by Innocent Onoh
Music will continue to be used as a tool for international cooperation, integration and peace, as the 21st edition of the FESTIVAL OF ARTS of the Musical Society of Nigeria, MUSON, billed to commence on the 18th of this month, is expected to parade musicians from Nigeria, South Africa ,China, Russia, France and other nations.
Announcing this at a news briefing in Lagos, Kitoyi Ibare-Akinsan, Chairman of the Festival’s planning Committee explained that the infusion of performances from diverse cultures and tribes globally is intended to create a pleasant atmosphere for maximum relaxation. Mr. Ibare-Akinsan stressed that the annual festivity is an opportunity to showcase young and emerging talents in the music industry and launch them for global relevance.
In his words, “The 21st MUSON festival of the Arts, 2017 starts on the 18th of October with Music Quest/Youth Concert. Several young musicians are constantly emerging in Nigeria and the annual Music-quest is our way of showcasing and encouraging these talents. The youth concert is a competition that provides a platform of self expression for these young budding artistes. This platform is also MUSON’s modest contribution to the national effort at discovering and nurturing our youths”.
The Planning Committee Chairman continued, “Our unique personality program, My kind of Music, is scheduled before Thursday , 19th October. As usual, our guests will be taken on a musical journey through the memories, experiences and life philosophies of a member of the diplomatic community in Nigeria and a great friend of MUSON, Mr. Ingo Herbert, German Consul-General and three Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their chosen areas of endeavour”.
He also said, “This year’s jazz event is scheduled for Friday, 27th October . It will take the form of a Jazz Party organised in collaboration with the Winehouse Jazz Family”.
Contributing, the Director of MUSON School of Music, Marion Apata, said great efforts had been made to ensure the raising of world class musicians to avoid creating a generational gap in the industry, regretting that paucity of funds remains a stumbling block.” We have had quality talents. The school produces 60 graduates yearly and some of these talents are in many parts of the continent doing the country proud. Many of them are in the US and some are here in Nigeria. The ones that are into entrepreneurship have opened schools of music while others are teaching in private schools”.
The Planning Committee announced that its ultimate goal is to raise the status of the MUSON festival to meet the continental and global level.
