Abuja: The Acting Director of the Nigerian Army Band Corps, Lt.-Col. Michael Toriola, has emphasized the importance of early identification and nurturing of talents in classical music to ensure the genre’s sustainability in Nigeria. Toriola expressed these views during the annual classical music performance, ‘Symphony and Belcanto’, held in Abuja on Sunday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organized by Mrs. Nana Gbolahan, Founder and Executive Director of Abba Music School and Studio, Abuja. Toriola highlighted the need for investment from both government and private organizations in classical music education from primary to tertiary levels to encourage young enthusiasts. He noted that classical music, while having its dedicated audience, is a complex and technical field that requires significant encouragement and support.
Toriola pointed out that private organizations and schools are already making strides to promote classical music, although government support remains minimal. He stated, “Classical music is good, it is accepted by those who love it. Schools, from primary to tertiary institutions, are encouraging it and are doing so well to discover talents in the country.”
Mrs. Gbolahan echoed Toriola’s sentiments, stressing the importance of nurturing young talent to develop their interest in classical music. She advocated for increased government involvement, emphasizing Nigeria’s potential to produce world-class talents in the genre. Gbolahan remarked that while classical music might not be widely familiar to Nigerians, the country has the capacity to excel.
She further stated, “I feel that as Nigerians and Africans, we possess the propensity to actually do exceedingly well in classical music. Government involvement is needed because anything that concerns your people, particularly those things that will benefit them, government should be involved in.”
The call for greater engagement from both public and private sectors aims to cultivate a new generation of classical music enthusiasts in Nigeria, ensuring the genre’s continued growth and global recognition.