OGIDI ANTHONY: THE NATURAL SAXOPHONIST
Anthony Adedayo Ogidi is my name, a saxophonist without a saxophone literarily. I am from Ekiti State, and opportune to have been blessed by God with the gift of using my mouth to produce sounds akin to the kind a saxophone makes, without actually using the musical instrument. During my growing up years, I would watch in awe how my class mates would use their mouths to whistle. Without a doubt, it was my desire to whistle like my peers. This motivation got me onto the path and development of a peculiar sound totally different from whistling but sounds more like a saxophone. I kept on practising until I discovered I could use it to make music of any genre. I would do it openly albeit with criticisms, both constructive and otherwise. As an ambivert who could flip between introversion and extroversion subsequently, leading to occasions where I could display this art effortless at talent auditions. The act of perfecting this art continued in my neighborhood and right up to the period when I was in the University, even though, I had secretly nursed the fear of rejection.
Around June, 2021, I was inspired and deeply moved to exhibit this flair one morning on the assembly ground, when a student of the school where I work, delivered a speech on natural endowments and encouraged the assembled students to get creative with their individual gifts. This knocked off the shell of fear embroidered on me as I went along to showcase this saxophone-like sound to the amazement of everyone.
As the aphorism goes, one morsel does not make a meal, I was fortunate to meet someone who is instrumental in advancing my musical ability in the person of Rev. Fr. Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp, the founder of Spiritans Sound Outreach. I met him in September, 2021 when he visited his country home in Ekiti State, Nigeria, for the centenary anniversary of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ikere-Ekiti, a parish under the pastoral care of the Spiritans. I got to know the outreach is passionate about discovering abilities of any kind.
There is no gainsaying that I have benefitted so much from the organization. Among other opportunities, the outreach has greatly assisted in promoting my musical brand by recording video clips of my performances and sharing them on YouTube channels belonging to the outreach and also on my own personal account without any monetary gratification on my part whatsoever.
Moreover, the organization never ceases to amaze me with its dedication, innovation and commitment to the development and growth of people’s skills. I can always count on it as it is in the forefront of most of its initiatives. It is a huge motivational force as much as it has given me strength to rise above all odds, my background, any situation and deliver the best come what may.
I want to specially appreciate the founder of Spiritan Sounds Outreach and director of Treasures Unveiler magazine, Rev. Fr. Oluwafemi Victor Orilua, CSSp, an innovator and counsellor, for not giving up on me and for believing in my God-given talent. Thank you so much for putting up the extra time to shape and refine my abilities. Your vocation and organization will continue to grow astronomically, as you unveil treasures in multitudes and win souls for Christ. Amen.
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