Campus Classicals 2016! : The First Ever Classical Music Contest in Africa

The Nigerian music entertainment scene has indeed grown and become the envy of other African countries; the deftness of indigenous production and the combination of tunes is often mind blowing not to talk of the lyrical creativity of the various ‘commercial’ artists.

Various artists continue to spring up using the mix of sultry and smooth vocals often times delivered with ‘unconventional’ and in some cases morally ‘controversial’ song lyrics with peculiar Afro-pop tune that makes listeners swing and groove.

In many instance, we have started nodding our heads to a song before even understanding its lyrical depth. Yet, the question beckons; how many of these musicals can last beyond a time and a season?

For this very reason, Classical Showcase Ltd., an indigenous Nigerian entertainment company initiated the ‘Campus Classicals’ designed to stimulate interest in the study and practice of music both in and outside the academia so as to achieve its (music) full benefit to the society. This is the first contest/festival of its kind wherein students from across Nigerian Universities come together in one single event to showcase musical talents in theory and practice. The contest event which will hold in May, 2016 is estimated to attract over 70 million media viewers and 20 million participants. Already, a lot of Universities are enlisted to participate in the epic classical music contest these includes University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsuka, University of Port Harcourt, University of Benin, University of Jos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria among others.

‘Campus Classicals’ has the endorsement of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON) and the Association of Nigerian Musicologists (ANM) among others. Classical Showcase Ltd., the organizers of the classical contest specializes in the planning and execution of classical music activities ranging from talent hunt, competition, consultancy, shows, marketing and promotion. In the words of Classical Showcase Ltd, our vision is to make classical music a veritable alternative to entertainment content in Africa.

The ‘Campus Classicals’ boasts of an array of music professionals who will sit as judges on the show, some of these are;

·         HRH Igwe, Prof. Laz E.N. Ekwueme IV NNOM, OON Professor of Music, Specialist in Theory of Music, Choral Music, Vocal Music, African Music, Speech, Drama, Dance. Professor Composer, Conductor, Singer (Tenor), Actor, Critic – London (BBC et al) and U.S.A. He has won prizes in Music, Drama, Literature, Art. University Public Orator, He has served in senior management capacity on various National and International music and art project. Presently he is the President, Nigerian National Museum Society.

                                            

Sir. Emeka Nwokedi, Music Director, Lagos City Choral and the Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON)

·         Dr. (Mrs) Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko, One of the most gifted Nigerian female musicians recognized locally and internationally. A Ph.D holder in Music education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, U.S.A.

·         Aaron Carter-Cohn, Visiting Lecturer at the University of Lagos. Organizer of World Voice Day in Nigeria. Holds a Masters Degree in music from University of Texas, San Antonia.

Music plays a vital role in the education and general development of students. It also enhances the socio-economic and cultural development of any society. It is in this recognition that Classical Showcase Ltd. is putting up this festival to further challenge university authorities and music/performing Arts departments to enhance the academic development of their students through intensive Music training. The festival is aimed at exposing students to practical classical music beyond their immediate learning environment and interface with their counterparts from other institutions. It is also to showcase the creative abilities of students and build a sense of success in them. To harness the talents of students, bring participants to national and international limelight thereby creating attraction for tourists.

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