By Bertram Nwannekanma
The Department of Creative Arts of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), under the leadership of Professor Albert Oikelome, has celebrated the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM), Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, at its 10th edition of Intercollegiate Choral Festival.
The Department of Creative Arts of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), under the leadership of Professor Albert Oikelome, has celebrated the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM), Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, at its 10th edition of Intercollegiate Choral Festival.
The event, held inside the prestigious J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium was a momentous occasion after a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Also, the attendees were dazzled with the grandeur of the festival, also known as “Africa Sings”.
The festival featured choirs from eight prestigious universities, including the University of Lagos, Mountain Top University in Pakuro, Nnamdi Azikwe University in Awka, University of Port-Harcourt, University of Ibadan, Lagos State University in Ojo, University of Jos, and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
Each choir brought its unique style and interpretation to the stage, delighting the audience with their melodic harmonies and soul-stirring performances.
This year’s concert was uniquely dedicated to honouring the musical genius of Professor Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of MFM.
Aside from being widely recognised for his sermons, Professor Olukoya’s exceptional talents as a music composer were brought to the forefront during the event.
Organised under the visionary leadership of the Director of Programmes for the festival, Professor Albert Oikelome, the choral festival was aimed at showcasing African culture, art and heritage through the transformative power of music.
Attendees were treated to an evening of captivating choral performances, exemplifying Africa’s rich musical diversity.
The event’s atmosphere was electrifying, as the choirs masterfully rendered Professor Olukoya’s compositions.
The audience was also enthralled by the enchanting melodies, powerful harmonies, and heartfelt emotions conveyed through each performance.
The choral festival provided an opportunity for attendees to not only appreciate the extraordinary talent of Professor Olukoya, but also to embrace the richness of African music.
Various choirs performed songs composed by Olukoya, while Titilope David and Adedaramola Olaore led the performance of Mo Gb’oju Le.
The University of Ibadan Choir performed Ekiti Medley, the University of Jos choir performed Ekun mi yio dayo, while the Obafemi Awolowo University choir performed Agbara Olorun.
The Lagos State University Choir rendered Igba mi d’owo re, while the UniLag Choir performed Ona toro and Hallelujah Ogun se.
The choir from the Mountain Top University performed Olorun maje nri Ogun, while the University of Port- Harcourt choir performed Pidgin medley.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Oikelome described Dr. Olukoya as an internationally renowned musicologist, a great academic, a scientist, a creative writer, a man of God with distinction, an amazing philanthropist and a great Akokite.
On her part, chairman of the organising committee, Modupe Ige Kachi, expressed excitement at the event, emphasising the significance of celebrating Professor D.K. Olukoya’s contributions to choral music.
She also acknowledged his generous provision of magnificent choral compositions that have enriched the university’s creative department and music unit.
She said: “The choral festival is the brain child of Professor Albert Oikelome. Professor D.K Olukoya is honoured this year for being a huge supporter of the Music Unit and the Creative Department in the University of Lagos. He has written so many wonderful chorals that we have been using in school for some of our works and he is such a philanthropist, and this year, we decided to put him in the spotlight and showcase his works.”
– Guardian Newspaper