The saxophone, no doubt is one musical instrument that requires an unusual vocal strength. Little wonder it’s mostly played by the male gender. But Olufunmilayo Ibukun Ajayi, a female, is very passionate about this instrument. She spoke with Joy Anyim about her attraction to the instrument and the exploits she has made with it so far.
Since men are believed to be endowed naturally with extra strength and vigour, the Saxophone is commonly seen as their domain. Besides the intense energy that playing it demands, its playeris expected to be extra creative and be in total control of the song and the group that he leads.
Owing to the above, most women don’t usually go near it as it is no instrument anyone can just play with.
But Olufunmilayo Ibukun Ajayi has defied all of these. She has learnt and mastered this distinctive craft, and has further distinguished herself as a notable saxophonist, home and abroad.
Olufunmilayo Ibukun Ajayi also goes by the stage name, Funmi Sax.
Born in Lagos and a native of Ijebu land, Funmi Sax, as she is popularly known on the stage told The Nigerian Xpress that her interest to play the saxophone started at an early age.
“My musical interest started in church. I started by playing the drums at age 13, and joined the church’s brigade band too. I moved on to singing in the church choir. It was at this time that the saxophone came my way. I started playing the saxophone officially at age 16,’ she said.
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Looking back at those days of her beginning, the graduate of Accounting from the Lagos State Polythecnic, said
stardom did not come cheap. According to the saxophonist, there were times when she almost gave up her dream to be a star.
She said: “I encountered several challenges before coming this far in music. My beginning wasn’t on a golden platform, I went through the heat, I burned and now I’m the finest gold. My first saxophone gave me a lot of problem and because I had no money to buy a new one, the only available solution to a good tune from a good play, was to pour water into it.”
But that is all history today, as this female saxophonist is currently a proud owner of three good saxophones.
Speaking on her exploits, the Funmi Sax, who has travelled all over the world with her saxphone, entertaining guests at weddings, birthday parties, concerts and conferences, said she took her music career further when she launched her first album, titled: ‘GRACE’ in 2013.
For more knowledge in music, Funmi told The Nigerian Xpress that she got the opportunity to be grounded in the theoretical study of music, when she received a scholarship from MTN Nigeria to study at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), between 2014 and 2016. This earned her a diploma in music. Beside this, “I also wrote professional graded examinations in music, such as ABRSM and TRINITY. I am currently a music student at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.”
As a proof of her talent, the talented saxophonist, in October 2016, ministered alongside international artistes, such as Chevelle Franklyn, Bukola Bekes and Pastor Kunle Ajayi at the London Festival of Life Concert with over 45,000 guests. She has also performed alongside top gospel artistes like: Mike Aremu, Buchi, Midnite Crew, Tope Alabi, Oba, Lara George, to mention a few.
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As the last child in a family of six children, Funmi Sax said the support she enjoyed from her family kept her going.
Meanwhile the saxophone maestro, who has been in the art for 13 years, is impacting on others. “ I train people in sax, male and female, irrespective of learners’ tribe and age as long as the person has the ability to blow air into the sax.”
The pretty saxophonist, whose vision is to be a world class female gospel artiste with an identification of the sax, is also into the sales of musical instruments, accessories, woodwind and percussion.
On her source of inspiration, Funmi Sax said the biblical David is her main mentor, who by deeds and words, inspires her to praise God through her instrument. “David in the bible taught me about the power behind praises,” she said.
While encouraging starters on how to become professionals, the seasoned saxophonist emphasised on the importance of putting God first and staying focused. “Put God first in everything, be focused; get educated because it is important and always rehearse.”
