Biography and social media of: OKI

Musical Style: Folk

In 1992 Oki received his first Tonkori—a traditional stringed instrument developed by the native Ainu people of Sakhalin. Oki devoted himself to studying and the tonkori and soon began making his own. In 1996 he released his first album ‘Kamuy kor nupurpe.’ Shortly after he established Chikar Studio to in order to encourage other Ainu artists and promote the music of Ainu artists to the world. Chikar studio has presently released a total of 20 albums, including titles by the traditional singer Umeko Ando and the all-female ensemble Marewrew, who sing traditional dance songs called “Upopo” with a modern sensibility. Oki Dub Ainu Band features the tonkori in a band setting with drums, bass, keyboard and dub wise.