September, 2022
From Science to Sax:
Perpi Awele’s Musical Journey
Perpi Awele explores her musical journey—from her roots in Nigeria to her evolution as a saxophonist and composer. She shares how a deep connection with her audience led her to pivot from biochemistry to music, embracing the saxophone through self-teaching and inspiring others along the way. Her creative process emphasizes collaboration, resulting in compositions like Meditation and The Landing 1803, which narrates the history of Igbo slaves. She also discusses the significance of her EJ Live Project, reflects on her childhood in a close-knit community, and her efforts to recreate that spirit for her children in Canada. Looking ahead, she announces her upcoming album, EJ Awili, set for release ahead of a major concert on September 23rd—potentially at a larger venue to accommodate her growing audience.
Chapter 1: Musical Journey and Origin
Perpi Awele shares her early music journey, starting in Nigeria, where she initially pursued biochemistry before financial constraints led her to explore music. She reflects on her first significant performance at Muson Center, where she experienced a profound emotional connection with the audience—particularly a visually impaired listener. This pivotal moment reinforced her passion and ultimately solidified her decision to pursue music as a career.
Chapter 2: Saxophone Discovery
Perpi shares how she was introduced to the saxophone through a friend’s old instrument, becoming the only girl in her school playing at the time. Without access to formal instruction, she taught herself, gradually gaining popularity and inspiring other students to take up the saxophone. Her passion for the instrument eventually led her to pursue a performance major at Muson Center, where she received formal training for the first time under an instructor.
Chapter 3: Creating Music and Cultural Influence
Perpi Awele shares how she transitioned from playing covers to creating her own original music. Her first attempt at composition came during a GT Bank event, marking the beginning of her journey as a songwriter. She later collaborated with her friend Timothy to record *Untitled*, but it was *Meditation* that became her first fully original composition. Throughout her creative process, she emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration, shaping her music through shared experiences and collective creativity.
Chapter 4: Recording Process and Emotional Connection
Perpi discusses the emotional process of recording *The Landing 1803*, a piece inspired by the harrowing story of Igbo slaves who chose drowning over slavery. She explains how she uses the soprano saxophone for storytelling and the tenor saxophone for serenading, carefully selecting each instrument to evoke the right emotions. She also emphasizes the power of subtlety and silence in her music, using these elements to deepen the impact of the story she seeks to convey.
Chapter 5: Ije Live Project and Studio Bell Performance
Efe Mike-Ifeta invites Meryem Saci to share the inspiration and meaning behind her song. Meryem explains how the track reflects her life through wordplay and cultural references, turning her experiences into a sequence of scenes that tell her story. She emphasizes the importance of articulating shared experiences and giving a voice to those who have lived them.
Chapter 6: Childhood Memories and Community
Perpi Awele reflects on growing up in a close-knit community in Nigeria, where the strong sense of connection and support left a lasting impact on her. She shares how she misses that sense of community and is working to recreate it for her children in Canada. To foster a similar spirit, she organizes piano lessons and gatherings, aiming to build a community where her children can experience the same warmth and togetherness she had growing up.
Chapter 7: Upcoming Album and Future Plans
Perpi shares details about her upcoming album, *Ije Awele*, which reflects the concept of a journey through grace. She plans to include 10-12 tracks, with the possibility of incorporating some live recordings. As she prepares for her upcoming concert on September 23rd, she’s considering a larger venue to accommodate a growing audience eager to experience her music.
Transcript
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