A travel day in New York City may take you through Grand Central Terminal or Whitehall Terminal in Staten Island. Among the people and places you go, you may encounter Eganam “ÉGO” Segbefia, a trumpet player who has played at some of the city’s biggest venues, from Carnegie Hall to Madison Square Garden.

Born in Nigeria to Ghanaian parents, Segbefia grew up with seven siblings and moved to the United States at 10 years old, connected by blood and faith. In his grade school days, he joined the marching band after his familiarity with brass bands before immigrating to America.

He picked up the instrument because he was familiar with British marching bands from his experience at home, participating in after-school programs. After playing for a few years, he rose to the role of first trumpet

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