By Benjamin Njoku

Last Friday evening, the best of Nigerian classical music filled the spacious La Scala Hall at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, as the King Lemuel Recital Sponsors’ Concert held the audience spellbound with timeless pieces under the theme “Sound of Music.”

But the night was more than transporting a discerning crowd into a world of transcendence and deep emotion. Founder King Lemuel also used the platform to unveil his next big projects: the King Lemuel Festival of Music, a flagship classical music competition, in addition to the King Lemuel Recording Studio and Music Lounge.

According to Lemuel, these initiatives will not only elevate Nigerian arts on the global stage but also deepen appreciation for the country’s rich musical heritage.

Unveiling next big projects

Addressing a quality audience that included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was Special Guest of Honour, and Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, chairman of the occasion, Lemuel announced plans for something grander; an International Music Community to be sited in the Lekki Free Zone. The project will occupy a 5,000 square metre state-of-the-art facility.

He explained that the space will feature two distinct halls; one honouring the governor’s commitment to the arts, and the other dedicated to another highly respected Nigerian.

“This dedication reflects your exceptional leadership and steadfast support for culture and creativity in our community,” Lemuel said.

“The International Music Community will be the rallying hub for national unity and reorientation, second to none in this part of the world, endowed with various facilities and sections. While we recognize the ambition of this project, we believe it is within our reach through our collective efforts.”

To secure the land and catalyze the vision, he said the fundraising target is approximately ₦450 million. “I therefore urge Your Excellency, and each of you seated here tonight, to view this project as a priority and to offer your support generously. I formally welcome you all and express my gratitude for your participation in this transformative project. Together, we can make history and create a lasting legacy for future generations through the King Lemuel Recital.”

The King Lemuel Recital is a groundbreaking endeavour designed to spotlight Nigeria’s exceptional musical talents at home and abroad. While it celebrates the beauty of classical music, it also honors excellence across all genres.

“Our commitment to promoting Nigerian talented youths is unwavering,” Lemuel added. “We are thrilled to announce that we shall commence recorded episodes of King Lemuel Recitals, to be broadcast on television once a week and shared across all social media platforms. This will allow us to reach a wider, more diverse audience both locally and internationally.”

Sanwo-Olu pledges support for the laudable projects

Overwhelmed by the vision of the Founder and Director-General of Greenland Classics, Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged government and personal support for the laudable project and for inspiring the next generation of classical music creators.

“I am really excited to be part of this evening. Let us be change makers and let us use intellectual capabilities to change the connectivity that we desire,” Sanwo-Olu said.

For Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations and Most Distinguished Guest of Honour, classical music has been a life force. He said it was one of the contributory factors to why he is alive today.

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, who chaired the occasion, highlighted music’s importance to humanity. “Music is not a collection of notes, but a message of love. It reaches places you can never imagine in your wildest world. It heals, it soothes, and it encourages.”

The night also featured presentations of notes of appreciation to deserving partners, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Vanguard Newspapers which was received by its Chairman,Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, Channels Television, FCMB, Nubian American Advanced College, George Etomi and Partners, Foto’s Scene Thesis, Renaissance Energy Company and Subsidiaries. Other dignitaries in attendance included, Sen. Bode Olajumoke,Guest of Honour; Mr. George Etomi, Chairman King Lemuel Recital Board of Advisors, Louis Mbanefo, Chairman of MUSON, Amb. Folakemi Akinleye, Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to Governor on Tourism and Airts and Culture; Mrs. Bola Fashola, ACH, Presicant Nubian American Advanced College; Ms. Adiba Anyaoku Ighodaro, Non-Executive Director on the Board of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited and more.

Night of stellar performances, inspiring speeches, and enchanting music

Indeed, the evening was a blend of stellar performances, inspiring speeches, and enchanting music.

The highpoint came when 14-year-old pianist Kanwamelina Odoe walked elegantly onto the stage to perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s ‘Fifth Symphony” and “Für Elise” composed between 1804 and 1808. Her rendition, dedicated to Governor Sanwo-Olu, drew thunderous applause from the elated audience, who praised her dexterity and captivating stage presence.

Soloist Ken Melo was equally exceptional, delivering George David and Bob Thiele’s “What a Wonderful World” alongside pianists Bright Kpalap and Adolphus Dikibo. First recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, the song has sold over one million copies and remains a timeless message of hope.

John Onosolease also displayed remarkable skill with his performance of “Some Enchanted Evening,” made famous by Ezio Pinza on the original 1949 Broadway cast recording.

Host Lemuel Iyalla proved his mettle too, stepping into the role of “God of Classical Music” as he performed “Climb Every Mountain” with pianists Bright Kpalap and Adolphus Dikibo. Other singers who gave a good account of themselves on stage included, saxophonist, Chyke Martins and Udoh Band, Rachael Adewale, Kehinde Oretimehin, Jennifer Maduka and Justin Tall Miyiden.