…Daniel sponsors fiesta in Sagamu
Sagamu, the headquaters of Remo in Ogun State, would be aglow with festivities on July 6 as the former governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, hosts over 50 choristers for the yearly ‘Asiwaju of Remo Christian Choir Festival.’
No fewer than nine choir groups from Lagos, Onitsha, Akure and Ile-Ife will storm the Abraham Daniel Terbanacle on Oba Erinwole Road in the ancient town as from 11 am for the programme.
The curator, Dr. Opeyemi Ashaolu, told reporters in Lagos that 25 ‘observing choirs’ are also participating, adding that they have the opportunity to also participate in the competition next year.
Accompanied by a trustee, Adeola Badru, and planning committee member, Lilian Imoni, the curator said N30m is up for grab at the competition, with the winner going home with N5m, first runners-up getting N3.5m and second runners-up receiving N2.5m.
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Last year, Emiral Choir from Akure, won the competition.
Ashaolu, who said Daniel, who is the Asiwaju of Remo Christians, is raising a new generation of Christian choirsters, disclosed that other participating goups will go home with N500,000 each and other gifts.
He explained that the former governor built the tabernacle to thank God and immortalise his illustrious cleric-father, who raised him in the tradition of proper values.
Ashaolu, who said the motto of the programmeis “Improving the craft of singing in our churches, added that the chants of Kayode Ojo, who was Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s organist, would be re-echoed at the festival.
He said in deciding the winners, the panel of judges would assess the intonation balance, diction, pronounciation, interpretation, expression and audience appreciation.
The judges are Prof. Kayode Oyesiku, Elder Bidemi Oyesanya (SAN) of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Prof. Adejimo, Dr. Omolara Loko, Lanre Delana and Dupe Ige Kachi.