Interview: Etuk Ubong on music as codes

Ubong has performed professionally for close to a decade alongside renowned musicians such as Victor Olaiya, Femi Kuti and Buchi, a popular Nigerian gospel reggae singer. Drawing inspiration from the jazz greats, Afrobeat, highlife and ekombi, he says that the sounds of the elements – water, wind and fire – inspire him, which is why he calls his brand music ‘Earth Music’.

His compositions reflect his heritage and life philosophy of goodwill, peace and love for humanity. Ubong has been able to bring his style of music – horn-filled Afrobeat, funk and high-energy jazz – to a new audience. Watching him on the trumpet is a real delight.

In September, Ubong will be at the Joy of Jazz festival in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he will present a taste of his upcoming album, slated for release early next year.

Music in Africa caught up with Ubong while on his European tour for an exclusive interview.

MUSIC IN AFRICA: Who is Etuk Ubong?

ETUK UBONG: Etuk Ubong is a human who's concerned about affecting society positively using the codes of the Creator. The codes of the Creator are broad and too deep for a shallow-minded man to understand. Take for instance the great Imhotep, father of medicine, architect, priest, author. He solved a problem using the code.

Deep wisdom and knowledge of the surface of mankind. I can put that as a definition for mankind, but here it is: I don’t have an actual definition right now. But I will go about it this way, then you and everyone else who isn't informed or aware can figure it out.

Tell us about your background. What made you want to do Afrobeat?

I'm from a mixed spiritual and religious home. Mum was a devoted Christian while my dad and my granddad were a traditional chief priests.

What made you choose the trumpet?

Musically, I have crossed so many paths, I started my career playing as a sideman with Dr Victor Olaiya who is a doyen of highlife music in Nigeria. As a teenager in his band we played twice a week at his club Papingo Davalaya at the Stadium Hotel for about three years or so. Then I played as sideman in other bands and genres like reggae, jazz, pop and finally Afrobeat with Femi Kuti. Experiencing all of these music institutions changed my thoughts about life in general.

While I was on that path of learning, while playing with these great musicians, I always knew that I was going to make my music someday. Then came Earth Music, a kind of music that reflects the struggle of humanity. It speaks against tyrants, injustice, corruption and other ills in society.

Tell us more about your creative process. What inspires you?

People and life generally inspire me. Of course, I know we live in a world of confusion and division with the intention of love and light by the Creator, like I was born into. But looking at the heart of mankind, we see light and love which reflects the creation of God. The inspiration is for me to use the code. I have to affect humans through my music to regain that consciousness of love and light as much as I can.

So, can it be said that your style of music is your way of delivering the codes?

Yes.

You have been on quite a number of tours around the world lately. How does that feel for you as a messenger using your music?

It sure does feel great regarding my career as a musician on the road. I'm sure every musician out there aspires to be on the road. But what's most important is that I have the opportunity to utilise my code in affecting and influencing the people of the world beyond my community to a larger one with the message of love and light, peace and goodwill, unity and harmony.

How do you interact with your fans and how would you describe them?

So far so good. I have encountered great people who appreciate and adhere to the messages I bring to them. It’s always a life-changing experience all of us. I will show you an example. [A text from a fan]: ‘It was a pleasure and an honour to listen to your sound last night. Thank you, pleasure to meet you. I’m sending my sons to Lagos University after that.’ That's from Nick, a true follower and fan from London.

I talked about cultural exchange, about believing that someday, they [Europeans] can and will send their kids to Nigeria to study like we send ours.

The Joy of Jazz festival is coming up in South Africa in September with you as one of the artists featuring. Tell us more about that.

My first time in South Africa I was at Joy of Jazz as a listener and jazz lover who came to watch and be part of the festival, and I said to myself, 'Someday I will be on that stage' and it's a reality now.

Also the fact that one of the greatest musicians I have always idolised, Wynton Marsalis will be on the line-up as well. I'm happy to share Earth Music with my African brothers and sisters.

What should the fans be expecting of your Joy of Jazz performance?

Earth Music which comes with love and light. They must come with an open heart, though.

Where is your favourite place to perform in the world?

The Truth – my place of worship and commune, open to all mankind to converse in optimism regardless of race or culture.

Do you have a message for your fans? Any album or single to be released soon?

I'm releasing my next album The Purpose of creation with the Night Dreamers record label in late January 2020. I will also be playing music from the album at Joy of Jazz.

For more information about Joy of Jazz 2019, visit the official website.