The ọjà is an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and continues to play a significant role in their musical traditions. The Igbo people, who are indigenous to Nigeria, are renowned for the utilization of the ọjà (flute) traditional musical instrument in cultural activities or events. It is made from bamboo or metal and is played by blowing air into one end while covering and uncovering holes along the body to create different notes. The ọjà, which is skillfully carved from wood, produces a beautiful sound when played during songs.[1] In traditional Igbo music, the ọjà is often performed in conjunction with a number of other instruments such as the ekwe, udu (percussion instrument), igba (drum), ogene (bell), ichaka/0sha (rattle), okwa (gong), etc.[2] These instruments complement each other to create a unique and distinct sound that characterizes the musical traditions of the Igbo people. The seamless integration of these instruments in musical performances highlights the strong musical heritage and cultural identity of the Igbo people.[3]
Ọjà is a highly portable musical instrument, easily transportable and convenient to carry around. This characteristic makes it a popular choice among musicians who perform at various events and ceremonies, both within and outside the Igbo community. The versatility and mobility of the Ọjà have also contributed to its widespread usage in traditional Igbo music, preserving its cultural significance and ensuring its continuity from one generation to the next.
The defining characteristic of the Ọjà flute is its distinct high-pitched sound, which varies among different types of the instrument. This variation in sound is attributed to the size of the Ọjà and the quality of sound produced determines its function within the ensembles of the traditional Igbo music. The smaller instruments produces higher-pitched sounds, the smallest Ọjà discovered to date measures approximately 14 cm in length, while the largest is approximately 26 cm.