Drumming up rootsy jewelry

Along with his brother, he began Vyombo Designs in 2012 and has built up a local and international clientele. African consciousness has been deeply rooted in their lifestyle since childhood. The significance of Modupe’s name is reflected in his professions –it means “let this be your crown drummer”.

Vyombo Designs was created four years ago after the death of their father, Jah Jah Oga Onilu, who was a cultural icon, widely known as “king master drummer”. “My father was my mentor, he played drums and percussions for the likes of Superblue, Andre Tanker and Ella Andall,” Modupe said. Jah Jah also toured the world and performed in the Miami Music Festival and the distinguished Astor Johnson Repertory Dance Theatre.

“My father was a roots man, he made jewelry out of natural elements and he would always encourage me and my brother to do so,” Modupe added. “I work with what I have, social media has helped expand the company. We are able to reach a lot of people.” Their jewelry has been worn by soca artistes Machel Montano, Olatunji Yearwood and Kes, among others.

Modupe did courses at Servol and the University of Trinidad and Tobago. He is the leader of the Dayo Bejide Organic Music Movement. The band creates all of its instruments from organic products or natural materials from TT which they use to perform regionally.

About his jewelry Modupe added: “I thank my brother as he is the main designer for Vyombo Designs, he does all the artwork by hand. “I think that African culture needs to be unified and that is what we are doing through jewelry and music,” Modupe said. His advice to young people in business is to take the initiative and “embrace everything, be open-minded in your approach to building your business and embrace technology.” His father continues to be his inspiration throughout his musical and fashion endeavours which also includes mas design.

Modupe has designed a Miami Carnival mas band for Montano.

He is also a drummer in Montano’s band.

Modupe travels extensively to meet the needs of his international clientele and left the country yesterday for New York to service clients who are waiting on orders.