Yinka Olatunbosun
Yaba may be known as a tech hub and a home of many institutions of learning but to the cultural community, it was an epicentre of cultural life and now, on its way to retaining the title. A case in point would be a recent thrilling session that showcased talent, passion and a zeal to excel. Called Music Minds Legacy Project Competition, the pre-yuletide event saw the emergence of 10 lucky winners of the grand finale of the Music Minds Young Geniuses Talent Hunt leaving the audience in awe of the incredible performances.
The competition was a platform for grooming young talents aged 18 and below to unleash their skills and pursue their dreams in the music industry. It is an incredible opportunity for these aspiring musicians to gain exposure and guidance from experienced professionals.
For the Keyboard category, Adetomiwa Omololu showcased his exceptional skills and emerged as the winner, while Oyedokun Mercy and Owolabi Gideon claimed the titles of first and second runner-up. Oyedokun Victor proved his mastery of the Lead Guitar and was crowned the winner in that category. Meanwhile, in the Drums category, the talented Idowu Christianah stole the show and became the winner, while Elijah Divine and Oladejo Caleb secured the positions of first and second runner-up. In the Saxophone category, Alaba Praise was announced as the deserving winner, with Oyebamire Nifemi and Osho Oluwaseyi securing the positions of first and second runner-up, respectively.
Though a few weeks shy of Christmas celebrations, the event was an opportunity to give the budding talents an early Christmas gift.
Aside from the cash prizes, the winners would be recommended for career management deals with reputable talent management organisations. Additionally, the winners would be privileged to receive internships and mentorship from renowned entertainment personalities.
Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Chairman of Music Minds Legacy Project Group, speaking on the novel project, at the eighth Annual Music Minds “Meet/ Greet” and Young Maestros Award Night, said before now it was only a social gathering where they come to eat, drink and enjoy good music. This year, they decided to make it more productive.
“We have decided to be more productive, productive in socialisation. In other words, we are building a new crop of young people in the music industry. Giving back to society, and regenerating the music industry by introducing new talents that are below 18 years old, and you will be surprised at our discovery. We have a blind boy who can play the drums and other instruments.
“We want to have younger children who will make a difference in the long run and we are discovering them while they are still very young. And in the process, we will expose them to the music industry through the media. Some of us decided that we should evolve this get-together, not just come to consume and socialise. We should make it a good productive socialisation.”
On hand to please the audience was the Yinká Alákijà Prime Qwest Band. They serenaded the likes of Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Yinka Davies, and Dele Adetiba in attendance.
Akin Fatunke, Member of the Board of Trustees, of Music Minds Legacy Project Group in his remarks noted that the Music Minds Legacy Project Competition aims to annually discover and nurture the exceptional abilities of young males and females in playing five specified musical instruments. The competition was divided into five categories: Keyboard, Lead Guitar, Drums, Trumpet, and Saxophone.
“This year, we have decided to shift the paradigm to recognise young artists male and female. Between 18 and below who can play basic instruments. The drum, guitar, the piano, the saxophone. We have decided this year to do a legacy project to recognise the youths,” he stated.
In addition, he said, “We auditioned, they came, they competed. We have narrowed the winners and the winners are going to be going with prizes. The judges came from amongst us. Don’t forget we are music minds. And these are accomplished people of this world, like Yinka Davies, Tosin Martins, Bolaji Banjoko (Beejay Sax), and many others.”
