Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

1972 in London, England

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Tunde Jegede is a British-Nigerian composer, cellist, and kora player who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on November 28, 1972, in London, England, Jegede grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Emmanuel Jegede, was a renowned Nigerian composer and musicologist, while his mother, Margaret Busby, was a writer and editor. Jegede began his musical journey at a young age, learning to play the cello and piano. He later discovered the kora, a West African harp-lute, and fell in love with its unique sound. He studied the instrument under the guidance of Gambian kora master Amadu Bansang Jobarteh and went on to become one of the few non-African musicians to master the instrument. Jegede's musical education continued at the Purcell School of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He also studied composition with renowned composers such as Peter Maxwell Davies and Harrison Birtwistle. Jegede's compositions are a fusion of classical, African, and jazz music, reflecting his diverse musical influences. His works often feature the kora, cello, and other traditional African instruments, as well as Western classical instruments. One of Jegede's most notable works is his opera "The Silent Prince," which premiered at the Royal Opera House in London in 2003. The opera tells the story of a young African prince who is forced to flee his kingdom after a coup and ends up in London, where he struggles to adapt to a new culture. The opera features a blend of African and Western music and was praised for its innovative approach to storytelling. Jegede has also composed music for film and television, including the score for the BBC documentary "The Lost Libraries of Timbuktu" and the soundtrack for the film "In the Shadow of the Sun." In addition to his work as a composer, Jegede is also a highly skilled performer. He has performed with a variety of ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Kronos Quartet. He has also collaborated with musicians from around the world, including jazz pianist Courtney Pine and Indian classical musician Anoushka Shankar. Jegede's contributions to the world of classical music have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the BBC Radio 3 World Music Award for Best African Artist in 2002 and the Arts Council England Fellowship in 2012. Jegede's music continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. His unique blend of African and Western music has helped to bridge cultural divides and bring people together through the power of music.

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