Lazarus Edward Nnanyelu Ekwueme, widely known as Laz Ekwueme, was born on January 28, 1935, in Oko, Anambra State, Nigeria. Over the years, he has worn many hats professor, actor, writer, and conductor. He is the traditional ruler of Oko Kingdom, holding the title Igwe Eze Ijikala II. A younger brother to the late former Nigerian Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Laz Ekwueme is celebrated for his deep knowledge of African music and his efforts in blending African rhythms with Western musical styles.
Lazarus Ekwueme Profile
| Name | Laz Ekwueme |
| Real Name | Lazarus Edward Nnanyelu Ekwueme |
| Date of Birth | 28 January 1935 |
| Age | 90 years |
| State of Origin | Anambra State |
| Tribe | Igbo |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Professor, Actor, and Writer |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $1 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Laz Ekwueme had his secondary education at Government College Umuahia from 1948 to 1954. He later travelled to the UK where he studied at the Royal College of Music, London, and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Durham.
He holds a Master’s degree in Music from the Royal College of Music and a PHD in Music Theory from Yale University in the USA. While in the UK, he also obtained over 10 diplomas in music, speech, and drama, including the Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music.
Career
Laz Ekwueme started his teaching career in 1964 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he helped build the first department in Nigeria to offer music degrees. He taught courses in music theory, composition, singing, and conducting. He also formed the University of Nigeria Choral Society, which regularly performed in Nsukka.
After obtaining his PHD at Yale, he taught in the United States at Yale University and two campuses of the State University of New York before returning to Nigeria in 1974. He joined the University of Lagos, where he worked for nearly 30 years. He also served as the university’s Public Orator for a decade.
While in Lagos, he founded the Laz Ekwueme National Chorale, a group that became famous for its blend of African and Western music styles. He was also the coordinator of the Nigerian National Choir during FESTAC 77, one of Africa’s biggest cultural festivals. He has led Nigerian delegations and choirs to international events in places like North Korea, Mexico, Brazil, Ghana, and the USA.
Controversies
Laz Ekwueme has lived a largely controversy-free life. His career has been marked by excellence, integrity, and service. There are no major public scandals or controversies linked to his name, which is rare for someone of his status and public involvement.
Lazarus Ekwueme Social Media Handle
As of now, Igwe Laz Ekwueme does not appear to be active on social media platforms. Most of the information about him can be found in academic sources, news features, and cultural documentation.
Personal Life
Igwe Laz Ekwueme was born into a religious and educated family. His father was an Anglican missionary teacher. He is the third son in the family and the younger brother to the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria’s first elected Vice President.
Aside from his work, he is deeply involved in traditional leadership and cultural advocacy in his hometown of Oko. He was crowned the traditional ruler of Oko and is fondly addressed as Igwe. He is married and blessed with children and grandchildren.
Lazarus Ekwueme Net Worth
Lazarus Ekwueme’s net worth is estimated to be $1 Million.