By Vivian Okejeme
The Federal Government has been called upon to invest more in the creative and art industry in the country, as it will further grow the economy.
The FG is also encouraged to put more effort in catching younger ones to be interested in music.
The Director of Music, Nigeria Airforce, Group Captain Oludare Ayanbode, made this call as he served as one of the judges at the 8th Edition of the Abuja National Music Competition(ANMC).
Also, Dr Nana Gbolahan, the Chief Executive Officer, Abba Music School and organiser, ANMC, said the motivation for organising the competition is to continue to promote music, especially across Abuja.
The ANMC is a carefully curated competition open to Primary/Elementary and Secondary/High School students across Abuja, with the primary objective of promoting music and music education among young Nigerians.
The event is designed to celebrate talent, encourage discipline through the arts, and stimulate broader conversations about the place of music in our national education system.
Ayanbode, who spoke during the event said this year’s edition gave room for many schools to come and participate, “meaning that a lot of schools have encouraged the teaching of music in their schools and as a result, so many of these young talents have been encouraged to have music as an art and by so doing, serving as inspiration to other”, he said.
He described music as a discipline that actually increases cognitive abilities and builds memory, saying it’s an area that should not be taken for granted
He said, “There is room for improvement on the part of the government in catching them young when you talk about discovery of raw talents. I would not say the government hasn’t done enough but I believe they can still do more to bring out raw talents in these children.
“There should be all inclusiveness by giving the teaching of music in our primary and secondary schools more attention. The curriculum should be more robust, not only in private schools but also in public schools. The teaching of music should be encouraged to build more talents which will eventually help them in their normal academic pursuit and whatever field they choose to follow”.
He said this year’s edition of the ANMC is unique because most of the young talents at the event came prepared.
“I wouldn’t want to say they’ve given the judges tough but making decisions after watching them sing have been so tight but we are particularly happy that many of them have exhibited high level of discipline and creativity in their performances”, he said.
Dr Gbolahan, on her part said the aim of the competition among schools is to promote music culture in Abuja.
She said, “So, music, basically, is the language of the soul and all of us here are part of that language. The motivation for me, is to continue to promote music, especially across Abuja. In other parts of Nigeria, particularly, Lagos, music is well known and appreciated but in Abuja, it’s just coming up and it a lot better now than what it was.
“The motivation is also to encourage a lot of these children because a lot of them have these talents and it’s inherent, however, there is nothing that really pushes and encourages them and there is no platform given to them to express that talent and so, we provide that platform for them to be able to compete, meet other children that are also interested in music like them and also enhance their talents.
“We have more schools this year because more schools expressed interest to be part of the competition after we approached them. It’s also their own way of exposing their students to the music, so schools were more encouraged unlike in the past and we hope it will always get better.
Judges at the event are Prof Adebowale Adeogun and Mr Adebayo Omole and Malam Razphil;
The schools that participated in the competition include Benford International School, Meadowlands School, Regent International school, Premier Academy and Spiritan International Girls Secondary School.
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