Publish Date: Oct 13 2016
Mr Emeka Nwokedi, Choir Director for the Musical Society of Nigeria
(MUSON), on Thursday said that Nigeria’s indigenous music had in the last 10
years won 15 international awards.
Nwokedi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the performances of
Nigeria’s indigenous music in China, Germany, U.S.,Russia, Austria and other
countries had won gold and silver medals for the country.
“Nigeria is today well known through the performances of the MUSON Diploma
Choir and the Lagos City Chorale in some major cities across the world.
“We have in the last 10 years won gold and silver medals for our beloved
country, Nigeria, through our performances in these great
cities.
“We have won laurels for Nigeria from our performances in International
Cultural Festivals, Choir Olympics, Competitions and World Conference for Music
Education.
“Through these efforts, Nigerian indigenous music is gradually spreading to
major towns and cities of the world with a trail of positive image for
Nigeria’s culture and the people,’’ he said.
The musicologist expressed satisfaction with Europeans, Russians, Chinese,
Americans, Austrians and others high turnout for his Choir’s display of
Nigeria’s culture, customs and choreography in their countries.
He said that there was currently a growing preference for Nigeria’s music
abroad because of its instrumentation and rhythmic nature.
Nwokedi, also the Music Director for the Lagos City Chorale, also said that the
nation’s music was gradually fostering Nigeria’s relations and peaceful
co-existence with other countries of the world.
The musicologist said that there was a growing interest of foreigners,
especially Europeans, in different genres of Nigeria’s indigenous
music.
He also said that the choir’s performances abroad had always brought together
Nigerians in the Diaspora, who would always rush to such performances to cheer
the Nigerian music performers.
