The MTN Muson Graduation Concert 2021 was musical heaven, with sounds from classical composers like Francesco Satori and W. A. Mozart, all the way to African sounds composed by members of the graduating class. The three hours plus music-filled event was fantastic from start to finish and left us in awe of the MTN Muson Class of 2021.
Here’s everything that happened at the concert:
1. Renditions of classical tunes: The class of 2021 showed off their gifts, and what they had learned over the two years they were working on their diplomas by playing some classical tunes. A lot of the students performed their instrumental solos, leaving the audience thrilled. Efeonah Abraham Oghenero started the event with a Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major, composed by Joseph Hayden. Udemadu Kasiemobi took on Franz Schubert’s Impromptu in G Flat Major and did brilliant work bringing it to life.
Perhaps a highlight of the night was the saxophone quartet rendition of St. Thomas by Sunny Rollins. Ogunyemi Opeyemi, Marvelous Oliver, Taiwo Peter and Kegbu Goodluck put their backs into it and delivered something incredible. Udoh Israel Peter (on piano), Godwin Ude (on cello), and Ahipue Esther (on flute) also brought their A-games to the show.
2. Incredible singing: The class of 2021 is composed of both instrumentalists and singers, and they made sure to thrill us with their beautiful singing. Nwaeweka Pearl and Ngere Paul took on Francesco Satori’s Canto Della Terra duet and almost brought us to tears. The vocal Ensemble then performed Paul Simon and Garfunkel’s Scarborough.
Ganthonu Odevivi and Adeola Timileyin brought us closer to more familiar grounds with their rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Look To You. We were taken right back to the classic songs with Ogechukwu Nweke’s soprano rendition of Una Voce Poco Fa by Gioacchino Rossini. Onah John Otroyin took us through one of the most comical performances of the night with his baritone take on Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison’s I Am Adolpho.
3. The crowning of an Igwe: Udemadu Kasiemobi composed an Igbo folklore song titled Egwu Onwa and performed it with the Igbo Ensemble. But first, there was a quick reminder that he is indeed Igwe. For the rest of the evening after their highly energetic performance, the MC – Ifunaya Anekwe and guests continued to refer to Kasiemobi as Igwe.
4. Some traditional vibes: Before Udemadu and the Igbo Ensemble took the stage, Oloniyo Samuel Olaitan took us to the land of his forefathers with the performance of his original song, Ife Olorun Oba. We adored every bit of his unique interpretation.
5. A fantastic MTN Y’ello song: Olulana Oluyemi, Adeola Timileyin, Ogbonyomi David and Nwokejoezi Izuchukwu created a piece celebrating their biggest sponsor – MTN Nigeria. The entire graduating set of 2021 performed the song, and we can’t wait to hear it on a commercial soon. It was that good!
6. Fun choreography: The class of 2021 proved they could do more than just lay down electrifying vocals or fun instrumental solos by taking on a few choreographies. Through their performances of Egwu Onwa, Y’ello MTN, and Abba Medley, they put on their dancing shoes and came through with perfectly coordinated steps.
7. Stories by members of the graduating class: we got to listen to a few members of the outgoing set – Samuel Oghenejaboh, Ngene Paul, and Ogechukwu Nweke. They shared how they found out about the program and talked about their work to be part of the class and their favourite things about the program.
Nweke said, “Muson has done a great thing for me. The value they’ve added to my musical career so far has been enormous. What I love the most about Muson is the quality of teachers they have is just the best. They are superb. Our teachers are very wonderful; they are not just teachers you can find anywhere”.
8. A special shout out to the MVP of the night, Faculty Member Mr Tunde Sosan: Mr Tunde accompanied several soloists, instrumentalists and groups, by backing them up either on the violin or piano. He helped add a unique brand of flavour to the event, and we think the students need to give him all the flowers he deserves.
