Classical
music, though not common like other genres of music in the Nigerian music
stream, no thanks to the secular and commercial music counterparts, since the
days of Revd. Josaiah Ransome Kuti, Fela’s grandfather, the late Fela
Sowande Nigerian classical artistes haven’t been in the limelight but all these
is going to change soon as the first ever all Nigerian universities classical
musical contest is scheduled to hold in August at the University of Lagos,
The competition is being organised by Classical Showcase Limited, who
deems it necessary to bridge the gap in the Nigerian music industry, especially
as it concerns classical music.
“There
is no stage for classical music in Nigeria and we feel there is a need for it,
using the university, which is where classical music is studied. We have
decided to give classical music in Nigeria a glamorous stage,” a statement from
the organizers read.
The
event’s project director, Mr. Hyacinth Aniemeke said the maiden edition of the
event, tagged Campus Classicals, will
feature classical music contests among student representatives of
various Nigerian Universities. According to Aniemeke, all nine
participating universities are fully ready for the event.
He added
that scholarships will be awarded to exceptional talents. “We chose classical
music because classical music is the only music they learn in the universities.
Classical music is not popular in Nigeria as the younger generation prefers pop
music to the genre,” he said.
Billed
to be present at the competition is celebrated music maestro, Ben Ogbeiwi, as
the music director of the event, Prof Laz Ekwueme, Nwosu Lo – Bamijoko, Aaron
Carter Cohn (Organiser of the World Voice day Nigeria) and Dr EmekaNwokedi,
music director of MUSON as part of the group of judges.
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