King Lemuel Recital Electrifies Lagos, Launches Ambitious Musical Projects

Last Friday evening, the La Scala Hall at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos, was filled with the best of Nigerian classical music as the King Lemuel Recital Sponsors’ Concert took place under the theme “Sound of Music”.

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The event was more than just a musical performance, as it also served as a platform for Founder King Lemuel to unveil his next big projects, including the King Lemuel Festival of Music and the King Lemuel Recording Studio and Music Lounge.

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These initiatives aim to elevate Nigerian arts on the global stage and deepen appreciation for the country’s rich musical heritage, according to Lemuel.

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Lemuel made the announcement to a quality audience that included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was the Special Guest of Honour, and Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the chairman of the occasion.

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He also revealed plans for an International Music Community to be sited in the Lekki Free Zone, which will occupy a 5,000 square metre state-of-the-art facility with two distinct halls.

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One of the halls will be dedicated to Governor Sanwo-Olu, in recognition of his commitment to the arts, while the other will be dedicated to another respected Nigerian.

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Lemuel expressed his gratitude to the governor, saying, “This dedication reflects your exceptional leadership and steadfast support for culture and creativity in our community.”

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The International Music Community will serve as a rallying hub for national unity and reorientation, featuring various facilities and sections, and the fundraising target to secure the land is approximately ₦450 million.

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Lemuel urged the audience, including Governor Sanwo-Olu, to support the project generously, saying, “I formally welcome you all and express my gratitude for your participation in this transformative project.”

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The King Lemuel Recital is a groundbreaking endeavour that aims to spotlight Nigeria’s exceptional musical talents, celebrating the beauty of classical music and honouring excellence across all genres.

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Lemuel emphasized the commitment to promoting Nigerian talented youths, saying, “We are thrilled to announce that we shall commence recorded episodes of King Lemuel Recitals, to be broadcast on television once a week and shared across all social media platforms.”

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Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged his support for the project, saying, “I am really excited to be part of this evening, let us be change makers and let us use intellectual capabilities to change the connectivity that we desire.”

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Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, highlighted the importance of classical music, saying it has been a life force for him and a contributory factor to his longevity.

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Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, who chaired the occasion, also emphasized the significance of music, saying, “Music is not a collection of notes, but a message of love, it reaches places you can never imagine in your wildest world, it heals, it soothes, and it encourages.”

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The evening featured presentations of notes of appreciation to deserving partners, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Vanguard Newspapers, Channels Television, FCMB, and others.

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Dignitaries in attendance included Sen. Bode Olajumoke, Mr. George Etomi, Louis Mbanefo, Amb. Folakemi Akinleye, Mr. Idris Aregbe, and Mrs. Bola Fashola, among others.

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The evening was a blend of stellar performances, inspiring speeches, and enchanting music, with the highpoint being 14-year-old pianist Kanwamelina Odoe’s performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s ‘Fifth Symphony” and “Für Elise”.

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Her rendition drew thunderous applause from the audience, who praised her dexterity and captivating stage presence, and was dedicated to Governor Sanwo-Olu.

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Soloist Ken Melo also delivered an exceptional performance of George David and Bob Thiele’s “What a Wonderful World”, a song that has sold over one million copies since it was first recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1967.

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Other notable performances included John Onosolease’s rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening”, made famous by Ezio Pinza on the original 1949 Broadway cast recording.

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Host Lemuel Iyalla also performed “Climb Every Mountain” with pianists Bright Kpalap and Adolphus Dikibo, showcasing his skill as the “God of Classical Music”.

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Other singers who gave a good account of themselves on stage included saxophonist Chyke Martins, Udoh Band, Rachael Adewale, Kehinde Oretimehin, Jennifer Maduka, and Justin Tall Miyiden.