Akin Euba was a Nigerian composer, musicologist, and pianist. His full name was Olatunji Akin Euba. He was born on April 28, 1935, in Lagos, Nigeria, and died on April 14, 2020, at the age of 84. He is known for pioneering the theories of African Pianism and creative ethnomusicology.
When and Where Was Akin Euba Born?
Akin Euba was born on April 28, 1935, in Lagos, Nigeria. He received his early musical training in Lagos before traveling to England for advanced studies.
What Was Akin Euba’s Early Musical Training?
Akin Euba’s early musical training took place in Lagos, Nigeria. He worked in broadcasting, at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, before pursuing formal composition studies abroad. His position in broadcasting contributed to performances and recordings of his early compositions. “The Wanderer” was his first composition to explore elements of African music.
Where Did Akin Euba Study Composition?
Akin Euba studied composition at the Trinity College of Music in London from 1952 to 1957. He studied under two teachers, Arnold Cooke and Eric Taylor. In four years at Trinity College, he earned three diplomas:
- Associate of Trinity College London, Piano Performance, 1954
- Licentiate of Trinity College London, Teacher’s Training Diploma, 1955
- Fellow of Trinity College London, in both Composition and Piano
What Degrees Did Akin Euba Earn in the United States?
Akin Euba received a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship in 1962 to study ethnomusicology at the University of California, Los Angeles. This fellowship marked a turning point in his career, exposing him to musical cultures from many parts of the world.
At UCLA, Akin Euba earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. He studied under five notable scholars:
- Mantle Hood
- Charles Seeger
- J.H. Kwabena Nketia
- Klaus Wachsmann
- Roy Travis
Where Did Akin Euba Earn His PhD?
Akin Euba earned a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1974. His doctoral supervisor was Professor J.H. Kwabena Nketia. His dissertation was titled “Dundun Music of the Yoruba.”
The table below summarizes Akin Euba’s academic qualifications.
| Institution | Qualification | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity College of Music, London | Composition and Piano diplomas | 1952–1957 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts | 1960s |
| University of Ghana, Legon | PhD in ethnomusicology | 1974 |
This table lists Akin Euba’s academic institutions, the qualifications he earned at each, and the approximate year of completion, based on available biographical sources.
What Academic Positions Did Akin Euba Hold?
Akin Euba held academic positions at several universities across three countries. He served as professor and director of the Centre for Cultural Studies at the University of Lagos. He also worked as a senior research fellow at the University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University.
Akin Euba later taught at the University of Pittsburgh, where he held the position of Mellon Professor Emeritus in music. His courses at Pittsburgh included the following:
- Music in Africa
- Introduction to Ethnomusicology
- Field and Lab Methods
- World Music
- Creative Ethnomusicology
- Intercultural Musicology
What Organizations Did Akin Euba Found?
Akin Euba founded the Centre for Intercultural Music Arts in London in 1989. He also served as director emeritus of the Centre for Intercultural Musicology at Churchill College, University of Cambridge.
Akin Euba organized the first and second biennial international symposium and festival on the theme “Composition in Africa and the Diaspora” at Churchill College, Cambridge. He organized similar symposia at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. These events featured notable composers and scholars, including J.H. Kwabena Nketia and Halim El-Dabh.
What Theories Did Akin Euba Develop?
Akin Euba pioneered three influential theories in African music scholarship:
- African Pianism
- Intercultural Musicology
- Creative Ethnomusicology
His mission centered on creating an “African Art Music,” a form of music intended to be universal to all of Africa while using the stylistic and instrumental materials of African music.
What Was Akin Euba’s Compositional Style?
Akin Euba’s compositions combined African traditional material with contemporary classical music. Much of this material drew from his own ethnic group, the Yoruba people. With his Elekoto Ensemble, he brought together musicians from six countries: Nigeria, China, India, Germany, Malta, and the United States.
What Are Some of Akin Euba’s Notable Works?
Akin Euba composed several notable works across his career. These include the opera “Chaka,” presented at an international millennium colloquium at Churchill College, Cambridge, in 2000. His other works include “Orunmila’s Voices,” premiered in New Orleans in 2002, “Five Pieces for English Horn and Piano,” and a String Quartet.
When Did Akin Euba Die?
Akin Euba died on April 14, 2020, at the age of 84. His passing drew tributes from scholars and musicians who had worked with him throughout his career, including Professor Godwin Sadoh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Akin Euba’s full name?
Akin Euba’s full name was Olatunji Akin Euba.
When was Akin Euba born and when did he die?
Akin Euba was born on April 28, 1935, and died on April 14, 2020.
What theory is Akin Euba best known for?
Akin Euba is best known for pioneering the theory of African Pianism.
Where did Akin Euba earn his PhD?
Akin Euba earned his PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1974.
What ethnic group influenced Akin Euba’s compositions?
Akin Euba’s compositions were influenced primarily by the Yoruba people, his own ethnic group.