Bad Man Kcee’s readiness to embrace this new sound and explore new aesthetics has inspired other musicians from the Igbo tribe and other regions to follow suit.

As the world eagerly awaits BMK’s full Igbo-tuned album, there is no doubt that this groundbreaking genre is here to stay. The future of Ojapiano and its potential influence looks promising.

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Originally Published on Thursday, June 29, 2023