By Charles D.S Ogan .
“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be”.
- Douglas Adams
My Lords Spiritual, and Physical,
Dearly beloved brethren.
We are gathered here this evening to celebrate the vision of a young Music Academy to fill the gap of professional organists in these parts. Four smart boys and girl will today go down in history as pioneers of this music master class.
Elroy Amangabara, Ebenezer Omoruyi, Elmer Amangabara and Tamunoseimiebi Obikabo Brown, I congratulate and charge you to go out there and be the best organists you can. As Douglas Adams said, you may not have gone where you intended to go, but I think you have ended up where you needed to be in this special area of music. Get set to go out to your schools, local churches and communities, and express your talent and inspire. Get set to go out to the hospitals; go to the prisons, orphanages and other charity homes, and inspire hope using your latent talent. When you impact lives positively in songs, and strings you are practically using music for development.
The Irene Taylor Trust, a UK based organization, has delivered over 300 creative programmes in prisons that aim to facilitate learning in a non-formal environment through music. The programmes include learning about different music, structure, playing instruments and writing lyrics as well as other benefits such as building confidence and rehabilitation. We too in this country can use music as a powerful tool for development, education and rehabilitation. That is the message. Use the talent developed in this academy to impact your environment.
I wish to thank the sponsors of this Music Academy, the M&G Etomi Foundation for their continued contribution to humanity. Michael and George Etomi were born twin in Ilesha, but have Benin and Okrika roots and spent their early life in Okrika, Rivers State, Nigeria. They have seen the pernicious poverty, environmental neglect and grim sense of hopelessness pervading our community and intervened. Thank you, Michael and George, for being the instruments to break this cycle of despair, poverty and crime by supporting programmes that teach the value of self-empowerment and improvement….
By helping people out of poverty, you are contributing to the development of the community. May you be a change maker for your community today …
Sometimes a light surprise
Verses: 1 and 3. Tune: Petition
- 1. Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord, who rises
With healing in His wings:
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
to cheer it after rain. - 3. It can bring with it nothing
But He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing
Will clothe His people, too;
Beneath the spreading heavens,
No creature but is fed;
And He who feeds the ravens
Will give His children bread.
- William Cowper published in1779.
In truth music is a tool for change. Fredrich Nietzsche is a German classical writer and philosopher. He said, “without music life will be a mistake”, while the Jamaican Reggae legend Bob Marley believed that “None but our selves can free our minds”. To the famous English writer William Shakespeare, “if music be the food of love, play on.” What does this tell us? It means music can change any type of condition, including poverty and illness. How many of us watched the viral video online of a sick man with Dementia in the plane? He was violent, but was calmed by a love song.
Origin of Music
Is unknown as it occurred before recorded history. However, researchers have discovered significant evidence that the very early man developed primitive flutes from animal bones and used stones and wood as percussion.
There are many definitions of music, check out the dictionaries. One Dictionary by Cambridge describes music as a pattern of sounds made by musical instruments, or a combination of these, intended to give pleasure to people listening to it.
And there are different genres of Music: Classical, Choral, Organ, Pop, Country, Traditional or Highlife Music. What kind of music do you listen to? I hear some people demonize some types of music.
What the Bible says about music
But the Holy Book nowhere condemns any particular style of music or any particular musical instrument to be ungodly. Rather, the Bible mentions numerous kinds of string and wind instruments. While the drums are not specifically mentioned in the scriptures, Psalm 68:25 and Ezra 3:10, mention other percussion instruments The Bible is replete with the Songs of Solomon and the Psalms of David. Here is one of them:
Psalm 122: (Chant by the Choirs).
1I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
2Our feet are standing in your gates,
O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem is built up
as a city united together,
4where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
as a testimony for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
5For there the thrones of judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you prosper.
7May there be peace within your walls,
and prosperity inside your fortresses.”
8For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
Gloria:
I wish to pay special tribute to the inspiration behind this Music Academy, the pioneer Bishop, Diocese of Okrika, Rt. Rev’d Tubokosemie Robinson Abere, JP …. Thank you Ngeri for immortalizing him by instituting this music academy in his honour because it is well deserved. Bishop Abere is not only a lover of music, he is a defender of the faith and its instruments. He became bishop at a time of great strife at Okrika in 2003. Between 2001 and 2009, Okrika, was bleeding. There was death and destruction, and militancy, people were running away. It was one of the darkest moments in Okrika history.
But something needed to give to bring back normalcy. Remember, music changes all. The American singer Frank Zappa, looked at the chemistry of music and said: “without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible”. To change the narrative at Okrika at that time, we deviated from the norm by assembling a group of talented voices. We built a “Choir” with boys and girls carefully selected from different parts of Okrika nation to become instruments of peace, reconciliation and development. We took care of their logistics and gave university and polytechnic scholarships to support some of them. The Okrika Unity Choir was born in very difficult circumstances in 2005. The objective was to promote peace, unity and progress of Okrika nation, using choral music. The town was unsafe but this Bishop- Rt. Rev’d Tubokosemie Abere, gave us spiritual backing and stood behind us like a rock:
For five consecutive years from 2005 to 2009, we used this platform to organize the annual Okrika Christmas Concerts. 300-350 Choristers from Churches in Okrika and a Guest Choir from Port Harcourt participated. Thanks to Julian Wilcox. He brought the choir of St. John’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt to support us. Oh, there was the “Golden Tenor”, Precious Omuku who was our constant star, and a Unity Choir Trust Council (UCTC) that provided us guidance with Sir Dr. George I Ogan, (now of blessed memory) as Chairman. Others included now Bishop Precious Omuku, Ven. S.I. Tamuno (KSC), Sir Daibi G. Selema, Sir M.N.K. Tamuno, Sir Chief Nemi Wisdom Adoki, Teinbo Inko-Tariah, Ven. Sam Dan Ogan, (Choir Chaplain), Tonye Luke, (pioneer Choir Master), and Dame Mediline Ingowari Tador,(Choir Chaperon & General Manager, Radio Rivers) She gave us generous publicity, and was the programme anchor for five years. I thank them all.
Our Concert Patrons were many, some are late, some are here and we appreciate them all. Distinguished Resource Persons like the eminent Historian Professor Tekena Tamuno (now of blessed memory) spoke peace and reconciliation during the concerts. The 2007 Okrika Christmas Concert, was scheduled for St. James Church Ogoloma but that morning an oil tanker exploded off the coast of Ogoloma, which was interpreted differently. There was tension in the land. People were calling me to cancel the concert. I called Bishop Abere. I said My Lord, should we cancel this year’s concert? He said No, Charlie. Go ahead. St. James Church, Ogoloma overflowed to the glory of God, including over 80 Chiefs in attendance, mobilized by then Chairman of Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs (ODCC), Chief Tari Sekibo, Odo Abaji. The Unity Choir Patrons in Ogoloma Late Dr. Rollins So Jamabo and Chief Magistrate Barasin Jamabo entertained the Chiefs.
In 2009 at St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Ogu, the music concert brought Okrika and Ogu/Bolo Chiefs together for the first time in many years. About 150 Chiefs participated. Thanks to the generous support of Distinguished Senator George Thompson Sekibo who hosted the Chiefs and guests to a Banquet after the concert. He even planned to bring Eleme and Ogoni Chiefs, to properly heal the old wounds of animosity among the neighbours. Music is a great healer. May we use the sound of music to heal every wound of hatred, among us today…
Music Cities:
On a scale greater than Okrika, cities around the world are using music as a tool for building harmony and urban development. Austin in Texas, USA and Adelaide in Australia have been declared musical cities by UNESCO and have developed innovative and creative strategies to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the music industry.
Many other cities and organizations have joined the band wagon, making music a driver of progress worldwide:
• In South Africa, an organization called Bridges for Music, uses music as a medium for social integration and to raise awareness about development issues.
• In Italy, Busseto was the hometown of the classical music legend Giuseppe Verdi. The streets of this city are named after famous musicians such as Mozart, Bella Bartok, Beethoven, Handel, Haydn, Tchaikovsky, etc. attracting tourists and boosting the economy.
• In the UK, UK Music produces annual reports on the impact of musical tourism over the local economy.
So, which way Nigeria?
How can music be a driver of progress in Nigeria? I submit that If properly articulated and developed the music industry can be a tool for:
- Creating jobs. Many of our youths have no jobs. Today, Nigeria’s unemployment rate is second highest in the world. Put at 33.3% in the fourth quarter, it is the second highest on the Global list. It is obvious, Government alone cannot solve the problem. The music industry in Nigeria is huge. If properly harnessed and developed, musical tourism can be a viable tool for job creation.
- Managing Tourism. In 1977, Nigeria hosted the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC). Sir (Rear Admiral) Ochego Promise Fingesi was President of the Festival Committee…
FESTAC’77 was a boom to Nigeria’s tourism: 15,000 Artists including the South African musical sensations, “Ipi Tombi and Miriam Makeba, America’s Steve Wonder; and over 100,000 guests and foreign visitors graced the festival. The University of Lagos hosted the Drama and musical festivals of FESTAC. Consequently, beside the Guest Houses, the main Auditorium and Arts Theatre of the university of Lagos were built through funding from FESTAC Secretariat. That was 1977. In recent times, there are the Calabar Carnival in Cross River State, the Osun-Oshogbo Festival in Osun State, the Eyo Festival in Lagos State and the Ofala Festival of Onitsha people in Anambra State to mention a few. These festivals with their music components attract millions of tourists every year and boost both the local and national economy. - Regenerating Urban Areas. By mid1970, Port Harcourt metropolis was desolate and almost empty as a result of the Nigerian Civil war (1967-1970). As life began to gradually return to normal, churches also resumed. Christ Church, Port Harcourt was not left out.
The Choir of Christ Church led by Alabo Dr. C.I.T. Wokoma, Pa Bliss Iyalla, Hezekiah Cookey, Chief Godfrey Cookey-Gam, Dr. George Ibiene Ogan and Dr. Mrs. Constance Saro-Nwinyo, (all of blessed memory), together with others like Dr. Edie Spiff, Ma Minjiba Ateli, Prof. Mrs. Ayebaemi Spiff, Ma Bridget Inko-Tariah, Lolia Inko-Tariah and Teinbo Inko-Tariah formed the nucleus of what became the famous Christ Church Choir and the Choral Voices of Port Harcourt, the only classical choir at the time. They staged Choral Music Concerts an Cantatas that kept the city alive.
In later years the Royal Male Choir, Clustered Male Choir, The Fused Ensemble, Exquisite Choir, Philharmonic Concert Choir, Port Harcourt Male Ensemble, the Garden City Chorale, Kings Chorale, the Pharso Choir and others, have emerged and are helping to regenerate our urban areas through choral music.
On the secular side Rex Jim Lawson had died on his way to perform in Warri, but other bands like Founders 15, One World, Prince David Bull and The Professional Seagulls, Erasmus Jenewari and The Gospel Bells Blues, etc. revived the social life of the city of Port Harcourt. Economically, they helped to increase the local revenue without raising taxes.
In neighbouring Delta State, a Philanthropist Joe Ayonmike founded the Warri Choral Society (WCS) in 1992. His musical concerts influenced Warri and Delta State at large positively. During one of such concerts, Joe Ayonmike discovered Adokiye Precious Omuku, a musical talent from Rivers state, and practically poached him to join his group. Dr. Precious Omuku is arguably, one of the finest tenors in Africa today… To retain his talent, the man got Precious, a job in Shell, Warri. In addition, he encouraged senior members of his choir in position to provide jobs for younger school leavers in the group. May we have more of such music loving philanthropists ..
- Retaining and attracting talent and investments. Nigeria has abundance of talents in music. In the past, the Hausa music icon, Dan Maraya Jos, Bobby Benson, Zeal Onyia, Chuks Okonta, Rex Lawson, Celestin Okwu, Nelly Uchendu, Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade, Sunny Okosun, Bongos Ikwe, Onyeka Onwenu, Chistie Essien Ibokwe and Edna Ogholi to mention a few, brought joy and peace to many Nigerian homes and cities. Today, younger talents like David Adeleke (Davido), Rema, Burna boy, Omah lay, Kiss Daniel and Crayon to name a few are using their boundless creativity to captivate audiences in the world. Davido performed at the 2022 World Cup hosted by Qatar and was on December 1, 2023 recognized as an outstanding citizen of Georgia, in the United States. Such music talents bring honour and prestige to Nigeria.
The development of Music Institutions is a key to retaining and attracting more talents and investments. In 1989 the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) established the MUSON School of Music to offer basic music training for interested children and adults. Today, this musical society has Nigeria’s only professional Symphony Orchestra and a renowned Choir.
Take Aways - In whatever calling or profession, you find yourself, make an impact. If you are an organist, trumpeter or soloist, impact your environment with your talent…
- Music is a tool for change. No matter the type of condition, including crisis in community, poverty or illness, music can change the situation.
- If properly developed, the music industry can be an answer to Nigeria’s current unemployment challenges.
- Musical tourism is a boost to local and national economy, and prestige.
- Nigeria has abundance of music talents. To retain and attract more talents and investments, we need more Music Institutions.
Conclusion
A dynamic and promising young man, Ngeri Abere has established the Bishop Abere’s Music Academy in partnership with M&G Etomi Foundation. We want this dream to grow and become another MUSON School of Music to produce future Precious Omukus, Andre Bocelli’s, and Luciano Pavarotti’s. We need more partners. Support the vision of this young Academy. And as you do may God bless and prosper you.
To you all in this House, may you be richly blessed:
Bless This House (Solo Anthem)
Bless this House, O Lord we pray,
Make it safe by night and day…
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out…
Bless the roof and chimneys tall,
Let thy peace lie overall…
Bless this door that it may prove,
Ever open, to joy and love
Bless these windows shining bright,
Letting in God’s Heavenly light,
Bless the hearth, a blazing there,
With smoke ascending like a prayer!
Bless the people here within,
Keep them pure and free from sin…
Bless us all that we may be
Fit O Lord to dwell with thee.
Bless us all that one day we may dwell
O Lord! With thee
- May Brahe
