Nwankwo Osy Jude

Biography

Jude Nwankwo started his musical career when he joined his church choir (St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church Choir, Bariga, Lagos) at the age of 13. His quest to learn more made him join the Rosa Mystica Choral Voices, Chorale de Magnifique, and the Laz Ekwueme Chorale, all based in Lagos, Nigeria. It was with the Laz Ekwueme Chorale that he discovered his hidden musical potentials. Hence, he was encouraged by H.R.H. Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme to go and study music at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Jude Nwankwo holds a Diploma in music and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with Distinction and First Class honours respectively. He also has a Master of Arts from UNN, majoring in music composition. He joined the academic staff of the Department of Music, UNN in 2010 and he is presently a Lecturer II. His research interests are in music composition and choral music performance. He is a composer/arranger and has many compositions and arrangements for both vocal and instrumental genres to his credit. Besides being a composer/arranger, Jude Nwankwo also is a singer (tenor) and a conductor and has performed in different parts of the Nigeria. In a bid to share his knowledge with others he founded the J Clef Chorale, a choral group that is dedicated to training young voices in the art of good choral singing. The Chorale is made up of staff and students (from different departments) in UNN and other choral music enthusiasts from Nsukka and its environs. Jude Nwankwo is married to Evangeline Uche Nwankwo.

Research Interest

Music composition, choir training, choral conducting, church music