It’s not every day one gets to see a twin duo pack their bags, fly out to the United States, and become a voice of solace for at least three dozen aged people. But this is the experience with Nathan and Stephen Olusemire, the twin brothers and duo bassoonists, leaving their mark on US and European Soil with their intricate compositions and community-focused performances.
After performing at the US’ Carnegie Hall, last year, alongside the African United Youth Orchestra, both brothers began performing their original compositions with the Bassoon to elders in a care home and youngsters in school across the Winston metropolis in North Carolina, where they reside.
Having begun their musical adventures post-COVID, with both of them securing admissions to study music in the US, Nathan and Stephen Olusemire are part of a growing crop of African instrumentalists raising the country’s flag as global impact makers.
Catching up with The Guardian, the twin troubadours piggyback memory lanes, detailing their evolution with the French Horn and Bassoon; their muses; experience and reception as Nigerians trailblazing the music practice in the US; their plans to deepen into art entrepreneurship and more across their world of French Horns, Bassoons and Community Impact.
How did you both begin your adventure with the Bassoon and French Horn?
Nathan: Our musical journey began in the church, specifically at The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, where we first discovered our passion for music. At the start, we were entirely self-taught, relying on consistent practice, dedication, and a deep love for our instruments to guide our progress. Over time, our commitment paid off, and we experienced remarkable growth in our skills.
Stephen: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the world slowed down but opportunities for virtual connection expanded, we found doors opening in unexpected ways. We were fortunate to receive free lessons from world-class musicians based in the United States and Europe. These included Sheila Popkin (Principal Bassoon of Aalborg Symphony), Daniel Matsukawa (Principal Bassoon of the Philadelphia Orchestra), Kim Laskowski (Former Associate Principal of the New York Philharmonic), Jennifer Montone (Principal Horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra), Hazel Dean Davis (Horn Lecturer at Boston University School of Music), Kevin Newton (Grammy Award–winning Hornist of Imani Winds), and Daniel Grabois (Horn Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison), among other highly accomplished players.
This exposure to such exceptional mentorship marked a turning point for us. It accelerated our development, broadened our musical horizons, and ignited our aspirations to pursue music at the highest level. It was also the beginning of our transition from enthusiastic learners to aspiring professionals, ultimately leading us to apply to colleges in the United States to further our education and careers in music.
What motivates you to create music generally?
Nathan: Our passion to give back to the community and share the gift of music with the world is at the heart of everything we do. Music is more than just an art form for us; it is a powerful force that has shaped our identities, opened doors, and transformed our lives in ways we could never have imagined.
When we reflect on where we come from, the journey we have taken, and the opportunities that music has created for us, we feel an even stronger sense of responsibility to inspire and uplift others. The desire to give back to our community, our home country of Nigeria, and Africa as a whole is a constant source of motivation. We believe that by sharing our knowledge, experiences, and passion, we can help create opportunities for the next generation of musicians, especially those who, like us, may begin with limited resources but limitless dreams.
Music gave us a voice, a platform, and a future, and we are committed to using it as a tool for empowerment, cultural exchange, and positive change both locally and globally.
What inspired you both towards community impact projects as a music duo?
Stephen: We came to realise that music is far more than just a career or profession for us; it is a calling. It is a powerful tool through which we can share our gift with the world, bring joy to people’s hearts, make them smile, and offer hope in times when it’s needed most. Music has the ability to bridge gaps, lift spirits, and remind people that they are not alone, and that is the kind of impact we want to have.
With this in mind, we decided to begin our mission right where we are, in our current community. We have committed ourselves to using our talents to inspire and uplift others, making music accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial means.
We believe that a gift this precious should not be kept to ourselves, and so we offer our time, performances, and mentorship freely, with no cost. For us, it is about more than notes and melodies; it is about creating moments of connection, building hope, and leaving a positive mark wherever our music reaches.
How has the reception been like so far for your music?
Nathan: The response from people has been overwhelmingly positive. Audiences are not only supportive of what we do, but they also genuinely connect with it. One of the highlights of our recital programs has been the introduction of an African tune, a piece of our cultural heritage that adds a unique and vibrant dimension to our performances. It has been heartwarming to see how much people enjoy it, often expressing how refreshing and enriching it is to experience music that carries the rhythms, colours, and spirit of Africa.
Stephen: Beyond the music itself, people are fascinated and inspired by our journey, how we started, the challenges we overcame, and the dedication that continues to drive us forward. They have expressed deep appreciation for the enthusiasm, professionalism, and passion we bring to each recital. For us, this positive reception means more than applause; it’s about seeing the joy, connection, and sense of community our music helps to create. Every performance becomes not just an event, but a shared experience that leaves a lasting impact.
Share an unforgettable memory from your community outreaches.
Stephen: One of our most unforgettable experiences took place during a community engagement program at a retirement home. We went there simply with the intention of sharing music and bringing joy to the residents, but the impact of that day went far beyond what we imagined. After our performance, we were surprised to learn that among the audience were some of our school’s top donors. They were not only present but deeply moved by the recital. They expressed their appreciation in the most encouraging way, by writing to both the Chancellor of our school and the Dean of the School of Music. In their message, they spoke warmly about how much they enjoyed the program, how it touched them emotionally, and how impressed they were by the professionalism and passion we brought to the performance.
Nathan: That moment was a reminder of the far-reaching power of music, not just to entertain, but to connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impression on people from all walks of life. It reaffirmed our commitment to using our talents to make a difference wherever we have the opportunity to play.
Who are some of your earliest musical influences within the Bassoon/French Horn scene?
Nathan: For me, one of my greatest inspirations has been Kevin Newton, the horn player of the Grammy Award–winning ensemble Imani Winds. His artistry, dedication, and authenticity have left a lasting impact on me, not only as a musician but also as a person. I deeply appreciate the way he carries himself and the passion he pours into everything he does. Even today, he remains someone I look up to as a role model, a brilliant teacher, and an exceptional performer. In 2023, I had the extraordinary opportunity to perform alongside him. It was truly an unforgettable experience. Imagine standing on stage with the very person who has inspired you for years, someone whose work you’ve admired from afar, now sharing the same music and moment. It was not only a dream come true but also a powerful reminder of how mentorship and inspiration can come full circle.
Stephen: The person who has most shaped his journey is Daniel Matsukawa, the Principal Bassoon of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Daniel has been an outstanding mentor, and I continue to look up to him for his unmatched musicality, artistry, and depth of musicianship. Beyond his accomplishments as a performer and teacher, Daniel is also a remarkable example of leadership and service, breaking boundaries by serving on the Governor of Philadelphia’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. His achievements, both on and off the stage, are a constant source of inspiration, motivating me every day to pursue excellence not only in music but also in making a meaningful impact in the world.
What do you hope to achieve in your career as a duo?
Stephen: We have a vision to create a non-profit organisation in Africa as a meaningful way to give back to the community and the continent that shaped us. During our studies, we were deeply inspired by the work of Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess for Slums, whose dedication to using his skill to transform lives challenged us to think bigger about our own impact. His example planted the seed for us to imagine our own initiative, one rooted in music, mentorship, and opportunity.
Nathan: Our plan is to return to Africa and establish a professional ensemble made up of outstanding musicians from across the continent. This ensemble would come together at a central location to rehearse, collaborate, and perform, showcasing the incredible talent Africa has to offer. But at the heart of the project, and what we believe is its most important element, would be a free training program for young, passionate musicians who may not otherwise have access to formal instruction. These students would not only receive high-quality training but also have the chance to perform as part of their own student ensemble, giving them a platform to grow in skill and confidence.
Music was the tool that gave us our first real shot at success. It opened doors, built bridges, and shaped our futures. Now, we want to pass that gift on, to inspire the next generation, to nurture talent, and to create opportunities that ripple far beyond the stage. Our dream is to be a positive influence in the world, using music as a force for change and empowerment.
What is next for you both?
Nathan: After completing our undergraduate degrees, we plan to pursue master’s programs to deepen our expertise and broaden our perspectives as musicians and leaders. Alongside our main studies, we are also taking a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship, a choice that is very intentional. This program is equipping us with the practical skills and knowledge we need to successfully establish and sustain our envisioned non-profit organisation in Africa.
We already have a blueprint for the organisation, and while the official launch is still ahead, we are steadily laying the groundwork. At this stage, our focus is on acquiring as much knowledge as possible, refining our craft, and building meaningful connections with individuals and institutions who share our vision. Each skill we develop and each relationship we nurture will directly contribute to making the organisation stronger and more impactful when it begins.
For us, this is not just about academic achievement; it’s about preparing ourselves to create something that will outlast us, something that will empower others and use music as a lasting force for good.
