By 
By Ovode Oruame
Music has always been a constant presence in my life. Growing up, my home was filled with the sounds of various artists from around the world. I vividly remember waking up to the soft melodies of Oliver Mtukudzi drifting from the living room, the volume growing louder as I approached where my father had it playing on the speakers. Alongside Mtukudzi, there were the familiar voices of Bob Marley, Ebenezer Obey, R. Kelly, Don Moen, Lucky Dube, Fela, and Princess Njideka. These artists, representing diverse cultures and musical styles, formed the soundtrack of my childhood.
At that time, it was my dad’s music—songs he played, not ones I personally sought out. My taste was shaped by whatever was popular among my peers, with little thought given to the older tunes that filled our home. Yet, those songs, though not chosen by me, seeped into my memory.
Years later, as an adult living on my own, I’ve found myself actively seeking out Oliver Mtukudzi albums and exploring Bob Marley’s discography. It wasn’t simply a matter of nostalgia for old music; it was the deep connection those songs held to my past. Each tune brought me back to specific moments: waking up in my childhood bedroom, the sight of my mom quietly reading in the morning light, and my dad softly humming along while working on his laptop.
The music wasn’t just background noise; it was intertwined with the simple, comforting moments of family life. I think of the times it played while we scrambled in the kitchen, searching for breakfast, or when it filled the house with warmth as we went about our daily routines.
Music is an extraordinary tool for unlocking memories
What I’ve come to realize is that music is an extraordinary tool for unlocking memories. It can bring us back to places and feelings long past, in a way that few other things can. A particular song can transport me back to the late nights spent finishing assignments, with Little Mix providing the energy I needed to push through. I’m reminded of Taylor Swift’s lyrics filling the room as I wrote essays, giving me a sense of focus and escape. These songs don’t just play—they bring me back to those exact moments, as if I’m reliving them.
Perhaps most powerfully, the music of Bob Marley and Oliver Mtukudzi now reminds me of my father and those cherished moments from childhood, even as life has moved forward and circumstances have changed. Music carries with it not just sounds, but the memories and emotions of the times when we first heard it. It holds onto pieces of our past, ready to return them to us whenever we press play.
Music, I’ve found, is far more than just entertainment—it is a bridge to our memories, linking us to the times, places, and people we hold dear.
