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Tag: Sofowote

Sofowote’s enduring legacy

One year after music and arts icon, Mrs. Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, passed away in Spain, the foundation she set up to ensure that the annual charity concert outlives her, has swung into action, by staging a special concert at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. She single-handedly ran the show for 10 years before setting up the Glowing Channels Foundation (GCF) which was inaugurated in 2009.

This was at a time she had no idea she was going to take ill; she just felt that it was more proper to put a system in place that could continue even when she is not around. But, the foundation could not get its acts together until now. Members of the Board of Trustees of GCF were a bit reluctant to get involved when the departed founder of the organisation was still with them.

As a result, she continued to run the show single-handedly until 2013, when her condition became critical. The last show she organised was in December, 2012.

A member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, said it was only after her death last year that it dawned on them that this is an assignment or a duty that has been bequeathed to them. Orebiyi said they also recognised that there is nothing loftier for any humankind who has been bequeathed with a lofty legacy to continue in that tradition and even raise the bar in that respect.

He added: “That’s why we came together this year, to see what we can do. She died on Thursday, September 18, last year and was buried on October 2, last year in Lubeck, Germany. We could have had a concert last year, but because of the little time we had between October and December, it was not possible. So, this year, we felt we should do it in October to coincide with the first anniversary of her funeral.”

Orebiyi, who studied drama, with a specialisation in play production and play directing, said the foundation is facing a number of challenges with regard to the organisation of the concert.

His words: “First of all, Mrs. Sofowote has developed the concert into a brand; a brand woven specifically around her personality and individuality. Therefore, it was a challenge for us to be able to reach out to people in her absence; people doubted whether we can continue the show in her absence.

“In fact, people still find it difficult to come to terms with her departure and to picture a Glowing Channels concert without Funke Sofowote on stage. It still hasn’t jelled yet. So, we have that challenge when we try to reach out to people. We could still see some kind of reticence; this affected the attendance this year. In subsequent years, apart from those who have been attending the concert over the years, we hope to attract new faces to the show.”

This has also affected its charity projects for the year 2016. Glowing Channels’ charity projects are financed primarily from the gate-takings, as well as the proceeds from sale of raffle tickets. But, there was no raffle draw during the last concert. As a result, Orebiyi said charity projects might not feature next year. But, he is optimistic that things will pick up in the second year of running the show under the aegis of the foundation.

As in previous years, an array of established and budding talents entertained the audience with musical and dance performances, as well as poetry recitals. Though the attendance was poor, compared to previous concerts, the patrons were delighted with the scintillating performances put up by composer, singer and soloist Yinka Davies, singer, composer and pianist Femi Ogunronbi and Abuja-based polyglot, mechanical engineer, Mathematician and shipbuilder Meche Ekechukwu, who entertained them with Italian classical and English contemporary music.

Others who performed at the concert included Johnpaul Ochei, Ibukun Kafaru, Seye Aluko, Roli Afinotan, Kelechi Sunday Nwuko, Fatima Anyekenam, Iquo Diana Abasi, Cella Fusi, Joseph Omotoye (aka Jojo), Notes and Tones Choral Group, Footprints of David and the Ibadi Dance Troupe. The concert ended on a happy note, with the electrifying performance of the Ibadi Dance Troupe and the soulful highlife renditions of Ogunronbi, backed by others.

It was, generally, an evening of classical, choral, hymnal, instrumental and highlife music, spiced with poetry recitals. The patrons seemed appreciate the show. For instance, the chairman of this year’s concert, Mr. Olusegun Ajanlekoko, praised members of the foundation for not only continuing the legacy of the late Mrs. Sofowote, but also for putting up a good show.

But the organisers believe that their best is yet to come. Orebiyi said the number of groups and persons featuring on the show would be reduced in subsequent years, to cut down on time and provide more fun and entertainment.

December 9, 2015
Sofowote’s enduring legacy

One year after music and arts icon, Mrs. Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, passed away in Spain, the foundation she set up to ensure that the annual charity concert outlives her, has swung into action, by staging a special concert at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. She single-handedly ran the show for 10 years before setting up the Glowing Channels Foundation (GCF) which was inaugurated in 2009.

This was at a time she had no idea she was going to take ill; she just felt that it was more proper to put a system in place that could continue even when she is not around. But, the foundation could not get its acts together until now. Members of the Board of Trustees of GCF were a bit reluctant to get involved when the departed founder of the organisation was still with them.

As a result, she continued to run the show single-handedly until 2013, when her condition became critical. The last show she organised was in December, 2012.

A member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, said it was only after her death last year that it dawned on them that this is an assignment or a duty that has been bequeathed to them. Orebiyi said they also recognised that there is nothing loftier for any humankind who has been bequeathed with a lofty legacy to continue in that tradition and even raise the bar in that respect.

He added: “That’s why we came together this year, to see what we can do. She died on Thursday, September 18, last year and was buried on October 2, last year in Lubeck, Germany. We could have had a concert last year, but because of the little time we had between October and December, it was not possible. So, this year, we felt we should do it in October to coincide with the first anniversary of her funeral.”

Orebiyi, who studied drama, with a specialisation in play production and play directing, said the foundation is facing a number of challenges with regard to the organisation of the concert.

His words: “First of all, Mrs. Sofowote has developed the concert into a brand; a brand woven specifically around her personality and individuality. Therefore, it was a challenge for us to be able to reach out to people in her absence; people doubted whether we can continue the show in her absence.

“In fact, people still find it difficult to come to terms with her departure and to picture a Glowing Channels concert without Funke Sofowote on stage. It still hasn’t jelled yet. So, we have that challenge when we try to reach out to people. We could still see some kind of reticence; this affected the attendance this year. In subsequent years, apart from those who have been attending the concert over the years, we hope to attract new faces to the show.”

This has also affected its charity projects for the year 2016. Glowing Channels’ charity projects are financed primarily from the gate-takings, as well as the proceeds from sale of raffle tickets. But, there was no raffle draw during the last concert. As a result, Orebiyi said charity projects might not feature next year. But, he is optimistic that things will pick up in the second year of running the show under the aegis of the foundation.

As in previous years, an array of established and budding talents entertained the audience with musical and dance performances, as well as poetry recitals. Though the attendance was poor, compared to previous concerts, the patrons were delighted with the scintillating performances put up by composer, singer and soloist Yinka Davies, singer, composer and pianist Femi Ogunronbi and Abuja-based polyglot, mechanical engineer, Mathematician and shipbuilder Meche Ekechukwu, who entertained them with Italian classical and English contemporary music.

Others who performed at the concert included Johnpaul Ochei, Ibukun Kafaru, Seye Aluko, Roli Afinotan, Kelechi Sunday Nwuko, Fatima Anyekenam, Iquo Diana Abasi, Cella Fusi, Joseph Omotoye (aka Jojo), Notes and Tones Choral Group, Footprints of David and the Ibadi Dance Troupe. The concert ended on a happy note, with the electrifying performance of the Ibadi Dance Troupe and the soulful highlife renditions of Ogunronbi, backed by others.

It was, generally, an evening of classical, choral, hymnal, instrumental and highlife music, spiced with poetry recitals. The patrons seemed appreciate the show. For instance, the chairman of this year’s concert, Mr. Olusegun Ajanlekoko, praised members of the foundation for not only continuing the legacy of the late Mrs. Sofowote, but also for putting up a good show.

But the organisers believe that their best is yet to come. Orebiyi said the number of groups and persons featuring on the show would be reduced in subsequent years, to cut down on time and provide more fun and entertainment.

December 2, 2015
Sofowote’s enduring legacy

One year after music and arts icon, Mrs. Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, passed away in Spain, the foundation she set up to ensure that the annual charity concert outlives her, has swung into action, by staging a special concert at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. She single-handedly ran the show for 10 years before setting up the Glowing Channels Foundation (GCF) which was inaugurated in 2009.

This was at a time she had no idea she was going to take ill; she just felt that it was more proper to put a system in place that could continue even when she is not around. But, the foundation could not get its acts together until now. Members of the Board of Trustees of GCF were a bit reluctant to get involved when the departed founder of the organisation was still with them.

As a result, she continued to run the show single-handedly until 2013, when her condition became critical. The last show she organised was in December, 2012.

A member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, said it was only after her death last year that it dawned on them that this is an assignment or a duty that has been bequeathed to them. Orebiyi said they also recognised that there is nothing loftier for any humankind who has been bequeathed with a lofty legacy to continue in that tradition and even raise the bar in that respect.

He added: “That’s why we came together this year, to see what we can do. She died on Thursday, September 18, last year and was buried on October 2, last year in Lubeck, Germany. We could have had a concert last year, but because of the little time we had between October and December, it was not possible. So, this year, we felt we should do it in October to coincide with the first anniversary of her funeral.”

Orebiyi, who studied drama, with a specialisation in play production and play directing, said the foundation is facing a number of challenges with regard to the organisation of the concert.

His words: “First of all, Mrs. Sofowote has developed the concert into a brand; a brand woven specifically around her personality and individuality. Therefore, it was a challenge for us to be able to reach out to people in her absence; people doubted whether we can continue the show in her absence.

“In fact, people still find it difficult to come to terms with her departure and to picture a Glowing Channels concert without Funke Sofowote on stage. It still hasn’t jelled yet. So, we have that challenge when we try to reach out to people. We could still see some kind of reticence; this affected the attendance this year. In subsequent years, apart from those who have been attending the concert over the years, we hope to attract new faces to the show.”

This has also affected its charity projects for the year 2016. Glowing Channels’ charity projects are financed primarily from the gate-takings, as well as the proceeds from sale of raffle tickets. But, there was no raffle draw during the last concert. As a result, Orebiyi said charity projects might not feature next year. But, he is optimistic that things will pick up in the second year of running the show under the aegis of the foundation.

As in previous years, an array of established and budding talents entertained the audience with musical and dance performances, as well as poetry recitals. Though the attendance was poor, compared to previous concerts, the patrons were delighted with the scintillating performances put up by composer, singer and soloist Yinka Davies, singer, composer and pianist Femi Ogunronbi and Abuja-based polyglot, mechanical engineer, Mathematician and shipbuilder Meche Ekechukwu, who entertained them with Italian classical and English contemporary music.

Others who performed at the concert included Johnpaul Ochei, Ibukun Kafaru, Seye Aluko, Roli Afinotan, Kelechi Sunday Nwuko, Fatima Anyekenam, Iquo Diana Abasi, Cella Fusi, Joseph Omotoye (aka Jojo), Notes and Tones Choral Group, Footprints of David and the Ibadi Dance Troupe. The concert ended on a happy note, with the electrifying performance of the Ibadi Dance Troupe and the soulful highlife renditions of Ogunronbi, backed by others.

It was, generally, an evening of classical, choral, hymnal, instrumental and highlife music, spiced with poetry recitals. The patrons seemed appreciate the show. For instance, the chairman of this year’s concert, Mr. Olusegun Ajanlekoko, praised members of the foundation for not only continuing the legacy of the late Mrs. Sofowote, but also for putting up a good show.

But the organisers believe that their best is yet to come. Orebiyi said the number of groups and persons featuring on the show would be reduced in subsequent years, to cut down on time and provide more fun and entertainment.

November 25, 2015
Rally for Sofowote

A photography exhibition held at Freedom Park, Lagos, attracted eminent Nigerians. The fundraising event, RAYMOND MORDI writes, has rekindled hope for the continuation of the treatment of Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, a multi-talented philanthropist, who is recovering from cervical cancer in Germany.

rom landscapes of mountains to trees, clouds, flowers, buildings on expance of woodlands, birds in flight, sunset, and animals in action close-ups. All these were captured by Mrs Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, 67, in still pictures showing interesting facets of life in the world. The photographs were put on display at a one-week exhibition that ended on Sunday May 11.

The exhibition, which took place at Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos, was put together by a group of friends of the beneficiary, Adefunke Sofowote Cancer-Fighting Fund Team. It was a subtle appeal to raise N35 million to continue the medical treatment of the ailing impulsive amateur photographer and founder/president of Glowing Channels Foundation, who is in a German hospital battling with cervical cancer.

In a terse foreword to the exhibition brochure, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka said it is the duty of all to ensure that Mrs. Sofowote’s memorable photos do not turn prematurely memorial.

His words: “That memorable photos turn prematurely memorial? This is what we are all in common duty bound to prevent.”

What is particularly interesting about the pictures is that majority of them were shot during this illness. The pictures were taken over a period of time and in different countries and continents.

According to Charles Ayo Dada, a member of the Adefunke Sofowote Cancer-Fighting Fund Team and coordinator of the exhibition, a few of the pictures are dated 2006 and 2010, but majority of them were taken in 2012 and 2013, when she was already afflicted by the ailment. Similarly, in the midst of her battle with cancer on her hospital bed in Lubeck, in the northern part of Germany, she has written a book, her fifth book, titled “His Wondrous Presence: A Peep at His Greatness.” Indeed, Mrs. Sofowote indicated in a transcript of a recording published in the exhibition brochure that no matter the severity of the pain and the agony, “I shall remain happy, I shall remain cheerful, I shall remain committed in absolute confidence, in trust, of the Love of the Almighty Father.”

With careful composition and appropriate lightening, she was able to produce a stunning record of beautiful photographs, which capture the beauty and fascination of nature in almost every conceivable guise. As Ajai-Lycett aptly puts it, “With this collection of photographs, Funke the naturalist, by force of will and thought, illustrates how everything in nature contains all the powers of nature, is made of one hidden stuff.” With this, Ajai-Lycett enthused, the photographer bears witness to the interconnectedness of the universe, which man as a creature is part and parcel of. “And so, here we are, at this exhibition, being entertained to a graphic realisation of the infinite abundance of the universe and how wonderful and comprehensive is the plenty of the Divine Universal Mind,” she added.

Mrs. Francesca Emanuel also noted that the title of one of the photographer’s poems, A Peep at His Greatness, is the thematic chord that runs through the entire collection. Her words: “Combining visual content with poetry, she suggests to us that we contemplate the complexity, wonder and vastness of nature, either in its detail or in gross, and realise how insignificant we may seem as part of a Greater Whole. Yet as humans with the ability to think, to contemplate these things, to consider them philosophically and spiritually, Motunlayo reminds us that therein lies a manifestation of the Almighty in the Everyday.”

In a way, the pictures at the exhibition looked very much like paintings. Dada says such effect is the hallmark of a good photographer “because photography is also art when you take it to a very high level.” He noted that Mrs. Sofowote obviously has a heightened sense of beauty to be able to capture such rare moments that would have eluded a lot of people. “First and foremost, she was able to capture such rare moments through the lens of her spirit before allowing the camera lens to capture it,” he told The Nation, adding that basically that is what happens to a painter. His words: “First, a painter would visualize his subject and sees with his inner eye something worth capturing, before putting it down on canvass or some other medium. In photography, the person taking the shot must be able to recognise a unique moment and capture it for everyone to see.”

The idea of the exhibition was conceived in January by Mrs. Sofowote on her hospital bed in Lubeck, Germany. By that time, the need for a large pool of fund to finance a crucial aspect of her treatment had already become palpable. As a sensitive and considerate woman, she did not want a situation where she would be going cap in hand, begging for money without giving back anything in return. “Even though many generous donors had already latched into the idea of donating towards her treatment and her extended stay in Germany, it is more prestigious for her to give back something in return, so that there would be balance. Even if what she is giving is disproportionate, at least she has made an effort to reciprocate,” Dada noted.

But, the Adefunke Sofowote Cancer-Fighting Fund Team started planning for the exhibition mid February. The effort was succesful in spite of the fact that photography is not widely considered as a form of art yet in this part of the world. Though a group of artists such as Uche Edochie, James Iroha and photographers like Sunmi Smart-Cole have made photography very appealing, with their pioneering efforts in that regard, the idea is still novel in Nigeria. As a result, the Nigerian art collector would feel more comfortable relating with an original work of art more than he would relate with photographs as a form of art. This is perhaps due to the fact that a photograph has the potential of being replicated, so it can be argued that it is almost semi-craft.

The exhibition, which took place under the theme, ‘She Lives On!’ attracted eminent Nigerians, including the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, Prof. J.P. Clark, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Olusegun Ajanlekoko, Prof Duro Oni, Dr. Abayomi Aiyesimoju, the Fadesewa of Simawa, Oba Gbenga Sonuga, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett among others.

Leader of the Adefunke Sofowote Cancer-Fighting Fund Team, Dr. Lateef Adewale Ogunbadejo said Mrs Sofowote chose the theme of the exhibition. By choosing to float the exhibition under the theme, ‘She Lives On!’, Dr Ogunbadejo, who is also the Medical Director of Aniyun Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos, noted that Mrs. Sofowote probably sees the possibility of her own experiencing being used to fight cancer for others in the future.

The ailing Sofowote has spent the last 16 years providing succour for the needy and less privileged, through her charity, entertainment and merit-recognition organisation, Glowing Channels Foundation. The 67-year old woman is a bundle of talents. She is a writer, singer, motivational speaker, administrator, organiser, trainer in corporate practice and etiquette and an impresario.

June 4, 2014