By McPhilips  Nwachukwu

The word, Music according to Concise Oxford English Dictionary is defined as , “the art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds or both to produce beauty of form, harmony and expression of emotion.”

Defined so simply, this simple art or science of combination of vocality and sounds has done more than the mind can comprehend.

Common sayings among Christians; and especially the Pentecostal sect, are that praises are keys that move God to action. Also, in the Bible, it is written that when King Saul gets into his fit of depression, David would be called upon to play tambourine to calm his riotous spirit.

What it then means is that from time immemorial, music as a science cum art form has played a prevailing role in the life of man kind. As the dictionary tells, being a medium of expression of emotion, Music , therefore becomes, a vehicle through which man has responded to engaging issues around him.

This could be seen from how music has been employed to herald the birth of a new born baby or in mourning the death of loved ones. In the same wait the form is used to encourage men in the battle field as well as those in the football pitch.

Importance of music

In recent times, Nigerian youths, like the group in Britain of the 50s described as “the angry young men” have also brought music to the service of popular culture and, significantly appropriate it in confronting all forms of post modern issues.

The importance of music can not be over estimated and no wonder, the United Nations decided to set aside 21st June of every year as a special day to mark world Music Day. In an article published hindustantimes titled, June 21 is World Music Day, Luke Kenny has written that, “ its origin lies in France when, in 1976 American Musician , Joel Cohen , proposed all night music celebration to mark the beginning of the summer solstice and since then it becomes a worldwide phenomenon with over 32 countries having their own celebrations in their own way, regardless of the season.”

This year in Nigeria, the National Troupe like in every other year called out the tribe of music lovers: musicians, copyright managers, music teachers and critics as well as performers of varied brands to join their kindred spirits all over the world in celebrating this scared day.

Present at the well attended programme that held at the Cinema Hall 2 of the National Theatre were; Mr Martin Adaji, Artistic Director of the Troupe, retired Federal Director of Culture, Aig Imokhuede, Managing Director of the National Theatre, Kabir Yusuf, COSAN Acting General Manager, Mr Chinedu Angus Chukwuji and Mr Steve Ogundele, Secretary General, National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP.

Chaired by Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, the occasion apart from celebrating the magical gift of music as witnessed from the series of performances from National Troupe Artists and Biodun Batik also provided a platform through which University of Lagos music scholar, Dr Albert Oikelome examined the turf of Nigerian music.

Speaking on the topic, Music in Contemporary Nigeria: Emerging Trends and Developments, Oilkelome argued that , “ From the 60s till date, we have witnessed several changes and development in the musical landscape of the country.” According to him, “ The proliferation of musical typologies has, in the wake of the 21st century, contributed to the emergence of various categories of musical practices in contemporary Nigeria.”

Overtly elated by what he saw at the event , ace musician, Tony Okoroji called on his fellow musicians to be proud of their trade.” You should be proud of the choice you have made. Time was when you as an artist were considered a drop out. But those times are changed. When I went to school, I made straight A’s and could have become a doctor or anybody, but I chose to be a musician. I want to say to you, be proud of that you have chosen to be.” He said.

In his own words, the Artistic Director of NTN, Adaji told the gathering that the world music day can not be celebrated without music adding that, “ that is why we recall the Easter package. It is not the quantity of people that attend the event that matters, but the quality. I am satisfied with the quality of the people present.”