It was an exciting and fulfilling moment as female organists under the Association of Nigerian Female Organists (ANFO) demonstrated that mastery of the pipe organ knows no gender, only skill, discipline and passion.
At the concert tagged ‘Ladies on the Organ: Her Hymn, Her Organ,’ held recently, at the Grace Hall of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) International Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos, the women showcased remarkable dexterity, coordinating hands and feet with confidence, grace and deep spiritual expression.
Drawn from different parts of the country and across denominations, the organists were united by a shared passion for the instrument. One after the other, they mounted the stage, taking full control of the keys and pedals, thrilling the audience and challenging long-held stereotypes about gender and musical instruments.
Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, the Patron of the association, General Overseer of MFM, Dr. Daniel Olukoya noted that the organ had historically been dominated by men, often older men, while women are rarely found in organ lofts.
According to them, this perception inspired the establishment of the Association of Nigerian Female Organists last year.
“By the inspiration of the Almighty, this association was formed to encourage women to play the organ, to evangelise among women, and to let them know that what a man can do, a woman can also do. This is the first of its kind anywhere,” one of the leaders said.
On growth projections, the association explained that its focus is on training and mentoring the women already involved, through structured lessons, seminars and teachings. As interest continues to spread, more women are joining from across the country. Participants at the concert came not only from MFM but also from churches such as Methodist, Baptist, Deeper Life and others, with no denominational discrimination.
Olukoya, said the idea was born out of a desire to break barriers and give women a platform in areas traditionally dominated by men.
In her words, the Chief Host, Dr. Shade Olukoya emphasised that the initiative was not about showmanship or competition but about intentional inclusion and spiritual growth.
“This is a collaborative work put together for women to understand how important they are in the plan of God. They don’t just practise music; they study the Word of God together, pray together and grow together,” she said.
For many of the organists, the experience was deeply fulfilling. Abiodun George, Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Female Organists, said the consistent training has helped members realise that they are on a journey of learning, growth and exploration. He described the organ as “the king of all instruments,” quoting classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and added that “a woman playing the king of instruments makes her nothing less than a king.”
One of the performers, Temitope Aina, a graduate of the University of Ibadan, music educator and organist, said her motivation is passion and the desire to inspire young girls. “I want them to see organ and piano performance and be bold enough to venture into it. Balancing practice, teaching and other engagements is only by God’s grace and proper timing,” she said.
As the final notes faded, the concert left a clear message: when women are given the platform, they excel, inspire and redefine boundaries. The Association of Nigerian Female Organists says it will continue to provide training, mentorship and a safe space for women to discover their voice and fulfil their God-given potential through music.
