Legendary musician, Ebenezer Obey, has called on musicians in the country to see themselves as contributors to musical and societal growth and not as competitors.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday at National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos ahead of Ariya Eko Music Festival, Obey said musicians relating as competitors would create unhealthy rivalry which is not good for their careers.
[ads]
The music festival, slated for December 15 at Lagos City Hall, Lagos Island, will feature renowned and upcoming musicians.
“Musicians must not see themselves as competitors because everyone has his or her talent, which is unique to them. Two of my children are musicians; they play my own kind of music but they do not play exactly like me, so every musician has some uniqueness and we must learn to respect one another’s talent,” he said.
“Musicians should see themselves as contributors to the growth of the music industry and the nation, but not as competitors.”
Obey, one of the musicians to perform at the festival, commended the organisers — the Evergreen musical company and the Lagos State Government — for promoting music indigenous to the nation and Africa.
“Ariya Eko started a long time ago and it stands to develop indigenous music like Juju, Fuji, Afro-beat, Apala and all. I really appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for believing in artistes and upholding the annual festival,” he said.
[ads]
Managing Director, Evergreen Musical Company, Bimbo Esho, said: “Some of the musicians to feature during the festival are: Sir Shina Peters, Jimi Solanke, Ebenezer Obey, Obesere, Ibitayo Jeje, Omileyan, Oseni Ejire, Shola Vibrator, Aralola and many more.”
Flutist, Omatshola Iseli, will also be part of the performers.
