By Chris Onuoha

In the second quarter 2016, lovers of classical music will shift attention to the Nigerian Universities as Classical Showcase Nigeria limited premières the first ever campus classical music contest in Africa.  The maiden edition of this contest, (an annual all Nigerian universities classical music contest), which will begin in May, 2016 will see students from across top Nigerian Universities coming together in one single performance to showcase their musical talents in both theory and practical.

Enlisted to participate in the epic classical music contest are University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Port Harcourt, University of Benin, University of Jos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria among others.  Sylvester Obriko, Project coordinator, “Campus Classical” music contest, while charting with Vanguard Art disclosed that the event was borne out of the vision to make classical music a veritable alternative to entertainment content in Africa.

He said that the competition will expose student participants in Nigeria to practical classical music beyond their immediate learning environment while giving them the opportunity to interface with their counterparts from other institutions. Participants at the event will contest for excellence in the following major segments; Instrumental Music, Choral Music, Operatic Music and Band/Pop Music.

According to him, “Classical music is ultimately about music documentation. Documentation enables us to preserve music for generations. It is an excellent opportunity to encourage the growth of Schools/Classical Music-theory and practice through regular practical exercise in the nature of music contest. It is also to impress in students the sense of meaning, worth and dignity of the discipline of classical music in all its forms.”

“Campus Classicals will further foster the growth of a more reflective generation of youths through the culture of classical music in practice and theory; and therewith, to help in nurturing the growth and appreciation of intellectual culture and academic excellence as quintessential elements in nation building and development. Ultimately, the event will be used to harness the talents of students; bring participants to national and international limelight thereby creating attraction for tourists.” Obriko said.

“However, music has being found to play a vital role in the education and general development of individuals. It also enhances the socio-economic and cultural development of a society. Major research has also shown that practitioners and listeners of Classical/Academic music perform better in all spheres of human endeavours; which will be a definite plus for promoting classical music within the Nigerian entertainment music industry. “ he added.

Meanwhile, Obriko noted that Nigerian music entertainment scene has indeed grown and become the envy of other African countries; the deftness of indigenous production and the combination of tunes with lyrical creativity of the artists. He observed that various artists in Nigeria have continued to spring up using the mix of sultry and smooth vocals often times delivered with ‘unconventional’ and in some cases morally ‘controversial’ lyrics with peculiar Afro-pop tune that makes listeners swing and groove.

And in many instance, people will start nodding their heads to a song before even understanding its lyrical depth. Yet, the question beckons; how many of these musicals can last beyond a time and a season. How many of the music in present day Nigeria is actually documented which might fade into oblivion in the next few years. Obriko in his opinion suggests that the present Nigerian music entertainment scenario reflects the dire need to develop a generation of sound mind, well articulated individuals and purposeful music leaders towards the attainment of socio-cultural and economic developments through music-theory and practice.

Campus Classicals is endorsed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON) and the Association of Nigerian Musicologists (ANM).