Classical Music Concert in Abuja: An Exclusive Interview with Sam C. Ezugwu Co-founder of AMEMUSO Choir

African Art Times correspondent Dr. Yomi Bosede in an exclusive interview with Sam C. Ezugwu, co-founder of AMEMUSO Choir, to discuss the group's background, inspirations, and contributions to the classical music scene in Abuja, Nigeria.

Sam C. Ezugwu: "Our inspiration stemmed from a desire to promote classical music beyond the confines of the church, where it is predominantly featured in Nigeria. Our founders' diverse backgrounds in Opera, Classical, and church music have significantly influenced our musical style, which blends traditional and contemporary elements to cater to a wide range of audiences."

Sam C. Ezugwu: "From inception, we established a high standard for our performances, which has been sustained through our rigorous selection process. We carefully choose individual voices with distinct sounds that blend harmoniously to create our signature unified sound. This approach ensures our distinctiveness and maintains our reputation for exceptional performances."

Sam C. Ezugwu: "We leverage our founders' expertise, the music director's creativity, and teamwork to deliver outstanding concerts. Despite economic challenges, we've maintained our standard through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and meticulous content selection. Our collaboration with Transcorp Hilton Abuja has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals."

Sam C. Ezugwu: "Teamwork is vital to our success. We work with seasoned professionals, including orchestra members, singers, choreographers, and event managers. Each individual views our shows as an opportunity to showcase their skills, ensuring they deliver their best performance. This collective effort enables us to maintain our high standards and consistently impress our audiences."

Sam C. Ezugwu: "Interested musicians and singers contact us through our events and social media platforms. We invite them to audition, and if selected, they undergo a probation period to ensure they meet our standards. We prioritize musicians who share our passion for classical music and possess the necessary skills to maintain our high standards."

Sam C. Ezugwu: "We've received support from the government, community, and corporate bodies, such as Transcorp Hilton Abuja. This support has been instrumental in helping us sustain our standards and host high-profile events. We're grateful for the recognition and encouragement we've received, which has motivated us to continue promoting classical music in Abuja."

Sam C. Ezugwu: "Our founders and collaborators are passionate Opera enthusiasts and professionals, driving our commitment to classical music. Abuja's diverse community, comprising diplomats and music enthusiasts, provides an ideal audience for our genre. We believe that classical music has the power to uplift and inspire, and it's essential to share this gift with our community."

Sam C. Ezugwu: "Funding remains our biggest challenge. To overcome this, we adapt our plans, seek sponsorships, and maintain a strong reputation to attract support from classical music enthusiasts. Our resilience and determination have enabled us to navigate these challenges and continue delivering exceptional performances."

Sam C. Ezugwu: "I would advise aspiring groups to focus on creating unique content and establishing their own standards, rather than competing with others. It's essential to attend other events to learn, prioritize fair treatment of members, and continually strive for improvement. By adopting this approach, groups can build a strong reputation and attract a loyal following."

Sam C. Ezugwu: "The Nigerian choral music industry has vast potential for growth. To attract more investors and support, I believe we must focus on entertainment value, collaborate with other art forms, and prioritize quality. By treating concerts as a business and demonstrating our value, investors will recognize the potential of choral music. Additionally, we must engage with our audiences, understand their needs, and provide them with exceptional experiences. By doing so, we can build a loyal following, attract more support, and take the Nigerian choral music industry to new heights."

"Elevating Classical Music in Abuja: An Exclusive Interview with Sam C. Ezugwu of AMEMUSO Choir" offers a glimpse into the world of classical music in Nigeria, highlighting the passion, dedication, and resilience of its proponents. As AMEMUSO Choir continues to push the boundaries of classical music in Abuja, their story serves as a testament to the power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite people across cultures and generations.
Through their unwavering commitment to excellence and their passion for sharing classical music with a wider audience, they are helping to shape the cultural landscape of Nigeria's capital city.

This interview has provided a unique insight into the world of AMEMUSO Choir, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and aspirations of this talented group of musicians. As they look to the future, one thing is certain: With their impeccable standards, creative approach, and dedication to their craft, AMEMUSO Choir is an exemplary model for aspiring choral groups and musicians. As they strive to elevate the classical music scene in Abuja, their music will undoubtedly continue to touch hearts, inspire minds, and foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power of classical music.