The popular Nigerian Hip Hop musician, Abolore Adegbola Adigun (a.k.a 9ice) has stated that the future of Fuji music is bright with so many opportunities abound for stakeholders. He therefore, advised stakeholders to remain committed to the ideals of the music.
9icce, who spoke at the maiden edition of Fuji Roundtable, powered by Goldberg Lager Beer, a product from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, commended the initiative which was the first of its kind in the history of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
Impressed by the contributions made by participants at the event held at the headquarters of the Nigerian Breweries, on Monday, 9ice applauded the quality of the audience present and their contributions at the forum towards taking Fuji to the next level. The musician said the initiative could not have come at a better time than now.
In his opening remarks at the programme, Emmanuel Agu, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc; said the importance of music to any country cannot be over-emphasised. According to him, the role of music in nation building is monumental as it fuels the mind and the creativity of listeners.
His words: “Music transcends all boundaries of communication. Music and its rhythm define our humanity considering the universality and essentiality beyond language barrier. I believe it is important for one to have an open mind in order to be in touch with that sense of understanding. Music cannot be separated from our socio-cultural life and as such it is a social connector which has the power to suggest circumstances, moods, and moments. It has general appeal to human senses.”
Agu said that Fuji music exerts a strong influence on the social life of the Yorubas. He stated that through the music foreigners can easily feel and connect with the culture of the Yoruba people. The influence that Fuji music exerts on the social life of the Yorubas is therefore very strong irrespective of their locations.
Giving the rationale for the event, the Portfolio Manager said the company always strives to champion, promote and associate with the culture of its host communities. His words: “This is what Goldberg has been doing with its initiative of Fuji t’o Bam since 2012 when it inaugurated the concept. We respect people’s cultures and values.”
He stated that the Goldberg Fuji t’o Bam initiative has successfully brought to life the twin socio-cultural tradition of companionship and celebration. “The initiative readily identifies and celebrates the rich musical tradition of sustaining the cultural values of the people in the region. The indigenous musical platform, which is currently in its fourth edition, had in the last three editions led to the discovery of budding Fuji talents and artists.
“I have strong conviction that our gathering here today would in no small way help in contributing ideas to the development of the Fuji music and the culture of the Yoruba people,” he stated.