The music industry seems to be experiencing a renaissance where different genres are fusing to make newer, undescribable styles. Cush, a band that meshes rock, hip hop and R&B, is the newest contender.

Cush, named for an ancient African civilization, is L. Okey Onyejekwe Jr., Emeka Onyejekwe and Joe Edoja, all with various talents and musical backgrounds. Formed in February of 2000, the group has performed in various venues in New York and will appear at Woody’s in the Ohio Union Saturday at 9p.m.

Okey, the eldest of the trio at 27, acquired his M.D. from Ohio State in 2000 and is now completing his residency at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. His titles include writer, producer, guitarist and vocalist for Cush as well as CEO of Soul’s Cabin, Cush’s parent company.

That’s many titles for one person, but Okey has mastered the art of time management. Okey dedicates every weekend that he is not on call to any business or work having to do with Cush. He also finds time to practice his guitar, which he’s been playing for only two years.

Emeka Onyejekwe, a senior in political science, is a former defensive back and wide receiver for OSU. Emeka gave up his football career in order to focus on his studies; he’s graduating this spring in only his third year.

He is also a model with local ads and fashion shows to his credit, including fashion shows in New York for Tommy Hilfiger and Guess as well as his own 2002 calendar. The percussionist of the group, Emeka also deals with the writing, producing and vocal aspect of Cush’s music.

The youngest of the group at 17, Edoja is a high-school junior at Northland High School. He has experience in playing the trumpet, violin and drums but he plays the bass guitar for Cush. Edoja is also an accomplished athlete of rugby and wrestling and right now is in training for the upcoming football season.

Between school, Cush rehearsals, homework and training for his various sports, the young musician amazingly does not feel pressure.

“When I have more to do it is easier for me to manage time, having less time helps me prioritize,” Edoja said.

Cush’s musical influences include classic rock, hip hop, reggae, R&B and African music. All of these influences are evident in their music. Emeka describes their music as “versatile” and said that Cush may come up with their own name. He also feels that their music will reach various audiences. “Any person who likes music will like something of what we are doing,” Emeka said.

While they do not have a recording contract at present, Cush is steadily being sought after by various record labels after hearing a their three track demo.

The first track is “Ooh Na Na” which starts out with a jazzy percussion intro and segues into a laid back lazy tempo with an undercurrent of guitar and bass guitar. The chorus seems tribal in nature with group members chanting “ooh na na” in the background. “Bad Love,” the second song, is a 70’s hippie sounding song with complete with guitar solo in the beginning by Okey. The lamentable “Soul of a Woman” describes a man whose mind is plagued by a certain unforgettable woman. “Soul of a Woman” may be the one Cush’s better songs with the partnership of guitar and bass guitar weaving in and out of the steady meditative beat of the drum. These songs will be among those they perform at Woody’s.

The group is managed by Viswant Korrapati, a graduating senior in pre-law. Korrapati describes the members of Cush as a second family. Korrapati began as a fan and through support and dedication to the group eventually became the manager. Korrapati has no formal training or experience in management but said “I learned things as I did them.”

Despite his lack of experience, Korrapati has managed to secure many venues for Cush in New York and Columbus as well as an upcoming documentary on the band. Korrapati describes the project, which will air on CBS, as a “concept about a band that hasn’t made it but is about to.” Headed up by Mike Monroe, one of the major producers of CBS’ “Survivor,” taping will begin around the middle of February, with camera crew following the band and the members themselves around for about a month.

With all of Cush’s prospects, Korrapati said that the band is “sitting pretty” right now. The members of Cush say that they are not worried about the band’s success because all have something to fall back on. Okey will continue his medical career, while Emeka has already applied to law schools. Edoja said that music is his passion but he still has plans on going to college. As for Korrapati, he plans on managing full-time for the next year or so. At the end of spring quarter, Emeka, Edoja and Korrapati will be relocating to New York to work on more music.

Not the average band, Cush is one of the few groups that music lovers can tell are really in the industry for the love of music.