A TALE OF HOW MUSIC MAGICALLY DREW US TOGETHER AND MADE US FRIENDS

A TALE OF HOW MUSIC MAGICALLY DREW US TOGETHER AND MADE US FRIENDS

I never really understood the adage "birds of a feather flock together" until last Wednesday when I got drawn from almost 500 meters away by the sound of a saxophone. Later that day, I discovered that I was not the only one. I also used this opportunity to introduce the news of the beauty of the Hive block chain to my new friends and they were super interested.

So, let me cut to the chase. Last Wednesday like every other Wednesday was a day I prefer to practice for long hours because it is the only day with less activity for me through out the week.

So, at about 2:30 pm, I just decided to stretch at the varander and to get some air. At the balcony I heard the sound of a saxophone playing the blues scale repetitively in different keys. I was both confused and happy. Why? First, I know Benjamin the only saxophonist in the neighbourhood and the last time I checked, he didn't know how to play the blues scale in several keys like I heard. Also, what I heard was a little bit swift, so I concluded that Benjamin must have stepped up his game for real if this was really him playing the scales.

So, as I wanted to return to my room, the saxophone played a stylish tune that I've heard once on the radio. I couldn't get the name of the song because it was sung in yoruba language, which is the native language of the western part of Nigeria. At this point I said that I have to find out, first, whether Benjamin was playing the sax for real, second, what was actually the name of that song so I can learn it.

I had to go down first about 300 meters to Benjamin's house. When I got there, his roommate told me that he just stepped out with his saxophone to the other compound across the road. I was a bit confused, so I asked him, was he playing the sax just few minutes ago?, he answered, "nope, he just got back from school"
Hmm, at this point, I thought to my self, there may be another saxophonist in the neighbourhood.
Voilà! I started hearing that melody once more but this time, I was hearing a duet. In other words,two saxophones playing at the same time. one was playing the main melody of the song and the other was backing it up with corresponding harmony. Oh my! The song even became more intresting!!

I precipitated towards the sound of the music Asap. Half way, I thought to my self that it would be best I go get my guitar so that I can also play along with them. so I went back to my apartment to picked it up and hurried to the compound where the music was coming from!

As I arrived there, I discovered that there was actually a new saxophonist by the name Tomiwa. I also discovered that my friend Benjamin was also attracted by the same tune that attracted me. Benjamin then told me that he had been scoring that same song for some days back, so when he heard someone playing it, he couldn't resist the urge to go and play along.

We exchanged pleasantries and I discovered that he (Tomiwa) just came around for a short visit, so he is not going to stay long in the area.
When I told him that I overheard him playing the blues scales, he then told me that he had an upcoming gig at the Eastern part of the country, so he was just warming up! He is actually a known saxophonist in the University of Ilorin.

After the pleasantries, I asked of the name of that song they were playing before I came. He then told me that it's titled (Ise oluwa) meaning The work of the Lord
Turns out its actually an indegenous Yoruba worship song.

Afterwards, he asked Benjamin to play the melody while I play chords and then he freestyled the song.
Being a song I was not familiar with, I played the wrong chords for the first and second rounds of the song, afterwards I was able to follow and flow along. Indeed it was a magical moment for me. But, the fun was cut short😢😂

Unfortunately, Tomiwa forgot that he had put a pot of beans on fire before we met and played together.
He was reminded by the smell of burnt beans that filled the air. He ran in to meet the beans completely black from the burn. I felt sorry for him, but he didn't seem so worried about it. In fact we laughed over it. We even proceeded to play many other trending songs in the country, like Buga by kiss Daniel, Woman By simi and many others. So I played the backing chords, Ben played the melody of whatever song we are jamming and Tomiwa freestyled since he is swift.

We really enjoyed each others company that we introduced ourselves to each other properly after the whole fun. We equally exchanged contacts before we departed.
I told them that I was going to publish this video in this community so as to share our experience to other music lovers and they were excited about it!

We met as strangers, but music made us friends!!

Thanks for checking in and have a nice day

Chiao!!!