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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

NOA chief challenges musicians to build lasting legacies

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Director-General of Nigeria's National Orientation Agency challenged musicians to create lasting musical legacies.
  • He spoke at the unveiling of a monument honoring the late Fuji music pioneer Sikiru Ayinde Barrister in Ibadan.
  • The event highlighted the importance of preserving cultural contributions and promoting enduring artistic impact.

Nigerian musicians have been urged to focus on producing timeless songs that will resonate with future generations and secure their place in cultural history. The call came from Mallam Isa Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

Onilu made his remarks during the unveiling of a monument dedicated to the late Fuji music pioneer, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. The ceremony took place at the National Museum of Unity in Ibadan, celebrating Barrister's enduring influence nearly 16 years after his passing.

If almost 16 years after his departure, Barrister still lives in the mind and body of lovers of good, philosophical songs, it is a waste of energy joining issue with any group.

— Mallam Isa OniluDirector-General of the National Orientation Agency, advising against disputes and highlighting the enduring impact of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister's music.

The NOA chief praised Barrister for leaving behind a rich collection of songs that constitute his lasting legacy. He advised supporters of the Fuji legend to concentrate on preserving and promoting his musical contributions rather than engaging in disputes, emphasizing Barrister's continued relevance and influence even in death.

They are already exhausted when they realised Barrister is even more influential in death than they had imagined.

— Mallam Isa OniluDirector-General of the National Orientation Agency, commenting on the continued influence of the late musician.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, noted that the state government had previously honored Barrister with a posthumous award. He called on the musician's admirers to sustain efforts in preserving and institutionalizing his legacy.

Mrs. Otuka Pamela Oriyomi, Curator and Zonal Director of the National Museum of Unity, described the monument as a historic development, marking the first time a musician has been honored with a monument at the institution in its fifty-year history. She commended BarryFest for their commitment to keeping Barrister's memory alive. Alhaji Olaide Olawumi, Chairman of BarryFest, described Barrister as a trailblazer, innovator, and visionary who elevated Fuji music to international recognition, stating the monument reflects his profound impact on Nigeria's music industry and cultural heritage.

He was a pioneer, an innovator, and a visionary whose contributions transformed Nigerian music and elevated Fuji Music to international recognition.

— Alhaji Olaide OlawumiChairman of BarryFest, describing the legacy and impact of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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