“I want to be different…I will love to continue growing as a musician, exploring different genres, and inspiring others with my passion for the trumpet.”
Ayomide Odunsi with the stage name, IMO_TRUMP, is a 13-year-old JSS II student of Queen’s School, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State. The trumpet-playing prodigy started playing at the age of 10, having initially mastered the art of using the recorder to produce sonorous, heart and ear-pleasing tunes.
In this exclusive interview with Newscoven.com, she discloses her love and passion for trumpet as a musical instrument, her exploits and her dreams in the nearest future.
When did you started playing the trumpet?
I started playing the trumpet in 2022. I actually started playing, using the recorder, at the age of seven. Gradually, I started learning how to play the trumpet. By the age of 10 in 2022, I have been playing professionally since then.
There are so many musical instruments like guitar, drum set and saxophone, among others. What made you to go for trumpet?
I wanted to be different. I love the trumpet because I like the sound…I like the tone. It is very unique and different from the saxophone.
Which one is easier between the trumpet and saxophone?
Saxophone is much easier but, like I said earlier, I like trumpet because I wanted to be different from other people.
How has it been since you started as a professional? Is Ayomide a rich girl?
The journey has been very smooth. It has been so good playing the trumpet professionally. I have been making some money and I am rich with the blessings of God.
You said you are trumpet player, and not a trumpeter. What is the difference between the two?
I don’t like being called a trumpeter. Rather, I am a trumpet player. The trumpeters are the people you will see playing loud, common music; they are the undertakers that you will see playing trumpet during burial events.
For me, I play classical music and soft jazz tunes. A trumpet player plays soft classical jazz without making noise. They can play all songs without squeezing the notes. My favourite trumpet players include Kenny G and the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Where have you been playing?
I play at concerts, shows, birthday surprise parties and several other places, including church musical events. I do play in my church, Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Oke-Ado International Cathedral, Ibadan and many other churches.
You put up a scintillating performance at the recent song/book launch of the renowned art curator, Ambassador (Prince) Tunde Odunlade. How did you get there?
I was at a birthday surprise party with Asalewa. She informed me about the song/book launch by Baba Tunde Odunlade and invited me to come and play there.
I saw Baba Odunlade immediately I got to the place and to went to greet him. He asked me about my name. I told him. He asked me what am I doing? I told him I am a musician, playing the trumpet. He then asked me to play for him. He listened to the sound of my trumpet and he prayed for me that I will become a great player.
How did you feel playing before some big people at the event that day?
I was not afraid and I was not intimidated when I entered the stage. Rather, I was happy playing before the important dignitaries that gathered. I have played in front of larger crowd before and with popular musicians.
Can you mention some of these musicians?
I have played with Mega 99, Tunde Stainless, the Juvenile Harvest Concert organised by the CCC for children worldwide, Feranmi, Golden Angel and numerous others.
Have you ever played outside of Ibadan?
Yes. Apart from Ibadan, I have been playing in some big cities, including Lagos and Abuja. Like I said earlier, I play mostly in churches, including the Livingspring Chapel.
How do you combine been a trumpet player with your academic activities?
Many thanks to my manager who is my daddy, the two are not affecting each other. I do find time for myself as a student and also as a musician.
Is your daddy a musician too?
No, he is not. He an artist: he is a virtual art painter. He has been a good and supportive manager; he is managing me very well as his daughter; he has been managing my money, spending it wisely on me. At the same time, my daddy has been attending my academic and moral upbringing.
How does your classmates see you? Do you play the trumpet for them in the school too?
They see me as a trumpet player and they relate with me very well. Sometimes, they will tell me to bring my trumpet to school. This is often when we are having events, like cultural activities and they will tell me to come with my trumpet.
Also, on every Thursday, we do have music practices and sports activities. During such times, I do play my trumpet for them.
How long would it take someone to train to become a good trumpet player?
It all depends on the person and his or her interest. For me, I was able to learn and master the art of playing trumpet in just three months because of my interest. It was also easier for me because I have been playing the recorder before then. But people do run away from trumpet because it is hard and difficult, unlike the saxophone which is easier.
How do big trumpet players feel when they see a small girl like you playing?
From my experience, some professional trumpet players have been supportive and encouraging. However, some others have been dismissive or even hostile, possibly due to jealousy or surprised at seeing a young girl excel in the field. Despite this, I have learned to focus on my passion for music and continue to improve my skills.
My father will say to me: “Hey kid, don’t let their negativity bring you down. You’re talented and passionate about playing the trumpet, and that’s what matters. Remember, their behaviour says more about them than you. Keep focusing on your craft, and don’t be afraid to stand out. You got this!” and many more. His advice do calm me down because, many times, the negativity makes me cry and sad.
Where do you hope to see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I hope to see myself performing on bigger stages, collaborating with renowned musicians, and possibly even releasing my own music. I will love to continue growing as a musician, exploring different genres, and inspiring others with my passion for the trumpet.
