By Chinedu Chidi

When famed German composer and pianist, Beethoven described music as a “higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy” and as “the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents”, he may well have laid out a profound exposition of the depth and reaches of the art, one that is unrestricted by time or distance, by creed or colour, by status or zone. He envisioned a limitless art form. Today, we speak not only of its internal freedoms, but of its transcendent liberating force coursing through entertainment, education, politics, the economy, technology, and social change. Music has become a life form meandering like the bellows of an accordion into the many circles that define life as we know it.

In Nigeria, the music industry has grown in leaps and bounds. With over $2 billion in revenue annually, over 30 million monthly listeners worldwide, over 500 music producers, over 1000 record labels, over 50 radio stations amplifying its rhythms and sounds, and multiple digital music distribution platforms, Nigerian music has become the stuff of dreams, if only commercially.

Sadly, the fine art of the classical, orchestral and live performance genre, with its accompanying socially valuable messaging, is dying. The rapid rise of studio-recorded music, with its massive commercial success, has sadly provided an alternative to total music, one that substantively accommodates a wide array of ‘real’ instruments, trained voice, and electrifying theatre. It is perhaps the appeal of total music that inspired Victor Hugo to bellow, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent”.

This challenge is one that is not only unique to Nigeria or Africa, but a universal one. In Sasha Frere-Jones’ piece, “Do Recordings Kill Music?”, she cited a profound quote from Richard Kostelanetz’s interview with John Cage, thus: “I’ve always said that a record is not faithful to the nature of music.” David Grubbs, a professor at the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College, she reports, “takes up a specific belief of Cage’s: that recordings can injure the ability of an audience member to experience a performance in real time. In theoretical terms, the recording reifies a specific moment, potentially interfering with a composition’s ability to live and change and breathe by fixing a single iteration as the ‘authoritative’ version”. Perhaps, nothing captures the triumphantly seductive and absorbing force of the authentic live performance than Robert Ashley’s description of Alvin Lucier’s 1969 piece, “Vespers” as referenced by Grubbs. Ashley wrote of “Vespers”: “No number of microphones and loudspeakers can reproduce the relationship between the sounds and the space in which the sounds create the musical experience.” This reminds one of Mozart’s delicate refrain that “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”

This dying art form was once the force that rocked the bowels of mother Africa, from the Sahara to the Mediterranean. From Fela and Makeba to N’Dour, Salif Keita, Amr Diab, Sangare, Mapfumo, Kidjo, Mtukudzi and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the glory days of message-laden total music may, but for the flickers embodied by the likes of the eternal Kidjo and the heirs to the Fela dynasty, be well and truly over.

But there appears to be a rebirth glistening in the hallways of MUSON Diploma School, a core component of the MUSON School of Music. The MTN MUSON Music Scholars Program, conceived in 2006, a partnership between MTN Foundation and the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) School of Music, powers the diploma school. The partnership involves a 2-year Diploma in Music at the MUSON Diploma School. All the students admitted to the Diploma course receive MTNF Scholarships comprising annual scholarships worth N250,000 to cover tuition, books and transportation over a 2-year period. The graduating students are awarded an internationally recognized Diploma in Music. The scholarship is an open opportunity one. It allows applications from all musically talented youth through an open and fair process.

The school is home to the award-winning MUSON Diploma Choir directed by Sir Emeka Nwokedi, and the MUSON School Orchestra & Concert Bands. It has been able to produce outstanding Jazz ensembles such as the all-female GIRLZ RULE Band, the 5YZ MEN and The Theosolites.

At MUSON, MTN Scholars take advanced training in music with majors in voice or any of the instrument forms of: Piano, Organ, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion, and Classical Guitar. “Students are also required to take 2 terms of an instrument minor other than their major instrumental family. All voice students must pass grade 2 piano, instrumentalists must pass vocal techniques and all students must belong to the choir. Orchestra is required for all string majors. All wind and percussion majors must belong to band. Others who may not be majors are welcome to audition for the orchestra band”, the school says. They also take part in high-level musical productions which provide the perfect opportunity to exhibit their talents and skills. At the end of their programme, the music scholars have the opportunity to showcase the result of their advanced training through performances at the annual Donors Appreciation Concert. This speaks to the neat integration of sound and rhythm, of theatre and messaging; the total music.

MUSON has been at the heart of developing and preserving the purest form of music in Nigeria, and helping to export same to the rest of Africa and the world. Created in 1989 by a group of friends, namely Mr. Louis Mbanefo (SAN), Mr. Akintola Williams (late), Chief Ayo Rosiji (late), Mrs. Francesca Emanuel (late) and Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi (late), the school was designed to promote, as Mr. Mbanefo, who is Chairman of the school, aptly captures, “the performance, understanding and enjoyment of serious music”. The dream, he notes, has continued to be realized, producing internationally reputed graduates and changing the dynamics of music in Nigeria and Africa. “The school has produced over 400 Diploma graduates, many of whom have continued their musical education in Europe, South Africa and America and attained international recognition. Most of our alumni have made and are making very impressive contributions to the musical life in Nigeria and indeed, the world.  They have raised considerably the standard of singing and musical performance in churches, in schools and at social events.  Indeed, many churches and musical societies throughout Nigeria are borrowing from the templates established by MUSON”, he proudly reveals.

As the proud owner of Nigeria’s “only professional Symphony Orchestra” and a choir of international renown, the school boasts a rich platform for empowering young Nigerian artistes and instrumentalists, especially in the dying art of classical and orchestral music performance.

Accredited by the Federal Government to award Diplomas in Music since 2002, the MUSON Diploma School grants all MTNF MUSON graduates diplomas which are equal to those awarded by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in the United Kingdom.

If the MUSON Diploma School is to continue to plot the course for Nigeria’s music salvation and become the sure hope of total music’s triumph for all of Africa, then it must display resilience, which its parent body— The Musical Society of Nigeria— chose as its Festival of Arts theme during the celebration of its 40th anniversary earlier this year. It must be resilient in the face of the onslaught of crass commercialism. It must be defiantly resilient if it must realize its goal of producing “well-rounded, thoroughly educated musicians…comparable to those found in a Conservatoire”.

And in its resilience, it must remember that lodged in the soul of this art, in its purest form, are the currents of humanity.

 

By Deji Agunbiade

1. Prince Kolade Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu is a biological grandson of the late Oba Abubakar Siyanbola Oladigbolu, the Alaafin of Oyo between 1911-1944. His great-grandfather (Oba Muhammad Lawal Akanbi Agogo-Ija ) was also the Alaafin of Oyo between 1905 and 1911. Alaafin Agogoija, who reigned for six years, is also the son of Alaafin Adelu Agunloye, son of the founder of the new capital, Alaafin Muhammad Soliu Atiba Atobatele.

2. Siyanbola Jnr was named after his grandfather, the second longest reigning Alaafin of Oyo after Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, who passed away in April 2022, Alaafin Abubakar Akanbi Adedokun Siyanbola Oladigbolu, who ascended the throne at the age of 65 years and ruled for 33 years.

3. Prince Siyanbola Jnr is the last born of a mother of seven and number 12 of the father of 15.

4. Prince Siyanbola is a mariner by profession and was a third officer on board of vessel before channelling his energy into other sectors in the year 2010.

5. Prince Siyanbola Oladigbolu is the founder of popular real estate firms in Lagos, Royal Colony Homes Limited and Chairman, Board of Directors, Oceantrack Holdings, Alkafiz Energy Limited, Captain Black Heavy Duty (CCL) and Afcom Media Limited.

6. The intelligent young Prince is highly familiar with Yoruba culture and tradition due to experiences he has gathered from royal palaces in Yorubaland. For his formal education, Prince Siyanbola attended St Mary R.C.M Primary School, Asogo, Oyo; Islamic Comprehensive High School, Olope Ibadan; Federal College of Fishery and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos; and Regional Maritime University, Accra, Ghana.

7 . He is a member of Nigerian Sea Ferrers (Sail Navy). The young and vibrant front-line contender for the vacant stool of Alaafin doesn’t sound like someone who is not ready for the task surrounding being an Alaafin. His historical facts about the Oyo Kingdom are marvellous for anyone who cares to know about Oyo, the position of Alaafin, and the Yoruba historical journey.

It was from this audacious Prince that one hears that the word “Aafin” (palace) singularly belongs to Oyo. He further explained that Aafin was the official residence of Alaafin. How can any Oba have an Aafin when he is not an Alaafin? The prince asked.

Other parts of Yorubas have names for their palaces, such as Iga, Iyewu, Ile-Oba, and so on. But the word “Aafin” was coined by Oyos. So, using it generally doesn’t mean it has no genesis

The findings revealed that the father of 38-year-old’ Prince (Prince Azeez Akano Siyanbola Oladigbolu) is a younger brother to the late Oba Bello Orimadegun Gbadegesin The predecessor of Oba Adeyemi, who joined his ancestors in April 2022.

The whole world is patiently waiting for the emergence of the reincarnation of Oba Siyanbola Adedokun Ladigbolu, who never lost any battle of defending Yorubas home and abroad during his reign.

Alaafin Abubakar Siyanbola Oladigbolu was the Alaafin between 1911-1944. The unification of the protectorate of North, South, and Lagos Colony was amalgamated two years after he (Oba Ladigbolu) became the Alaafin of Oyo.

Some historical facts established the fact that it was Oba Siyanbola Oladigbolu who represented the whole Yorubas during the ceremony of Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914.

The unforgettable event earned Oba Ladigbolu a British honour of CMG. (The Commander of St Michael and St George. Now equivalent to Sir.

Alaafin Ladigbolu and the likes of former Yoruba monarchs, Oba Sir Musediku Adeniji Adele, (Oba of Lagos) Oba Sir Titus Matins Adesoji Aderemi, (Ooni of Ife), Oba Sir Samuel Ademola Oladapo (the Alake of Egba) Oba Sir Afunbiowo Adesida, (Deji of Akure) and Oba Fesogbade Ademolu, the Awuajale of Ijebu, were contemporaries in the circle of royalty across the Niger, now Nigeria during the pre-colonial political system of Nigeria before the introduction of the constitution.

• Agunbiade writes from Oyo.

 

 

As President Bola Tinubu’s Administration assigns portfolios to appointed ministers laced with the upcoming swearing-in ceremony on Monday the 21st of August 2023 at the Presidential Villa, some ministers are on the radar of those who would perform exceptionally well as they add their wealth of experience into bringing the current administration to a positive landmark achievement in its quest to make Nigeria great again. Oladapo Sofowora X-rays 5 super ministers who will be the cynosure of all eyes with their overall performance and also bring into life the hope and aspirations of President Bola Tinubu to make Nigeria soar again as the pride of Africa economically.

 

 

Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite

Youthful and highly cerebral Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite is a woman who has proved beyond doubt that she will be a proverbial Swizz knife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The trained medical Doctor from the University of Benin (UniBen) was born in Oguta Local Government Area in Imo state. Her inclusion has further strengthened the women in politics and leadership and also youth in Governance mantra of the present administration.

 

Her Nomination brings forth novel perspectives and innovative problem-solving approaches, which are vital for addressing the intricate challenges confronting Nigeria most especially in the area of attracting foreign direct investment into Nigeria and also positioning Nigeria as an investment hub also to back the ease of doing business goals of the current administration. Her inclusion sends a strong message highlighting that women in governance are valuable and their contributions are indispensable for the country’s progress and development as they are potential home builders.

 

Dr. Anite is a trained medical doctor by profession but also holds a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter, specializing in Financial Risk Management and Portfolio Management. Doris bagged a double MBA from the London School of Economics and the New York University Stern School of Business. She also acquired certifications in Fintech, Algorithmic Trading and Advanced Risk and Portfolio Mgt from the University of Oxford. This is in addition to advanced training in some of the best Corporations in finance such as Goldman Sachs, Citibank and the London Academy of Trading, building her capacity in Advanced Financial Engineering and Data Science for Finance. In 2002, she made a career shift from the medical profession to the banking industry, rising astronomically to become the General Manager of Zenith Bank Plc charged with various critical functions which include Fixed Income and Currency Trading, Asset and Liability Management, Treasury Corporate Sales, and Financial Institutions. She was responsible for the bank’s investment strategy, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and managing risks. Her banking career kickstarted in the Human Resources and Training department, before venturing into Treasury in 2011 where She successfully handled roles in trading Fixed Income and Currencies, and eventually became a Treasurer at Zenith Bank.

In 2021, she later become the youngest commissioner in Imo state under the leadership of Governor, Hope Uzodinma. During her tenure as a commissioner, Dr. Uzoka displayed her dexterity in finance laced with exceptional interpersonal skills, which she acquired through her human resources training. These skills have been instrumental in managing the diverse local and international relationships required in her role which saw Imo State grow in finance.

 

As a member of CFA Society Global, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and Fellow Chartered Institute of Banking. She is also a Fellow, of the Institute of Credit Administration, Fellow, of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, Member Federal Accountability and Allocation and Member, Financial Market Dealers Association of Nigerian Banks, she is set to bring all critical stakeholders on board in her drive to ensure Nigeria grows in its trade and industry sector inline with the vision and mission of the president for the country.

 

 

 

Barr. Nyesome Wike

His Excellency Barr. Nyesome Ezewo Wike has over the years proved to be a man who loves the development of his people. As a grass root politician, he graduated through the different classes of politics as a Local Government Chairman, Chief of Staff to the governor, Minister for State for Education, Governor of Rivers and now his Nomination as Minister for FCT by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. Very dogged and a tough politician, Wike has shown the world that he is a force politically with his political prowess as he displayed at the just concluded presidential election. He was able to make his stand on Presidency’s return to the South and worked for the actualisation regardless of party affiliation. In the same vein, he also worked for the reelection of his successor which further cement his place as a force in Rivers politics and Nigeria at large. As governor of Rivers, he ensured infrastructural renewal in all nooks and crannies as he worked till his very last days in office as Governor. He constructed roads, hospitals, and schools among others which further cemented his name in gold in river politics. His addition as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT will further place him as one of the few ministers to watch out for as he is set to replicate his magic wand as Rivers Governor to the FCT. He will bring into bear his strength in building roads and infrastructure to strengthen the FCT and also enable a more beautiful outlook for the seat of power in the country. Wike is set to hit the ground running as he will not relent in working to bring the president’s administration to a positive scorecard with his knowledge.

 

Engr. David Umahi 

Engineer Senator David Nweze Umahi is not a pushover when it comes to Nigeria’s political landscape. As governor of Ebonyi State, his performance can never go unnoticed. Taking a trip around the state will further show the level of development that the state witnessed under his watch. He never failed to display his knowledge as an engineer in the infrastructural development of the state with the quality of construction among others. As governor, he invested heavily to ensure the state enters the map. He also made his mark with the construction of an airport which is today adjudged one of the most beautiful in modern times with installations of modern aviation equipment that makes the smooth running of an airport. With the construction of many state roads, Umahi ensured Ebonyi never lagged behind. As an engineer, he is bringing onboard his wide knowledge as a seasoned engineer that will corroborate the quality of infrastructure in the country and also ensure that as minister for works; the development of key infrastructure that will contribute to the socio-economic of the country is carried out. With his sterling performance as Deputy Governor and Governor of Ebonyi, he will be one of the super ministers to watch out for as he will dazzle in the role ascribed to him by President Tinubu.

 

Dr. Bosun Tijani

 

Dr Olatubosun Tijani who is the minister for Communications Innovation and digital economy is no doubt a passionate youth who is concerned about the growth of the country. He has previously vituperated his anger on the state of the nation on social media platforms which was used against him during his screening but he explained that his anger and frustration was borne out of his passion for Nigeria to grow and work like it should. His screening generated mixed reactions but after tendering his apology he became a cynosure of all eyes regardless of that he is a very brilliant chap who co-founded Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB).

Tijani is widely acknowledged for his role as an industry leader in the African technology ecosystem. He initiated the first visit of Mark Zuckerberg to Nigeria in August 2016, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in 2019 and 2023 and also hosted a fireside chat with Microsoft founder and co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates. This further places him as a voice in the innovation and technology sector as a significant game changer. After his screening, all eyes have been on him to replicate his magic in the industry to drive Nigeria from an analogue economy to a more digitised one with his ideas and network across the world. He is being tipped to digitalise Nigeria’s economy with innovative ways that will bring about more investors in technology into the country where Nigeria can produce more tech enthusiasts and also place Nigeria as a more tech hub across the continent. Bosun is on the radar as he is set to bring his experience in the sector to drive the economy to a more digitalized one and also to create more chances for the youths to thrive in tech.

 

Professor Ali Pate

Minister for Health; Professor Muhammad Ali Pate is a well-celebrated Nigerian physician and politician of Practice of Public Health Leadership in the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard University. He has previously served as the Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population and also as Director of the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) at the World Bank Group. Pate is also the former Minister of State for Health in Nigeria who understands the terrain owning to his pedigree. With Nigeria’s deficit in the public health system, Pate is looking to bring his knowledge of the landscape into play to reposition all health sectors to meet the global standard of practices and also reduce the brain drain in the medical profession. He is also one of the super ministers many are watching out for because of his solid pedigree in the health sector also as a member of various health bodies both locally and internationally. The Bauchi-born father of six is fully onboard to correct the wrongs in health care delivery in Nigeria and also looking to bring an end to the constant strike of medical personnel in the country. Pate will also help to draw the attention of various medical bodies to the need to [partner with Nigeria in ensuring its medical system functions optimally with the creation of more federal hospitals and also equipping it with modern types of equipment and adequate manpower. The Tinubu administration is more than confident that he will prosper and also bring into play his experience to ensure a more proficient healthcare system in Nigeria.