UNILAG celebrates Olukoya at Intercollegiate Choral Festival

The Department of Creative Arts at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) om Tuesday, hosted the 10th edition of the Intercollegiate Choral Festival to celebrate the exceptional contributions of Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) church.

The event, which took place at the renowned J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium, marked a significant moment after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival, also known as “Africa Sings,” showcased the talents of choirs from eight prestigious universities, including UNILAG, Mountain Top University, Nnamdi Azikwe University, University of Port-Harcourt, University of Ibadan, Lagos State University, University of Jos, and Obafemi Awolowo University.

Each choir brought its distinctive style and interpretation to the stage, captivating the audience with their melodic harmonies and soul-stirring performances.

This year’s edition was particularly dedicated to honoring the musical genius of Olukoya, who, apart from being widely recognized for his sermons, revealed his exceptional talents as a music composer during the event.

The choral festival, organized under the visionary leadership of Professor Albert Oikelome, aimed to showcase African culture, art, and heritage through the transformative power of music.

The attendees were treated to an evening of captivating choral performances that exemplified Africa’s rich musical diversity. Professor Olukoya’s compositions took center stage as the choirs masterfully rendered his music, creating an electrifying atmosphere that resonated with the audience. The enchanting melodies, powerful harmonies, and heartfelt emotions conveyed through each performance left a lasting impression.

The festival not only celebrated Professor Olukoya’s extraordinary talent but also provided an opportunity for attendees to embrace the richness of African music.

Various choirs performed songs composed by Olukoya, with notable renditions including “Mo Gb’oju Le” led by Titilope David and Adedaramola Olaore. The University of Ibadan Choir performed “Ekiti Medley,” the University of Jos choir presented “Ekun mi yio dayo,” and the Obafemi Awolowo University choir showcased “Agbara Olorun.”

Other notable performances included the Lagos State University Choir’s rendition of “Igba mi d’owo re,” the UniLag Choir’s presentation of “Ona toro” and “Hallelujah Ogun se,” the Mountain Top University choir’s performance of “Olorun maje nri Ogun,” and the University of Port-Harcourt choir’s captivating “Pidgin Medley.”

During the event, Professor Albert Oikelome described Dr. Olukoya as an internationally renowned musicologist, academic, scientist, creative writer, man of God, philanthropist, and a distinguished alumnus of the University of Lagos.

Modupe Ige Kachi, the chairman of the organizing committee, expressed her excitement about the event and highlighted the significance of celebrating Professor Olukoya’s contributions to choral music. She acknowledged his generous provision of magnificent choral compositions that have enriched the university’s creative department and music unit.

“The choral festival is the brainchild of Professor Albert Oikelome. Professor D.K. Olukoya is honored this year for being a huge supporter of the Music Unit and the Creative Department in the University of Lagos. He has written so many wonderful chorals that we have been using in school for some of our works, and he is such a philanthropist. This year, we decided to put him in the spotlight and showcase his works,” Modupe Ige Kachi said.