OJIKU A MULTI-TALENTED POET AND MASTER OF KUMBURU (LYRE) MUSIC OF THE GWANDARA TRIBE IN NASARAWA STATE

The artist, Abdullahi Ojiku Adi, is popularly known as Ojiku, a short form of Oji-yi-ku; derived from Alago language which means "what causes death".

He was born on 13th of February, 1976 in Daddere. 

He grew under the parental care of Adi Akwe, his late father and Onyeka Osomudu, his mother, both of Daddere in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Ojiku, is the fourth child in a polygamous family of nineteen. 

He rose to fame and popularity through his mastery of Kumburu music very early in life, between the ages of ten and twelve Ojiku had started manifesting traces of a multi-talented child.

Ojiku, came from a background with varied artistic gifts. 

His grandfather Akwe, was known to be a great performer of the Kumburu music, a drummer, a ritualist, a masquerade performer, a traditional herbalist and a dancer.

Ojiku's father too was a great poet, a dancer and a masquerade performer.

The antecedents of the family of Ojiku in the art of poetry performance  suggests that oral poetry may be hereditary.

Ojiku may be said to be a very successful oral poet. His style of performance, the meticulous way he handles instruments, his skillful use of language as well as his diligent presentation of themes make him stand out among oral poets in Gwandara society. 

It was because of this popularity the he was able to secure a job with the Nasarawa State Cultural Troupe of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lafia as a poet, drummer and flutist. 

This gave him the opportunity to widen his horizon within and outside Nasarawa State. For instance, he was among the contingent that travelled to Johannesburg, South Africa for culture and tourism excursion in November, 2009.

Ojuku was also part of contingent that participated in the National Festival of Arts and Culture; NAFEST competitions in Makurdi, Benue State; Minna, Niger State; Enugu, Enugu State; and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 respectively and also emerged best overall winners in the said competitions.

The troupe also emerged overall best at Abuja Carnival in 2005 and 2010 with Ojuku as part of the contingent.

The artist understands and also speaks many languages Including Hausa, Alago, Migili, Agatu and English. 

He often code mixes the languages in his performance for proper understanding by his wider audience.

He is married with children.