Ukwu Joshua Mba is a Nigerian pianist and dedicated music educator, captivating audiences with his emotive performances and nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Ukwu Joshua Mba is a Nigerian Pianist, Composer, producer and Educator, based in Paris, France.
He is a well accomplished musician. Having studied Classics at the university of Ibadan, he moved on to study jazz and contemporary music at Peter King College of Music, Badagry, Lagos, after which he was retained to teach at the college for 3 years. He moved on on an MTNF scholarship to study Western Classical Music at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON). Upon his graduation from MUSON, he was given the Orpheus Award for Keyboard proficiency. Moved on from that point to study jazz music in Paris, France, where he now resides.
Ukwu has played on several platforms which includes the Lagos international jazz festival, the MUSON jazz festival, and The Paris Gospel Experience among the several jam sessions in the city of Paris. He perform two piano recitals while studying at MUSON and worked as pianist to the globally acclaimed Nigerian folk music artiste DOTTi the Deity.
He is very interested in finding areas of convergence between the African and the Western musical cultures; this mirrored in his compositions.
Ukwu Joshua Mba moved on to hone his skills in at the American School of Modern Music, under the tutelage of Cedric Hanriot, a Grammy Award winning pianist based in Paris, France.
To further explore his creativity potentials, he is now studying Film Scoring and Sound Design at l’Association Rencontre pour la Pédagogie et l’Enseignement du jazz (ARPEJ), Paris.
Compositions & Arrangements
Ukwu Joshua Mba is a prolific composer and arranger, showcasing his versatility and artistry through a diverse portfolio of original works. His compositions span various genres, blending African and Western musical elements to create a unique sound that captivates audiences.
Some of Ukwu's notable compositions and arrangements include "ÌWÀ", "Olórun Àgbáyé", "Olúwa Kú isé", and "ÁKPÙ", each reflecting his deep understanding of musical traditions and his ability to craft pieces that resonate with listeners on an emotional level.
Additionally, Ukwu has created an appreciation song titled "TO MTN (ODE)" as a tribute to the MTN Foundation for their support in sponsoring his studies at the MUSON school. This work serves as a testament to Ukwu's gratitude and his commitment to honoring the contributions made to his musical journey.
Wilde Weide Festival, Amsterdam, Netherlands - 4th July 2025 (With Dogo Du Togo)
Down The Rabbit Hole Festival, Rotterdam, Netherlands - 6th July 2025 (With Dogo Du Togo)
Homelanding Festival, Rotterdam, Netherlands - 9th July 2025 (With Dogo Du Togo)
Wilde Weide Festival, Amsterdam, Netherlands - 11th July 2025 (With Dogo Du Togo)
ÒYÉ-ÌWÚ Live in Concert, Le 34 Paris, France - 24th July 2025
ÒYÉ-ÌWÚ Live in Concert, Le 34 Paris, France - October 2025
Koa Jazz Festival - Afro Jazz Concert | SALAKO & ÒYÉ-ÌWÚ - 7th November 2025
My Teaching Philosophy
Personalized Approach
I tailor my teaching methods to each student's unique learning style, ensuring they reach their full potential.
Fostering Creativity
I encourage my students to explore their own musical ideas, cultivating their artistic expression and self-confidence.
Holistic Development
Beyond technical mastery, I emphasize the importance of musical interpretation, sight-reading, and overall musical intelligence.
My Teaching Methods
1
Comprehensive Curriculum
My lessons cover a wide range of classical, jazz, contemporary, and popular music genres, ensuring a well-rounded musical education.
2
Engaging Exercises
I utilize a variety of technical exercises and etudes to develop my students' dexterity, rhythm, and expression.
3
Collaborative Approach
I work closely with my students, providing constructive feedback and guidance to help them achieve their goals.
4
Performance Opportunities
I encourage my students to participate in recitals, competitions and jam sessions helping them gain valuable performance experience.
Student Reports
Angelin -
"…The lessons are amazing! Joshua quickly understood where I was in my musical journey and provided me with the relevant tools to progress. I'm really looking forward to our upcoming lessons!"
Alex -
"Très pédagogue, il m'a permis en 30mn de comprendre un schéma très simple ouvrant immédiatement ne nombreuses perspectives. Un bonheur"
Isabelle -
"Joshua est un excellent professeur et un pianiste très doué ! Il est bienveillant, patient, très à l'écoute et investi. Mon fils aime beaucoup prendre des cours avec lui. Je recommande à 200 % !"
Elliot -
"Joshua is very patient and thoughtful, he's super invested and offers his talents for us to thrive!"
Esther -
"Joshua est un excellent professeur, il a su me mettre à l’aise au niveau où je suis et me présenter des outils et illustrations très efficaces. Il m’a rendue curieuse de la suite des cours et j’ai hâte de poursuivre avec lui."
Dr Nicholas -
"Adorable, ponctuel et très mélomane, très pédagogue"
Mikka -
"J'étais à la recherche d'un professeur pouvant m'apprendre à appréhender le spontané du jazz de rue sans être dans la restriction académique, pour que la technique soit un outil et non une finalité. Je suis chanceuse d'être tombée sur Joshua, qui a une méthode professionnelle et humaine."
Jeremy -
"Joshua a été, dès le premier cours d’un conseil précieux. Il a su cerner ma problématique et mes objectifs immédiatement et m’orienter parfaitement pour progresser dans la direction souhaitée. Un excellent professeur!"
Contact and Booking Information
1
Get in Touch
Email me at joshuamba42@gmail.com to inquire about lessons, workshops, or booking me for a performance.
Tel: +33 7 51 46 41 31
2
Follow Me on Social Media
Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and inspiring musical content.