Ezekiel Olaleye is a Nigerian-American inventor and the founder of Instruments of Africa (IOA). IOA is an innovative company that specializes in creating contemporary products that are inspired by Africa’s heritage. Instruments of Africa was first launched in the United States in 2016, incorporated in 2017, and was subsequently incorporated in Nigeria and United Kingdom.
As the inventor and the founder of IOA, Ezekiel Olaleye has a broad background in various disciplines. First, he acquired his associate's degree in accounting, bachelor’s degree in Finance at the University of Baltimore, Master of Divinity degree from Lipscomb University, and he’s on course to graduate with a doctorate degree in Education with a concentration in Leadership from Liberty University.
While he’s worked in the finance and chaplaincy industries, he is passionate about music and innovation. Apart from his educational background, Ezekiel is a multi-talented instrumentalist; he plays five musical instruments, he builds and designs musical instruments and electronic components.
His passion for music has taken him around the world and his passion for innovation has brought about Instruments of Africa. Instruments of Africa is known for their iconic “African Electric Guitar” that is designed in the shape of the African landscape (In the shape of Africa or made in the image of Africa).
While IOA is known for their African shaped products, they are also into other innovative products that will be released in the nearest future. Ezekiel is passionate about African innovation and with Africa in mind, IOA launched their 9 models of guitar in Lagos on August 29th, 2021 at the Terra Kulture event centre. All their guitar models are named after 9 capital cities across the continent.
According to Ezekiel, when people don’t have an innovative mindset, stagnancy becomes inevitable.