The Oporo (in Luo: tung') is a wind instrument or aerophone made from a curved antelope horn (kudu), bored with hole and sometimes, decorated with colorful beads. Based on the class of instrument it belongs to, the Oporo is played by blowing air into its narrow holes to make sounds. In its familiar stance, it’s similar to the Mbiu horn and even sometimes assumed to be the same. The Mbiu horn is made from the buffalo horn while the latter from the antelope horn.

The Oporo (as called in South Nyanza, Kenya) finds its roots amongst the Luo people, one of the largest ethnic groups living in Kenya and Tanzania.

Originally, the Oporo was used to announce the passing away of someone, an enemy’s invasion, or to communicate over long distances during various celebrations such as weddings, funerals, barazas (or meetings), or visits of important guests. More recently, it’s been used as a musical instrument in performance but as an accompaniment to the nyatiti.

Diverse in its nomenclature across African regions, the Oporo, known as the Hwamanda in Shona language (Zimbabwe), Mbata in Tumbuka (Malawi), Coro in Kikuyu language (Kenya), Mhalamhala in Xitsonga (South Africa), and Egwu in southeast Nigeria, reveals a rich tapestry of cultural expressions.

Referred to as Ekonndeere or Amakondeere in music and Engombe in hunting at Buganda Kingdom (Uganda), this Oporo takes on various names such as Bigula in Swahili, Engwara in Rutoro (Uganda), Luhika in Luhya language (Western Kenya), and Ixilongo in isiXhosa. In Nigeria's Hausa language, it's called Busa Qaho, while in Swaziland, the horn is Luphondvo, and the music produced is Luveve, with the act of playing termed "Ushaya Luveve."

The Ashante kingdom in Ghana recognizes it as Atenteben. Each name encapsulates not just the instrument's function but also its cultural resonance, weaving a musical narrative that spans the vast and diverse landscapes of the African continent.

The Oporo is made from the curved horn of antelope, known as Kudu, by the Luo people. Narrow holes are dug into it along its sides. The holes are blown into it by the Oporo player to make sounds, amplify the emotion during the performance, and advance the rhythm of the music.

Playing the Oporo can be challenging. To play the instrument, the player blows air through the narrow holes while covering the wider end to create different notes.

To tune the Oporo, water is poured into it, which allows for a smoother flow of air.

Despite the Oporo being an accompaniment for the globally-recognized nyatiti, there are no known prominent players of this aerophone. Hopefully with time, skillful Oporo players would gain more recognition. 

In conclusion, although Oporo remains an artifact of the Luo people, its purposes have changed over the decades, making it relevant in modern music.

Oporo is a musical instrument with roots at Luo people of Kenya and Tanzania.

Oporo: Complimentary Instrument of Nyatiti

Related Blogs