The Department of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, held the 10th Intercollegiate Choral Festival titled “Africa Sings 10” on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.
The event took place at the JF Ade Ajayi Auditorium of UNILAG and attracted a large audience of classical music lovers, practitioners, journalists, students and members of the general public.
The festival was dedicated to celebrating the choral compositions of Professor Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, a distinguished alumnus of UNILAG and the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracle (MFM) Ministries Worldwide.
In his welcome address, Prof. Albert Oikelome, the director of programmes, praised Prof. Olukoya, saying he is an internationally renowned musicologist, academic, scientist, creative writer, man of God, philanthropist, and a great supporter of the arts.
According to him, “for a man who has demonstrated unwavering affection for the nation’s musicologist, one who is dedicated to furthering our cause as artists even when others choose to ignore us. For someone who has shown in word and deed his wish to ensure that wonderful music is experienced in the ‘now’ and the ‘years to come’, not just in ‘ages past.’
“For a man who is so enthusiastic about the growth of music among young people, especially the Gen Zs, our generation next! Exactly why not? When we witness grace and great success, we celebrate it. And there is one right here in the building! We are here to perform just a few of his over 200 music compositions.”
The evening began with an opening performance by Adeyemi Taiwo Deborah, followed by a series of performances by choirs from various universities. The University of Ibadan Choir, University of Jos Choir, Obafemi Awolowo University Choir, Lagos State University Choir, and others showcased their talents by performing choral compositions by Prof. Olukoya.
During the intermission, the Beulah Quartet and The Heavenly String Orchestra delivered electrifying performances that captivated the audience.
The festival concluded with a mass choir performance of “Halleluyah Ogun Se” by Prof. Olukoya, conducted by Prof. Albert Oikelome.
Kachi Ige, the chairman of Africa Sings 10, expressed gratitude to Prof. Olukoya for his immense support to the Music Unit and the Creative Department at UNILAG. She highlighted his philanthropy and the impact of his compositions on their works.
In her vote of thanks,Ige said: “The choral festival is the brainchild of Prof. Albert Oikelome. Professor D.K Olukoya is honoured this year for being a huge supporter of the Music Unit and the Creative Department in the University of Lagos. He has written so many wonderful chorales that we have been using in school for some of our works and he is such a philanthropist. This year, we decided to put him in the spotlight and showcase his works.”
The 10th Intercollegiate Choral Festival was a remarkable celebration of music and the contributions of Prof. Olukoya to the field. It showcased the talent and dedication of the participating choirs, making it a memorable event for all attendees.