The Association of Nigeria Female Organists (ANFO) successfully staged its second annual concert, making a powerful statement for gender inclusion in the realm of sacred music. The event, held at the Grace Hall Auditorium within the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM) headquarters in Lagos, was themed "Ladies on the Organ, her hymn, her organ."
Challenging a Male-Dominated Tradition
In his address, the patron of the association and General Overseer of MFM, Professor Daniel Olukoya, highlighted the historical gender disparity in playing the organ. He noted that the instrument has been predominantly played by men, often older men, creating a monopoly that needed to be dismantled.
"By the inspiration of the Almighty God, we decided to start this association of female organists to encourage women to play the organ," Prof. Olukoya stated. He emphasized the core message: "what a man can do, a woman too can do." The initiative, launched the previous year, involves structured training, seminars, and teachings, leading to noticeable improvement and growing interest among women across the country.
A Showcase of Talent and National Participation
The concert was a vibrant display of skill and dedication. More than 40 women from various parts of Nigeria participated, with about 30 performing live. The performances extended beyond the organ to include violin and trumpet pieces, showcasing versatile musical talent.
Notable performances included:
- Mercy Tonade Olaoluwa, organist at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, who played 'Onwards Christian Soldiers (Haydn)' by J.E. Newell.
- Rachael Ekenemchukwu Gold, Acting Assistant Organist at St. John Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, who performed 'Must I Go Empty Handed' by George C. Stebbins.
Dr. Folashade Olukoya, the Chief Host, expressed joy at the wide participation, noting that women came from various denominations and regions beyond Lagos. She advised young ladies to join the association for mentorship, linking the initiative to her lifelong passion for addressing gender disparity. "A nation that lacks a space for women will always be lonely and miserable," she asserted.
A Journey of Growth and Empowerment
Temitope Abiodun George, the ANFO Coordinator, described the platform created by Prof. Olukoya as a crucial exposure. She performed 'Variation on St. Anne' by Christa Rakich during the event. The second edition, she noted, was a testament to the group's progress within a year, boosting their confidence.
She acknowledged the challenges of coordinating participants from across Nigeria, many of whom traveled by flight, but credited God and their patron for support. "The association has given us a sense of commitment, affording us a space that was not created earlier in this male-dominated arena," George explained. She described the initiative as a stepping stone to greater achievements for women in this generation.
The concert concluded on a high note, reinforcing ANFO's mission to empower women through music and break long-standing gender barriers in ecclesiastical and classical music performance.
