The 7th edition of Africa Sings Chorale concert brought out the best from students of Creative Arts Department, University of Lagos, as they sang collectively for their academic assessment.
This year’s theme: ‘Music from the Classics to the Street’ was performed under the supervision of Dr. Albert Oikelome, the students’ supervisor.
Helen Paul and comedian Wole were Masters of Ceremony and they didn’t disappoint the audience with their hilarious jokes and songs. First to perform was saxophonist Imoleayo Balogun, who was assisted by his friends. He sang popular hits of the late Bob Marley including Redemption Song and Flavour’s Adanma among others.
Next to perform was a large contingent of Mountain Top University Choir, which sang Be Joyful, a song composed by Dr Albert and Ope Layo.
In her welcome address, Head of Department, Creative Arts, Prof. Peju Layiwola, said: “I am here to watch this concert… The department is 20 years old and preparations are in top gear to celebrate it in a big way.”
In the same vein, a lecturer from the department, Dr. Cornel Onyekaba said: “Creative Arts (Department) is 20 years old and it will be celebrated in a big way. The department has produced a lot of notable people including musicians, comedians, and artistes in the society and we are proud of their achievements. They have put the Department of Creative Arts and University of Lagos on the world map through their exploits.”
Two students (male and female) performed poetry to the delight of the audience. UNILAG’s Inferno Choir sang Nathaniel Bassey’s Onise Iyanu and other songs. They equally staged a drama performance with some of the songs while UNILAG’s Eminent Choir equally sang various contemporary songs.
Associate Professor of Music and convener, Africa Sings, Dr Albert Oikelome, said: “We are glad because our predecessors worked so hard to bring the department to the level where it is now. We are a product of this vision, which will continue to grow. There is a great synergy in the Faculty of Arts and the other departments have all worked together. This is an examination and all the members from the department are included in this project. Through this concert, we want to see how they can bring themselves together and sing very well.”
Last to perform were the Revonewtion Choir and Hilltop Choir both from University of Lagos.