Awka gets into World Music Day groove

“IF MUSIC be the food of love, play on; give me excess of it. ” This popular Shakespearean quote from the play, Twelfth Night, resonated as the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation (ANPC), Chuka Nnabuife took the stage at this year’s World Music Day celebration.

  Speaking during the event held at Destination Garden, Awka,  the Commissioner for Transport, Afam Mbanefo, emphasised the values of music in helping to shape society.

  “Music is a dynamic tool. It speaks to the social and political atmosphere. Sometimes, people think music is just a forum to listen to sound. Rather, music is a veritable tool in shaping nature itself.”

  The commissioner noted that as World Music Day, the occasion basically calls for unwinding with what creativity brings to berth in the social environment.

Mbanefo hinted on the measures adopted by the government in promotion and sponsorship of artiste.

  “The Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Willie Obiano, is very keen in the affairs of the youth. That’s why he created the ministry of Youth and Creative Economy to give the youth a platform to develop and improve their talents especially in music because it has a lot of potentials to improve the GDP.”

  In his own remark, the MD, CEO ANPC, Sir Nnabuife stated that it is honour well deserved for the artiste whose works affect humanity in many positive ways.

  “This is a day to remember because you’re part of a history as this is the first time such a global event is happening in Awka, Anambra State.  What you are doing here is going viral.” Sir Nnabuife stated.

  Sir Nnabife appreciated the audience, who availed themselves to be part of history in the maiden edition of the event,

  In his own contribution, the host,  Eze Owuchi, said that the essence of the programme is to promote and encourage musicians to make good music accessible to all; noting that music is encompassing to all gender and class and plays a great impact in people’s everyday life.  

  “If you cannot sing, you may dance. If you cannot dance, you may mime or at least nod your head when your favourite music is played.” he stated.

  Comparing the past and present style of music, Owuchi said that lots of people are entering the music world without learning the rudiments required for the art. He stressed that the old skool kind of music was more impactful, especially, in promoting love and patriotism among citizens.

  He lamented the non or minimal involvement of government agencies in supporting the industry and appealed for total collaboration of the private and public sectors in promoting the industry.

  In a similar vein, On Air Personality (OAP), Louie Okoye, said that the influence of music cannot be overemphasised. He advised music artistes to play music according to the rules.

  “Music is termed an organised noise, thus, musicians are philosophers and are required to tell the art in a dynamic manner.”

  Highpoints of the event were Ada Agulu performance with her Onyeka Onwenu’ “Ekwe” song,  Chris Band and other cultural dancers who thrilled the audience.

  It will be recalled that World Music Day is an annual celebration observed on 21st June, around the world. More than 100 countries are said to commemorate this day. It first took place in 1982 in Paris and was referred to as Fete de me Musique.