BY MOSES TAIWO
With more global recognitions and supports for women’s liberties, comfortability, acquisitions, protections and promotions and as they are continually encouraged to thrive in their various spheres of influence, importance and impact, societies across the continents and the world at large will rapidly become a better and safe place to live in. Moreso, as unfair dominance, chauvinism, poor-recognition, suppression, gender discriminations and the Man’s World Syndrome (MWS) rapidly fizzles out, women can boldly, cheerfully and proudly rise up to take their God-given and earned positions at various international center stages, including in the musical world.
Cross-section of participants at the programme
As the music industry grows with attendant global focus and support, it now boasts of notable women who are grammy recipients in various genres of music, pleasingly too, Africa is not left out in these accomplishments as her distinguished daughters such as Angelique Kidjo from the Republic of Benin and the Nigeria born Temilade Openiyi (Tems), Tiwa Savage etc are now widely celebrated. These achievers and several others in varied fields of endeavours are giving hopes and motivations to starters and upcoming singers (Girl-Child and young women) in the country and continent. With diverse musical development platforms given the boost by concerned industry stakeholders, bolder, talented and hardworking Nigerian women/artists are exceling and revolutionizing the music sector turning it into a competitive, applauded and profitable markets,
Cross section of Judges, instructors and experts evaluating the participants (L)
Towards this, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) in collaboration with Altem and ACERCA Programme organised and hosted an auspicious music promoting platform called the ‘Women in Music Bootcamp’ in Abuja. The event was held at the CAVIC HUB, Abuja, from Monday, April 24, 2023 to Friday, April 28, 2023. The first batch in a series of planned events was aimed at training and empowering professionals in the cultural sector (mainly women) and as a means of contributing to the achievements of sustainable development goals in Nigeria.
Ms Eva Barta Martin (L) watches participants with rapt attention
Speaking with Moses Taiwo, Acclaim Nigeria Magazine International (ANIM) senior editor, who graced the programme in Abuja with ANIM crew, Mr Abdul Isioma, one of the organisers and instructors said the 5 days event was designed to expose, equip and develop the selected artists by top Nigerian music experts in various aspect of music production, marketing, performance and to ensure women succeeds in the Nigerian music industry and break the barriers of discrimination rooted in the industry. This musical project was thus envisioned to nurture, develop, promote and empower Nigerian women music artist and it was opened to all female musicians such as singers, song writers’ rappers, poets, and music producers.
Presentations of certificates to participants as Ambassador Sell and other dignitaries cheers on.
The participants expressed their joys on how confident they have become during the course of the event, the skillsets learnt, the moral boosting sessions headed by knowledgeable experts and further stressed they are now ready to launch fully into the industry. Distinguished members of the public attended the event and were delighted to see young Nigerian women with budding and inspiring talents as participants. The esteemed members of the media also joined in the opening session of the bootcamp on Wednesday, 26th April, 2023, from 1pm to 4pm.
ANIM crew Mr Moses Taiwo (L) & Ms Blessing Ademola (R) at the event
The closing ceremony and a light refreshment was held at the Spanish Ambassador’s residence in Abuja, The reception chief host, H.E Mr Juan Sell, Spain Ambassador to Nigeria was visibly happy to see Nigerian women excel in the music careers and assured of the mission’s supports for these rising stars. Mr John Asein, the Director General of Nigerian Copyright Commission and Mr Folorunsho Coker, the Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation who were also around presented certificates of participation to the instructors and participants urging them to be good and responsible ambassadors in their respective fields of entertainment. The Spanish Embassy officials including Ms Patricia Gomez, Ms Eva Barta Martin (Cultural Adviser) and other organising members were also on-ground to ensure the event’s success.
Acclaim Nigeria International Magazine (ANIM) was also there and covered the event,
Long Live Spain–Nigeria Partnership.
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