Joy Oluwatosin Adedeji: Giving the Harp a Voice in Nigeria’s Musical Landscape

By Emmanuel Daraloye

Rare amongst musical instruments in a clime as ours is the harp. Filled with sounds so ethereal and shaped as a triangular bow with vertical mystical-like strings. It finds its home among classical music, folk, traditional music, and other genres. In Nigeria, among the hard-to-find, yet one of the most sought-after harpists, is Joy Oluwatosin Adedeji.

Joy Oluwatosin Adedeji is Nigeria’s self-acclaimed first harpist, an astute Nigerian pianist, a music composer, an arranger, an orchestra percussionist, and the founder of JCM Strings. Born on the 13th of June, the Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, indigene discovered her love for music as a child. Even before her certifications in music from the University of Lagos, Joy found her passion. At the hallowed place, the church, and at a tender moment of her life as a child, she didn’t find only God but also music.

Joy’s deep involvement in the musical activities in the children’s choir and children’s instrumental group at the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries aided her rapid celestial growth in music. However, there are people who find loving the beautiful bud of this art in Joy so early. For Joy, she would always be grateful to them because they made her bloom. Her mother is the first on this list. She wished for only a spark, but she ignited a fire.

Joy Oluwatosin Adedeji is simply shaping a new narrative. A Lagos-based harpist, performer, and an aspiring recording artist. Through dedication, self-discipline, and a deep love for music, she is steadily building a path that blends classical tradition with African musical identity.

Her introduction to music was at a tender age, based on a natural love and appreciation for sound and self-expression. She was encouraged at a tender age to pursue her musical interests, and she found a natural inclination towards music and musical structure. However, it was the harp that captured her heart in a special way. She was a committed member of the Divine Symphony Orchestra and was encouraged by one of the group leaders, Jesuseun Onifade, to take on the harp, since she already had a background in piano. The harp itself was made available by the concert master, Dele Olutade and that was where the journey began. She moved from admiration to curiosity and then to a commitment to the harp.

She officially began her journey in early 2019. She did not have a mentor or guide at the time, but she relied on her knowledge of music. She had been a music student at the prestigious University of Lagos, and she was able to apply all she knew to the early stages of her harp performance. Though self-taught, she occasionally received free assistance and guidance that helped refine her approach. The beginning required patience, she reflects. “I had to rely on what I already knew about music and trust the process. However, over time, with continued practice, I was able to perfect the skills for a beginner and early intermediate level.”

Joy’s background in music is not only related to the harp, as she is also skilled in piano and orchestral percussion, and this has only added to her musicianship and sensitivity as a performer. Joy’s performance career, although a work in progress, has seen her participate in many notable events. She began by playing in church services in January 2020, solo harp performer at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries International Headquarters, marking her first live performance as a harpist. One of her most significant milestones came in October 2021, when she performeda both the harp and percussion at the much talked about premiere of David’s Oratorio in October 2021 at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium. She later performed again in June 2022 alongside a large orchestra during a church service, further solidifying her presence in ensemble performance settings.

Besides, she also expresses her music through recordings published on her YouTube channel, which helps spread her artistry to a wider audience. She is working on creating a personal style of music that suits her personality. In a musical environment where few people play the harp, she is conscious of the role she plays in promoting this instrument. “The harp is still very rare in Nigeria,” she observes. “But I believe it has a place here. I want people to hear it, experience it, and see its beauty.”

Moving forward, Joy has aspirations that go beyond simply growing as an artist, reaching for the day that she might make an impact on the overall visibility and accessibility of the harp in Nigeria. She has an overwhelming desire to work with other musicians and grow as an artist. She also has aspirations for the day that she might teach and popularize the playing of the harp, perhaps inspiring a new generation of harp players. Her aspirations are built on the foundation of growth. “I want to keep learning, improving my techniques, and exploring different styles. There’s always more to learn.”

Joy Oluwatosin Adedeji’s life is that of determination and growing influence. As she pursues the uncommon with uncommon passion, Joy Oluwatosin Adedeji is not simply growing as an artist, she’s growing the world of the harp in Nigeria. She’s growing the world in which music might be played, and with the softest of instruments, she’s growing the world in which music might make an impact.