Spending time to study and sharpen one’s skills is a sure way to stand out in any industry. As more people discover their love for music and set out to become recognised voices in the entertainment space, these 30 young Nigerians have gone through an intensive two-year diploma programme at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) School of Music to learn the intricacy of music and begin their journey towards building successful careers.
Since 2006, MTN Foundation has helped over 360 musical talents fulfil their dream of studying music by providing scholarships worth ₦250,000 to cover their tuition, books, and transportation for two years at MUSON. This is in line with the organisation’s effort toward youth development and empowerment.
Following the 15th concert and graduation ceremony held for the MTN MUSON scholarship recipients on Monday, July 4, 2022, here’s what they had to say about their experiences and most memorable moments during the programme.
1. AGHULOR UCHE
AGHULOR UCHE, a voice major acknowledges that her most memorable moment at MUSON was during her graduation. She believes that performing on stage at that moment signifies the start of her musical journey and dedication to her career.
With the help of an alumnus of MUSON, she is currently working on organising a concert scheduled to hold before the end of the year. Uche’s aim is to spread classical music within Lagos and internationally by collaborating with other artistes and organisations on relevant projects.
2. AKWARANDU ANGELA ONYINYECHI
Playing the role of Santuzza for the Diploma Opera titled, Cavalleria Rusticana, conducted by the well-seasoned opera teacher, John Eclou was Akwarandu Angela Onyinyechi’s most memorable moment during her diploma programme at MUSON.
The voice major is passionate about music and intends to give back to society by offering free vocal coaching and training for children who cannot afford to pay for proper music training.
3. ANUMBA LINDA NWANNEKA
Voice major, Anumba Linda Nwanneka’s favourite moments at MUSON were her recitals, the various performances, and the opportunity to be in the same class with amazing musicians while making good friends.
She is excited about practising the knowledge gained during the past two years and redefining herself as an artiste and performer.
4. AUSTIN TISH CHUKWUYEM
Austin Tish Chukwuyem is exiting MUSON with a plan to impact change in his environment through music. He is particularly interested in reaching children who are passionate about music but have limited means and access to pursue their dreams.
According to the voice major, his favourite moment at MUSON was when he received an award as the most outstanding male vocalist graduate.
5. AYOWOLE JESSE OLORUNLEKE
Ayowole Jesse Olorunleke’s first day on the MUSON campus remains a memory he still holds dear. At that moment, he came to the realization that MTN Foundation was actually helping him get on a journey to fulfilling his dreams of studying music at MUSON. During the programme, he loved participating in concerts and recitals where he got to perform, meet new people, and watch his colleagues perform as well.
The piano major plans to teach, further his education abroad, and eventually, organise his own concerts.
6. BOUBAI FRANCES
Boubai Frances agrees that she had a wonderful experience studying at MUSON. Her interaction with colleagues and teachers during the programme gave her the best memories. She looks forward to going into music education.
7. CHUKWU GIDEON UZOMA
Chukwu Gideon Uzoma, the only alto saxophone scholar graduating this year is set to go into the world to entertain people with enjoyable performances. While at MUSON, his best moments were during his major classes, choir practice, and every moment with his band.
As someone who has benefited from MTN’s scholarship, he also looks forward to teaching music as a way of giving back to society.
8. CHUKWUNYEM DANIEL OZIOMA
As for Chukunyem Daniel Ozioma, receiving MTN’s scholarship to attend MUSON was a dream come true and that remains his best memory throughout the diploma programme. With his degree as a voice major, he plans to impact knowledge and improve the state of music education in Nigeria.
9. IKIRE ELIJAH OGHEMEJABO
Ikire Elijah Oghemejabo is the only clarinet major among the MUSON graduating class of 2022. His favourite moment during his diploma programme was receiving an award for the most outstanding in woodwind. He plans to share the knowledge he has acquired over the past two years by teaching younger talents who desire to learn to play the clarinet.
10. IYIOLA TIMILEYIN DAVID
Pianist Iyiola Timileyin David enjoyed every learning opportunity with his teachers – Ayo Bankole and Tunde Sosan during the course of his study at MUSON. With a burning desire to specialise in music production, David intends to relocate abroad to continue his studies and build on his music foundation.
11. KALU UCHENNA ANGEL
Kalu Uchenna Angel is a vocalist and one of those who are on the path toward impacting the knowledge they’ve learnt by teaching the younger generation about music. Her decision to teach music was inspired by the teaching style of her major teachers who she said made learning easy and comfortable for her. So she plans to keep that learning cycle going.
12. KOLADE EMMANUEL OLUKOLAPO
Kolade Emmanuel Olukolapo is a percussionist with big dreams. He enjoyed every moment shared with his classmates and friends while performing on stage, executing group projects, and attending masterclasses organised by MUSON. Singing and playing the drums simultaneously during his final year recital was his most memorable moment as a MUSON student.
Looking into the future, Olukolapo desires to be a touring artiste and clinician so that he can get experiences from the different cultures and music of people around the world. He is excited about meeting new people and sharing his music and knowledge of African music with them.
13. NDUBUISI CHIZARAM EPIPHANIA
Getting to make music with her teachers and colleagues were some of Ndubuisi Chizaram Epiphania’s favourite moments at MUSON. The cellist also enjoyed the performances and school concerts. Now that she’s out, she intends to apply all she has learned to improve her craft.
14. OBIZUE CONFIDENCE CHINEDU
Obizue Confidence Chinedu is a vocalist with plans to transmit the knowledge he has acquired over the past two years to newbie musicians. His most memorable moments at MUSON were times spent with his classmates during group projects for African Music, Music Technology, as well as History and Harmony classes.
15. OHAJI GINIKACHUKWU VIVIAN
The experience at MUSON has made Ohaji Ginikachukwu Vivian appreciate the act and art of live music performance. As a vocalist, her favourite moments during the diploma programme were times she had the opportunity to learn from music professionals.
Vivian plans to work in the music industry, further her education, and give back to society by offering vocal training to children and underprivileged people.
16. OKIKI SEGUN GIDEON
Okiki Segun Gideon plays the trumpet and during his time at MUSON, he enjoyed attending Friday band rehearsals. He considers his interactions with his teachers and colleagues as both fun and an unforgettable learning experience. Gideon desires to help people get into music by training and encouraging them.
17. OKOYE OGECHI VICTORIA
Okoye Ogechi Victoria is a vocalist who looks forward to exploring a career as a singer and performer. While she plans to take things a step at a time and reflect on all she has learnt, she would always cherish the memories she made during her recitals and performances at MUSON.
18. OKUNNUGA OLUGBEMI MUYIWA
Okunnuga Olugbemi Muyiwa is an organ major with the hope of delving into full music composition using different themes. His first year at MUSON holds many memories but the most outstanding was a time when he was required to come up with a musical presentation that explored western music but adapted African context. According to him, the performance elated his spirit and he was glad to have been part of the team.
19. OLADOJA LANRE JOHN
Before getting into the MTN MUSON scholars programme, Oladoja Lanre John had always admired and looked up to some of the teachers who taught and mentored him for the past two years. According to him, getting the opportunity to work with them in person was the highlight of the entire programme.
John intends to use the knowledge he has gained to impact upcoming music enthusiasts and ensure they have access to adequate information to begin their careers.
20. OLAGUNJU TOBILOBA AYODEJI
Every moment spent at MUSON for the past two years has been memorable for Olagunju Tobiloba Ayodeji, a violinist. Ayodeji believes that learning is a never-ending process so he looks forward to furthering his music education now that he has successfully completed his music diploma programme.
21. OLANIRAN MARY IFEOLUWA
For Olaniran Mary Ifeoluwa, attending MUSON school of music was a step in the right direction. Now that she has explored playing the violin quite well during her diploma programme, she plans to go further to acquire a B.Sc and M.Sc in music.
Growth and learning have always been important to Ifeoluwa and although she does not have a favourite moment at MUSON, she absolutely enjoyed her year one orchestra rehearsals where she got to play new pieces with her colleagues.
22. OLUFEMI BRIDGET ENIOLA
The concerts and major classes were Olufemi Bridget Eniola’s most memorable moments during her diploma course at MUSON.
As a vocalist, Eniola plans to create a name for herself within and outside of Nigeria. She also hopes to remain dedicated to music and give back to society by furthering her studies in music.
23. ABOLADE JOHNPRAISE OLUWAPELUMI
Abolade Johnpraise Oluwapelumi is one of the 4 pianists who successfully graduated with the MUSON class of 2022.
24. OMOKARO GOODNESS CHUKWUMENIM
In appreciation of the MTN Foundation for their support during his diploma programme at MUSON, Omokaro Goodness Chukwumenim, a trumpeter aspires to use the knowledge and exposure he has gained to build an establishment where less privileged music lovers can get trained.
25. OMOTOSHO OLASUNKANMI OLANREWAJU
Omotosho Olasunkanmi Olanrewaju’s final year recital was his most memorable moment at MUSON. After specialising as a violinist for the past two years during the diploma course, Olanrewaju hopes to continue playing the violin and expand his knowledge of music.
26. ONAH VERA CHIBUGO
Onah Vera Chibugo, a vocalist believes the experience at MUSON has not only helped shape her musical career but it has also taught her other aspects of learning and life. Her best moments during her diploma course were recitals and festive periods.
27. OREMADE TEMIDAYO GABRIEL
Performing in the Opera at MUSON is an unforgettable memory for Oremade Temidayo Gabriel who plays the guitar. He is grateful for the opportunity to learn from world-class teachers and mentors over the past two years. According to him, the program has significantly improved the confidence he has in himself and his craft.
28. UKWU JOSHUA MBA
Ukwu Joshua Mba’s most memorable moments at MUSON were during his piano classes and final year recital. With all he has learnt over the years, he has finally found solutions to the technical issues he once faced with the piano and now plays without issues. Mba looks forward to enhancing the quality of music currently produced in the entertainment industry.
29. UMEH VALENTINE CHINECHEREM
Umeh Valentine Chinecherem thinks there’s a lot of misconception about classical music education in Nigeria and he plans to contribute to clearing those misconceptions. His experience at MUSON has also made him keen on educating people on the benefits of studying music and all the possibilities that come with the craft.
According to Chinecherem, the exposure he got through masterclasses and concerts were the best things about attending the school of music.
In case you missed the 15th edition of the MTN MUSON concert and graduation ceremony, you can read more here.