Amazing Grace & The Akoko Melodious Roots: A Symphony of Hope and Resilience -Kayode Ajulo

The majestic harmony that resonates within the realm of ‘Amazing Grace’! It is a soul-stirring epiphany to unearth the long-hidden truth that our enslaved ancestors were only permitted to caress the black keys of the piano, yet from those very notes, a masterpiece of hope and redemption was born.

As I stumble upon this profound revelation, I am compelled to share the awe-inspiring performance of Wintley Phipps at Carnegie Hall, where his heartfelt rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ moves the audience to rise in thunderous applause.

Although, the US Library of Congress , a research library in Washington, D.C. that was founded in 1800 which makes It the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and serves as the research library and service for the U.S. Congress with the largest libraries in the world, containing over 173 million items in its collections in more than 470 languages., a search on AMAZING GRACE only acknowledges John Newton as the author of the song while the melody composers is named as “Unknown”

Whereas, the most remarkable aspect of this iconic hymn is its melody and cultural heritage, which I say without equivocations is traces back to the fertile soil of Akoko in South West Nigeria.

Through my humble research, conducted in various locations across the globe; from Igarra to Lisbon; Ifira-Akoko, to London, Ipesi, to Kent; Imeri, to Newport, Ishua to Madrid; Oka, to Atlanta, etc have uncovered the melodic roots of ‘Amazing Grace’ in the very region where my ancestors once walked.

This poignant discovery serves as a resplendent tribute to the indomitable spirit of our forebears, who, despite the shackles of oppression, managed to create works of sublime beauty and inspiration that continue to uplift and inspire us today. May their legacy forever resonate within our hearts!

-Dr Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN.