The Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has narrated how he had once attempted to commit suicide, but had to change his mind after listening to series of inspirational music, describing music as a key component of human existence.
Ooni Ogunwusi added that music is an iconic cultural expression and the best endowment from God to humanity for all seasons.
Speaking yesterday, at the Muson Centre, Lagos, during the opening session of the maiden edition of ‘Memorable Moments With Music,’ Ooni Ogunwusi said, “This is a very great moment for me. There is power in music. When I almost committed suicide in my younger age as a real estate business man, it was music that saved my life. Music is a perfect communication with God.
“I had become very successful in the real estate sector at a very young age. I took a loan of N8 billion about 12 years ago to build an high rise building, which I had to pull down by myself when we were already on the 10th floor, and the money went down the drain. Life turned upside down thereafter, and the only option was for me to commit suicide, but listening to series of inspirational music reset my thinking faculty to remember the common saying that ‘There is Hope When There is Life.’
“I have since then adopted music as a very powerful solution tool when faced with challenges, and I made up mind to invest in music and art for the economic empowerment and mental liberation of our youths and the less privileged people in our society.
“Ladies and gentlemen, whatever you are going through, please don’t give up. Use inspirational music to elevate your spirit.
“This is indeed a calling for me and I feel so happily fulfilled tonight with this first day of this musical project, a three-day musical show, which I tagged ‘Memorable Moments With Music’.”
African foremost monarch stated that he has taken it as part of the overall mission of the House of Oduduwa to establish a viable model of social cohesion through the formation of ‘Memorable Moments With Music,’ using it as an holistic, invaluable and tremendous strategy that embraces and amplifies the thematic rich stories of Africa through the voices and sound of different musical genres and groups across Africa.
The Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, NCTRN, said that he is in collaboration with different musical groups, like his own Ile-Ife-based Akorin Oodua; Akure,Mondo State-based Emerald Choir; Bethesda Home for the Blind, Lagos; UNILAG Choral; Xplicit Dancers, Ibadan;
Ekemini Theatre Troupe; Oghene Umu-Africa (Children of Africa); Team Definition; special appearances by Kenny Blaq, Bisola Omoge Bata, and other exceptional groups to achieve success for the three-day musical event.
‘Memorable Moments With Music,’ a three-day musical fiesta holds at the Muson Centre, with the grand finale taking place on Thursday, December 23, 2021, by 7pm; with a parade of award winning artistes and musical groups.
