from African Sketches, 2003-04
Nkeiru Okoye (b. 1972)
About the Composer
Nkeiru Okoye (b. 1972) is a composer, librettist, conductor, and educator whose music draws upon a wide range of influences, including classical, jazz, gospel, folk, and traditions of the African diaspora. Born in New York to an African American mother and Nigerian father, she has developed a musical voice that reflects both her diverse cultural heritage and her commitment to engaging contemporary audiences.
Okoye studied composition, music theory, piano, conducting, and Africana Studies at Oberlin Conservatory before completing graduate studies at Rutgers University. Over the course of her career, she has composed works in nearly every major genre, from solo piano music and orchestral works to opera and large-scale vocal compositions. Her music is frequently praised for its dramatic energy, expressive immediacy, and ability to communicate across traditional stylistic boundaries.
Whether exploring historical subjects, contemporary social issues, or personal experiences, Okoye creates music that welcomes both experienced concertgoers and new audiences alike. Her work demonstrates how contemporary classical music can remain deeply rooted in tradition while speaking directly to the present moment.
About the Piece
Dancing Barefoot in the Rain is the third movement from Okoye’s African Sketches, a four-movement suite for solo piano composed in 2003–04. According to the composer, the collection was inspired by memories, impressions, and imagined scenes connected to Africa and the African diaspora. Each movement explores a distinct mood and character, blending rhythmic vitality with vivid musical storytelling.
The title Dancing Barefoot in the Rain captures the spirit of the music remarkably well. Playful and energetic, the piece unfolds as a lively dance whose constantly shifting meters create a sense of spontaneity and delight. Unexpected accents and rhythmic turns suggest the uneven footing of bare feet on wet ground, while the music’s infectious energy evokes the simple joy of movement and play.
Like much of Okoye’s music, the piece balances sophistication with accessibility. Beneath its cheerful surface lies a carefully crafted rhythmic design, yet the music never loses its sense of play. The result is a work that celebrates exuberance, imagination, and the pleasures of dancing simply for the joy of being alive.
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Sheet Music
The sheet music is available from the publisher.
Myriad Voices 