I want to perform before US president – 10-year-old saxophonist

Weekend Magazine:  What inspired you to playing the saxophone?David Eka: I play the saxophone because it is an emotional instrument for me and when I play, I feel the spirit of God and at peace within me. Generally I like the instrument.WM: When and how did you start playing the saxophone?Eka: I started playing the […]

Weekend Magazine:  What inspired you to playing the saxophone?
David Eka: I play the saxophone because it is an emotional instrument for me and when I play, I feel the spirit of God and at peace within me. Generally I like the instrument.
WM: When and how did you start playing the saxophone?
Eka: I started playing the saxophone three years ago at the age of seven. I will say I come from a family that loves music and so developed the love to play the saxophone.  
WM: The saxophone is related to jazz music, do you listen to jazz; if not how did you develop the interest for the saxophone?
Eka: I don’t listen to jazz; I am too young to understand what it is all about. My dad plays the saxophone, that was where my interest for the saxophone developed and it is like a spirit kind of thing and also kind of a family heritage. So that was how the interest and love for the instrument developed and today I am glad I took my interest seriously.
WM: You are just 10 years old and you play the saxophone well, has this opened doors for you?
Eka: It has opened a lot of doors. I have met people from playing the saxophone. I have met President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the governor of Akwa ibom, the president of Ghana and many other people I can’t remember now. But yes, it has changed my life as a child. I would want to play for the president of America one day. That is my wish and dream so that he knows that Nigeria has everything positive even at the age of 10.
WM: What was the experience like on your first performance?
Eka: It was very terrifying because I had to stand in front of a huge crowd. Before that I always played the sax within family and sometimes friends. I felt shy, had stage fright but today I am okay and can perform freely without stage fright in front of whatever crowd I have before me. Playing the sax has given me the self-confidence I need in life.
WM: How many events have you had since you started performing?
Eka: Many events, I have actually lost count of them.
WM: You play the saxophone; perform at functions and you are just 10 years old. How do you joggle playing the saxophone and your education?
Eka: The music helps me a lot in my education because music is also art and science. Music is like mathematics, before you play a song you have to calculate the duration, the course and the key syndrome, so this actually helps me with mathematics in school. Playing the sax does not interfere with my schooling.
WM: How encouraging have your parents been since you started playing the saxophone?
Eka: They encourage me to play the saxophone. They also encourage me by telling me to practice even at times when I don’t feel like practicing. For who I am today, they have been very encouraging.
WM: You get paid for your performances and you as a child can’t be in possession of such monies. So who and how is the money paid you handled?
Eka: The money I am paid is given to my parents, to use and buy things for the house and whatever I need to progress in life. I believe they know what is best for me.
WM: You are just 10 years old and the music industry has a lot of pressure. Has the thought of ever giving up crossed your mind during the course of your career due to pressure?
Eka: I have never had that thought because music is part of me which I can’t do without. I know I am just 10, but I really can’t do without the saxophone. Never!
WM: The saxophone is a hard instrument to play. How do you get the strength to play it?
Eka: It is not a hard instrument to play. Just as I said before, my dad also plays the saxophone, so when I saw him playing it, I developed the interest for it from watching him play and gradually started playing it on my own. As of today, I have all the strength to keep playing for hours without getting tired.
WM: The tones, lyrics and notes, how do you get the idea to initiate them?
Eka: Being a musician, it is compulsory that you know the notes of music. My dad tutored me. Therefore, I am able to pick up notes, know the right lyrics and notes to use as quickly as I can. Sometimes I just try to figure out a lyric and play it out on the sax till I get the right tone.
WM: We have different Nigerian artistes who make use of instruments for their songs. Who would you like to collaborate with someday?
Eka: I aspire to collaborate with Yemi Sax because he is my role model.
WM: What have been your challenges since you started playing the saxophone?
Eka: Based on the instrument I play, I do not have much challenge. Nevertheless, the challenge I have is when I sleep in the morning I have to get up by 5 am to practice for four hours. I go through a training process every day for four hours, either from 12noon- 3pm or 1pm-4pm. This is usually stressful for a child my age. But I have no choice because I have to be what I have to be and to achieve that I have to start now.
WM: Your costumes are neatly designed when you perform. It has become like an identity. How do you come about your outfits?
Eka: My tailor makes the costumes but my dad picks the design. The song I play would have to match with my costume.
WM: Aside from the saxophone, what other hobbies do you have?
Eka: I like reading and would love to play the piano one day.
WM: What would you want to be in future aside from playing the saxophone?
Eka: I want to be a medical doctor and a music pastor.
WM: Your sister plays the violin, are you both thinking of releasing an album soon?
Eka: I am the one trying to release an album, anytime this year the album should be out. I am working hard towards that.
WM: You have friends in school who see you on television. What is their reaction towards you?
Eka: They tell me I play well and are happy for me and wish they would play like me.
WM: What advice do you have for children who want to be like you?
Eka: I advise they respect their parents because it is the respect I have for my parents that made me play the saxophone and who I am today.