ANIM Conference: Music, a language of chords not discord, cacophony – Prof Esimone
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, says music is a language of chords and concords, not discord, top poly-rhythms and melo-rhythms.
Prof. Esimone stated this while delivering his welcome address during the commemoration of this year’s 18th National Conference of Association of Nigerian Musicologists (AhNIM), holding at the University Auditorium, themed “Ethos and Pathos in Nigerian Music”.
The Vice-Chancellor also described music as African’s second nature and a language that everyone understands.
He maintained that the issue of seeking development and recreation in supplied art is part of human natural and national heritage and there is need for human development to arise from the unique sounds to ensure cultural freedom, stability and unity.
Speaking at the conference, ANIM President, Prof. Ovaborhene Idamoyibo said the value of music is what makes human to identify culture everywhere in the world and as well goes further to identify nations and institutions.
He noted that inspite of the high recognition and love for music, most parents still discourage their wards from studying it, even when the love for music is supposed to encourage people to study the important discipline which is essential in human communication and interaction.
Contributing, former Vice Chancellor, University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) and the keynote speaker, Prof. Joseph Atubokiki Ajienka said “UNIZIK is like the father of music to UNIPORT,” while advising that every university should establish a Department of Music as directed by the President.
The scholar maintained that a good aspect of music is it’s ability to leave no pain when it hits, for it is the queen of arts and humanities that is filled with elegance, harmonies, happiness and peace.
Prof. Ajienka noted that music affects life from cradle to death so there is need for development in it. He also emphasized on the need to respect the importance of time and space in music and as well, separate different classes of music and play each of them at the appropriate time because music involves seasonality. He urged all to pay attention to the source of music inspiration for it defines humans.
Earlier, the Head, Department of Music, Prof. Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara, noted that this is the second time Nnamdi Azikiwe University is hosting the ANIM conference, which it first hosted in 2006 under the headship of Dr. Dan Agu and since then, UNIZIK has been moving from glory to glory.
The University Don said that the theme of the conference is apt due to recent lack in the essence of Ethos and Pathos; lacking argument based on ethics and credibility of person making the arguments and as well the appeal to emotions.
In her remarks, the Chairperson Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the mother of the institution, Dr. Chinyere Esimone stated that music is a nucleus of various culture upon which traditions are transmitted from one generation to the other. The scholar also pointed out that music can be used to portray ideas, philosophy of a sect and values. The wife of the Vice-Chancellor stated that she is indeed elated that the University is hosting the 18th National Conference of the ANIM, she thanked all and sundry who are participating in the conference and also eulogized the Department of Music, Faculty of Arts and the University Management for the different roles they played in ensuring that the event would be recorded as a huge success.
The 18th ANIM National Conference encompassed Presentation of awards to deserving awardees, short musical display by the Director of Music, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Ernest Basset; Rendition by General Deaconess Ngozi Okoh; Rendition by Department of Music, UNIZIK and Rendition by Onitsha Superintendent Women Choir of Christ Holy Church International.
