FirstBank ‘Decemberisavybe’ Powers Lagos City Chorale 2024 Christmas Carols
…As Nwokedi, Anyaoku, Others Added Colour to the Night.
By Bolaji Israel
Nigeria’s internationally acclaimed multi-award-winning choir, the Lagos City Chorale, conducted by renowned musicologist Sir Emeka Nwokedi, captivated a full auditorium at the Muson Centre in Lagos on Sunday, December 15, with a dazzling musical performance titled “The Best of Christmas: An Enchanting Evening of Christmas Carols.”
The event was sponsored by FirstBank as part of its 2024 DecemberIsSavYbe annual campaign under the First@Arts initiative, which aims to support the arts and creative industry.
The choir delivered a series of melodious Christmas carols, featuring classic tunes such as “Joy to the World,” “Jingle Bells,” “Twelve Days of Christmas,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and many more, showcasing their sonorous and captivating voices.
Additionally, some carols were presented in indigenous Nigerian languages like Igbo and Yoruba, creating a touching and uplifting atmosphere that inspired guests to embrace the spirit of the Christmas season.
Sir Emeka Anyaoku, a 91-year-old elder statesman and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, attended as the special guest ofhonorur. He praised the choir, noting that their performance truly put the audience in the Christmas spirit.
He remarked on their pride in representing Nigeria and likened their talent to prestigious choirs worldwide, such as the Baptist Chorale and the Stellenbosch University Choir.
Founded in 1988 by Nwokedi and the late Senator Lere Adeshina, the choir is an internationally recognized ensemble that has performed at the federal level in Nigeria, earning awards and acclaim locally and on international stages.
Under the leadership of Sir Nwokedi, who is deeply committed to musical and performance arts, the choir has benefited from nearly four decades of his life and resources. He serves as the Director, Conductor, and Producer of the show.
Assisting him was Omotayo Enujiugha, the committee chairperson for the performance, along with guest soloists such as Ajibola Hassan-Odukale, and soloists like Fred Duke, Chinonso Maduakolam, and Doris Harrold.
At the European Choir Games in Magdeburg, Germany, in 2015, the choir received an Award of Honour for its ongoing contributions to international understanding and peace initiatives through choral music.
Sir Nwokedi, a celebrated music director and educator, earned his music degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in the early 1980s. He co-founded the Lagos City Chorale in 1988 and has been its Artistic Director since its inception. The choir has garnered accolades from numerous international music festivals and competitions across over ten countries.
In 1995, he established the MUSON Choir and also directed the MUSON School Diploma Choir, which he founded in 2006, leading them to international acclaim with awards from choral music festivals in Beijing, Grado, and Greece.
During his vote of thanks, Nwokedi expressed gratitude to FirstBank for its unwavering support of the choir throughout nearly 40 years.
He stated, “FirstBank has been incredibly supportive of the arts and creative industries. We have been beneficiaries for a long time, and we hope to continue enjoying the support, which means a great deal to us.”
“Our relationship has been wonderful. That’s why, since 1988, the choir has consistently relied on FirstBank as its sole banker.”
At the conclusion of the event, FirstBank also announced the names of twenty lucky guests who won ₦50,000 shopping vouchers, while another ten received airtime, capping off a beautiful night of enchanting carols.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, FirstBank’s Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting the arts and entertainment sector.
He emphasized that DecemberIsSavYbe is all about creating memories, providing a platform for Nigerians and international audiences to enjoy unforgettable experiences.
“FirstBank is dedicated to fostering the arts and entertainment sector in Nigeria. We have invested in creating opportunities for people to experience the finest entertainment through our DecemberIsSavYbe campaign. Our aim is to create memorable experiences for our customers and the wider public through our support for the arts and entertainment.”
