- By Ayoyinka Jegede
In a bid to break the gender barrier, showcase, as well as empower women in a field often perceived as male-dominated, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, (MFM) has organised a concert series for female organists from various churches across the country with the theme, ‘Ladies at the Organ.’
The maiden concert series held at MFM International Headquarters, Onike-Iwaya, was not only to break stereotypes but also to create opportunities for women to shine in the world of music.
The concert, which was hosted by the wife of the General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Elizabeth Olukoya, afforded female organists from different churches and cathedrals across the country under the auspices of the Association of Nigerian Female Organists (ANFO), not only to gather and showcase their talents, but also break stereotypes, and inspire more women to take on the organ.
Speaking at the event, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Worldwide, and Patron of ANFO, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, said he and his wife, Dr. Folashade, are both committed to the vision of encouraging more women to embrace the organ and develop their musical talents.
He revealed that to further support the vision, he (Olukoya) and his wife have established an Organ School at Mountain Top University to provide a platform for students passionate about learning the organ to receive the best training and pursue excellence in their craft.
Olukoya, himself an organist and multi-instrumentalist, said MFM is championing the art of real organ music.
He stressed that the importance of the organ cannot be diminished as the Queen of all instruments.
He said the idea behind forming the Association of Nigerian Female Organists (ANFO) is to motivate, encourage, inspire, and provoke ladies to get into the organ room which is currently male-dominated.
He stressed that the objectives of ANFO are to promote organ music development, spur female organists, and increase their accessibility to organs to help them in their professional development and networking.
Speaking of MFM’s unrelenting passion for good music, Olukoya explained that his burning vision and that of his wife is to give youth quality music education and excellent skills in various musical instruments and idioms.
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He said the church is doing its best to encourage young ones in the church and the environment in the area of training and discipline.
He maintained that investment in music education would help to redefine and refine music, as well as provide opportunities to boost the economy.
MFM is putting several structures in place to enable young people to develop their musical talents and gifts as well as ensuring that ancient art of good music does not go into extinction.
To ensure these, the church is offering scholarships to young ones, who desire to study music at higher levels even up to PhD at both local and foreign universities and schools of music.
MFM sponsors youths to study music in places like Durham, America, South Africa, and France.
Recently, four young musicians were sent to pursue baccalaureate and Master’s degrees in Music in Canada, England, and Massachusetts, United States.
MFM has also made donations of musical instruments to various Nigerian universities such as the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and others.
He pointed out that the church holds MFM International Accapella and Choir Competitions worldwide, where young ones showcase their talents in Godly music through idioms of well-arranged classical, Negro spirituals, native airs, and contemporary items.
On her part, the Chief host, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Elizabeth Olukoya added that the Female Organists’ Concert series is to break barriers and empower the next generation of female organists.
Mrs Olukoya said that as the wife of the General Overseer, she is using the position God has put her to impact positively on the masses, especially championing the cause of women so that they can excel in their chosen careers, skills, business, and professional fields.
She described women as instruments of excellence specially created and endowed by God.