When we think of classical music, we only consider the greats like Ludwig Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, etc., who have made amazing music that is still enjoyed generations afterward.
In this part of the world, classical music is still thought of as something exclusive to the Western world, but many young Nigerians like Mary Okwori have taken it upon themselves to nurture their skill, proving to the world that classical music is slowly gaining popularity in Nigeria’s pop music-loving youth.
Mary Eleojo Okwori is a native of Benue State, who studied Biological Science at the Benue State University.
Luckily for Mary, her musical journey started from being exposed to her church choir at a very young age. She sang as a soprano under the tutelage of her elder brother who was the church’s Music Director for a while.
In the process of pursuing her love for music, she travelled 14 hours by road from Benue to Lagos State just so she could participate in the 2017 Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) MusiQuest Competition. Thankfully, she emerged as the winner.
Later in 2018, Mary received the MTN scholarship to study music as a Voice major at the MUSON Diploma School of Music, learning directly from Princess Adebanke Ademola, the director of the institution.
Mary is an accomplished singer who has performed in numerous concerts as a soloist and a chorus member. One day, she hopes to perform with the celebrated Nigerian musician, Cobhams Asuquo.
The MTN Foundation is helping young Nigerians nurture their gift for classical music by sponsoring talented students to study music at the prestigious MUSON School of Music.
Mary Okwori and the rest of the 2020 graduating class will be putting up an exciting concert at 4 pm on Monday, August 24, 2020.
Join the concert and to enjoy some soul-stirring music and to support these gifted musicians.
