22ND MUSON FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS WILL FEATURE JAZZ, DRAMA AND LOTS MORE.

  Mrs Billura Bayamova, Chief Femi Adeniyi Williams (Trustee) , Dr. Mrs Femi Akinkugbe             (Trustee), Mrs Francesca Emanuel (Trustee) 

The  MUSON Festival of the Arts, 2018 is very much around the corner,  an  annual event that has continued to surpass expectations, the 2018 festival planning committee has assured to replicate same standard, with an improvement that would make this edition better than last year’s. Details were released to the public during a press briefing on September 13, 2018 at the Foyer,  Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Representing Arch. Kitoye Ibare-Akinsan— Chairman, festival planning committee, Dr. (Mrs) Femi Akinkugbe announced that the festival would run from the 17th through to the 28th of October, 2018 at the different halls within the serene MUSON ambience.

“The Board of Trustees and the Planning Committee of The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Festival are excited to announce the varieties of events planned for her 22^nd annual MUSON Festival, scheduled to hold between 17^th to 28^th of October, at the MUSON centre- 8/9, Marina Road, Onikan Lagos, Nigeria.” Dr. Akinkugbe  declared.

“The Festival commences with two major events: MusiQuest/ Youth Concert – featuring several young musicians constantly emerging in Nigeria. The Youth Concert is a competition that provides a platform of self-expression for these young budding artistes and, Wednesday, October 17 will flag off the final phase of this competition. The other opening event, is the Festival Art Exhibition- Music Meets Art, in partnership with the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) led by Mr. Oliver Enwonwu. The exhibition will officially open on Wednesday, October 17^th and will continue until the 28^th of October 2018. A special highlight of the exhibition will be the Dinner and Art Auction which will hold on Wednesday, October 24^th.”  She continued.

“My Kind of Music is scheduled for Thursday, 18^th October. As usual, guests will be taken on a musical journey through the memories, experiences and life philosophies of four outstanding individuals: first, an acclaimed art curator and founder of an internationally recognized Film Festival; who is also a member of the Marketing & Fundraising Committee at MUSON, Ms. Ugoma Adegoke, second, a Jazz enthusiast, promoter and founder of the Lagos Jazz Series, Engr. Oti Bazunu; third, Media Mogul and Chairman of Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex Ibru; and fourth, Lawyer and Honorary Secretary of the Board of Trustees, MUSON, Mr. Adeyemi Akisanya.

The first weekend of the Festival will feature two interesting shows, the first is- LEGENDS- a 3 day musical drama production, highlighting selected ancient African Kings & Kingdoms. This production is in partnership with Seeing Through The Arts, led by Gbenga Yusuf- Creative Director, Professional Dancer/ Choreographer; and Declassical Arts & Entertainment, led by Ayo Ajayi – Music Director, Composer/ Arranger and a MUSON School Alumnus. The second highlight of the weekend is the production of Don Giovanni, a Danjuma Festival Opera sponsored by General T. Y. Danjuma.

The 18^th Century Opera in two acts by W. A. Mozart will feature the MUSON Opera Department led by Joseph Oparamanuike. Since partnerships have proven to be very valuable, once again, in alliance with the Friends of Azerbaijan Organisation led by Ms. Billura Bayramova, we present Quand L’est Rencontre L’ouest- When East Meets West, featuring pianist Saida Zulfugarova and Tar Player Sahib Pashazade on Monday, the 22^nd of October.

This year’s MUSON Day is scheduled for Thursday, October 25. It is a special members’ day event, set aside to mark the founding of our society. On this day, the new MUSON Chamber Orchestra will be officially launched and featured, followed by a cocktail and networking session.

Festival Jazz Party, supported by Dangote Group is one of the events to look out for. This year, it features Afro Jazz Guitarist and vocalist, Adedeji Adetayo, who is based in Greece; Aramide – internationally acclaimed Afro Soul Vocalist and guitarist; and Kaline – a fast rising and talented pianist, songwriter and singer.

This year’s Chevron Festival Drama Such is Life; a play by Prof. Femi Osofisan will be showing on Saturday, October 27. This hilarious musical comedy is about a household entangled with the intricacies of a marriage. Featuring PAWSTUDIOS, the play is directed by Kenneth Uphopho. The Chevron Festival Drama has been sponsored since 2001 by Chevron Nigeria Limited.

The 22^nd MUSON Festival will come to a close on Sunday, October 28, with an enthralling performance by the MUSON Choir, and the MUSON Chamber Orchestra directed by Nigeria’s ace Choral Conductor and Music Director, Sir Emeka Nwokedi. The event will feature a special appearance by the MUSON Junior Choir featuring young singers between the ages of 5 and 15 led by Raphael Francis and Perpetual Atife, members of the MUSON School Alumnus.” Dr. Akinkugbe concluded.

MUSON Trustee Mrs. Francesca Emanuel also weighed in saying that “the main objective (of the MUSON festival) is the promotion and development of classical music, and as such, this year’s activities seek to surmount the previous Festivals in the pursuance of this aim.”

  

Adding to the statements, the MUSON Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gboyega Banjo acknowledged the immense contributions of the various stakeholders, sponsors, donors, advertisers, festival audience, the media and various artistes who he said  “share in the festival ideals, for the implementation of its activities and projects.” He appreciated them for their unwavering supports in “motion and in advance” as a successful journey is expected to begin Wednesday, October 17^th. He reassured that this year’s festival would be a huge success and encouraged more membership of the Musical Society of Nigeria.

7th MR & MISS NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL HAPPENS IN LAGOS THIS OCTOBER.

 Sunday 7^th October,2018 is the d-day for the seventh Edition of  Mr. and Miss Nigeria International  pageant , the first and  only mixed  pageant in the country, tagged  heritage edition,  the grand finale will feature contest  parade , Music, comedy and award presentation to some outstanding Nigerians , who has contributed immensely to the growth of their chosen profession in the  entertainment Industry, be it in Fashion, Music, Movie, Comedy, broadcasting etc, the awardees for 2018 included , veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu, Jimi Disu, Oke Umurhohwo, Toyin Lawani,  among others.  

 The event which comes up  at Ruby’s Garden, Lekki , Lagos , will feature special performance by Edris Abdulkareem  along  side some other note table Nigerian Artistes.

Every year the pageant brings together young men and women with poise and class. The pageant also showcases Diversity, Talent and Intelligence. Aside from the cash and  other mouth watering prizes ,winners  Miss Nigeria International , will automatically represent  Nigeria at the Miss International World 2019,Miss International Global 2019,Miss International Supermodel 2019, while ,Mr Nigeria International ,will represent Nigeria at the Mr. National Universe 2019 and Mister Global 2019.

 The contest , MR AND MISS NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL ,kick start  in 2012, is a youth empowerment  initiative packaged by Brendance & Crusader Ltd , a reputable organization , headed  by the  talented and creative choreographer  Brendan Nsikak.  gradually over  the years Mr And Miss Nigeria International has developed into a unique global brand  touching lives and making positive influence in the lives of Nigerian and African youths with the burning desire to take the world by storm and making their dreams come through. 

Recently , this outstanding Nigerian was appointed as the official  Choreographer and Groomer  for Ms. International World and Ms. Latina International Pageant which will take place June 15th 2019 on board the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Grand classica..

OLOJO FESTIVAL 2018. ANKARA DAY BECKONS.

HIM.Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II)

All is now set for the  first edition of Ankara Day , the one day event will form part of activities lined up for the celebration of Olojo Festival in Ile Ife , Osun State , Ankara Day, organized by the office of Sooko Moropo Titilade Adewuyi-Ijiwole,  will feature , Music, Comedy, Games, Dance and lots more. 

According to the brain behind the event, Princess Titilade  Adewuyi -Ijiwole (Sooko Moropo, Yeye Giesi of the Source), the main purpose of the Ankara Day, is to celebrate the rich Yoruba Cultural heritage, through Fashion and life Style , the hardworking business woman also hinted that , the event is designed to add glamour to  the Olojo Festival, one of the major festival celebrated annually in Ile -Ife,  by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi , Ojaja II, she further revealed that the event will also create a platform for Fashion Designers, Ankara Fabric Vendors, Ankara Accessory Makers, Beads Makers, Shoe Makers and among others,  to showcase their products and services to thousands guests who are expected at the event.

 Princess Titilade Adewuyi -Ijiwole
 (Sooko Moropo, Yeye Giesi of the Source)

Ankara , it will interest you to know ,is one of the most used African Print Fabric. Although Ankara did not  originate from here in Nigeria, but it is adored by women and men in every Nigerian region. But  its widely used by the Yorubas of South West Nigeria for every occasions, be it House Warming, Naming Ceremony, Burial Political Rallies and Religious Events. 


The Olojo Festival is a culture festival in the calendar of the Ile-Ife,  Osun State, which is located in the Southwestern part of Nigeria. It is the celebration of the remembrance of “Ogun”, god of Iron, who is believed to be the first son of Oduduwa, progenitor of the Yoruba People. The festival is held annually in October. 
  
The event, Ankara Day is slated for 28th September,2018 at the Enuowa Palace, Ile -Ife, Osun State .Begining from 10am. Interested vendors can contact the organizers via 08069635695 or  08035584192.