All roads will lead to the Cathedral Church of Saint John, Ekwulobia for the grand finale of the Aguata Diocesan Music festival. The event, which will commence by 10am, will be presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese, Right Reverend Samuel Chukwudi Ezeofor, JP, Ph.d, Ambassador of Peace.
According to the Diocesan Music Director, Dr. Chukwudi Ezeokoli, participants in the music fiesta were drawn from the fifteen Archdeaconries in the Diocese. There were series of eliminating stages before the grand finale after which trophies will be presented to the winners and runners up. The music festival is part of activities lined up in the Diocese to encourage the youths and choristers to excel.
No doubt, Music has played great roles in the Biblical and social affairs of mankind. David played music with psaltery, harp, cymbals and trumpets to praise the Almighty God and to ask for forgiveness of his sins. He also played music for King Saul in times of his distress. It is a fact that, when a baby is born, his or her mother’s lullaby lures the baby to sleep.
Music is also more than the groovy beats being created by the magic fingers of Don Jazzy, the renditions of the music maestro, Chief Stephen Osadebe, as well as other musical artists that had used it to express their feelings or criticize the ills of the society. Equally, music is a veritable tool for nation building. Indeed, there is no better way to measure how far society has evolved but through music. It has, for instance, been used to express emotions when words seem not to be enough. Advocacy and social change are some of the ways music can be used in nation building. For example, one good song with a message can bring a point more deeply to more people than a thousand rallies.
Moreover, artistes are musical town criers who satirize social foibles in order to make human society and living worthwhile. Fela Anikulapo Kuti, through his music, was critical of military governments in Nigeria. Fela used music to comment on the socio-political and economic climate in Nigeria. His messages opened the eyes of Nigerians on the various ills plaguing the society then.
Music also aid in ideological change and mass orientation and re-orientation. Ideological change and music are like two hearts in one beat. They beat as fast as the drums in the jungles of Africa. Many songs have helped to put some core national issues in the front burner of national discuss and have helped in creating a paradigm shift in the country.
One of the greatest writers, William Shakespeare, says that music is the food of love. Music can also put food on the table. Today, talented young musicians are making money with their music through the sale of their albums, as well as playing music for wealthy Nigerians for money.
Clearly, music is a wealth creating tool. This is evident in the enviable lifestyles music makers live, pursuing their passion. Gone were the days when musicians hop on taxis or Okadas to get to their destinations. They can now be seen in the hottest cars, phantoms, their fashion lines are the hottest items in boutiques while their albums move a million in a week, not forgetting their mouth watering advertisement endorse deals.
Although the Nigerian national image is in shambles, music has helped to re-orientate the minds of the international community about the country. The likes of Lagbaja, Asa, 2-FACE, Fela Anikulakpo Kuti and others, have attracted international attention to Nigeria through their music. This has helped in recreating a new portrait for the youth as enterprising, diligent and smart.
So, as the grand finale of the Aguata Diocesan Music festival takes place tomorrow, the youths should use the occasion to be more interested in music, which, to all intents and purposes, will give birth to wealth creation, boost tourism and enhance advocacy and mass orientation.
2019 Aguata Diocesan Music festival…………. Here we come.
Aguata Diocese – Lampada Christi
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