Inside Rebeca Omordia’s Cross-cultural Classical Music Exploits in Lagos, London

Yinka Olatunbosun

Rebeca Omordia, an acclaimed Nigerian-British concert pianist based in London, is playing a pivotal role in bringing African classical music to global audiences.

With the African Concert Series at Wigmore Hall in London, she sets a platform for African composers and musicians to showcase their works, aiming to broaden the scope of classical music, offering African composers the opportunity to have their works heard on a prestigious global stage. Founded in 2019, this series serves as a vital platform to spotlight African classical music, with a special focus on composers from the Nigerian Art Music School. Omordia’s vision gained significant recognition when Wigmore Hall, one of the world’s leading concert venues, awarded her a residency in 2023.

This partnership has enabled the African Concert Series to flourish, bringing together not only Nigerian classical musicians but also showcasing traditional African music. The series has featured performances of the ojà (flute) with Ogbu-Oja Gerald Eze and the resonant rhythms of the talking drums with Richard Olatunde Baker, as well as Nigerian classical sopranos Omo Bello and Victoria Oruwari, pianist Glen Inanga, and composer and multi-instrumentalist Tunde Jegede with his NOK Orchestra, further enriching audiences’ understanding of Africa’s vast musical diversity. The African Concert Series has already announced its eight season with concerts launching at the iconic London venue on March 21st.

Omordia’s pioneering contributions are also reflected in her celebrated performances worldwide, her African Pianism recordings are played regularly by the BBC, which showcase the unique fusion of African and Western classical traditions. These recordings have further solidified her role in reshaping perceptions of African classical music and demonstrating its rich, diverse potential.

Her journey as an artist has not only earned her recognition on international stages but has also made a significant impact in her home country, Nigeria, where she is fostering a new generation of classical musicians. Omordia’s ability to bridge the gap between African and Western classical music traditions is transformative, and her contributions to the classical music world—particularly in Nigeria—cannot be overstated. She has performed on numerous occasions at MUSON Centre and has worked with young musicians from MUSON School of Music. By fostering a deeper appreciation for classical music within the country, she is contributing to the growth of a new generation of Nigerian talent.

The MUSON Centre in Lagos is one of Nigeria’s leading cultural institutions, dedicated to the promotion of music and the arts, home to prominent figures of the Nigerian Art Music School, composers Fela Sowande, Akin Euba and Ayo Bankole. Rebeca Omordia’s recital and masterclass there on Tuesday, February 10th, will be a significant event, not just in terms of her performance but in her role as an educator. The MUSON School is well-known for producing top-tier musicians, and this event will allow students to showcase their skills while benefiting from Rebeca Omordia’s expertise. Masterclasses are an excellent way for students to receive direct feedback from a renowned musician, helping them refine their technique, interpretation, and performance style. Her role as a mentor helps nurture the next generation of musicians and fosters a greater appreciation of classical music within the country.

Rebeca will also visit Mountain Top University for an event organised by the Organ House Concert and Seminar Series. Located in Lagos, MTU is another educational institution that has been active in the development of Nigerian classical music. Rebeca’s visit there for the Organ House event will be another significant opportunity for students to engage with a world-class musician. The Organ House Concert and Seminar Series is an interdisciplinary research initiative aimed to promote critical and innovative approaches to music research, composition, performance, and the exploration as well as the documentation of Nigeria, Africa, and African diaspora’s musical and cultural heritages. In so doing, it promotes and provides spaces for creativity and intellectual rigor among scholars, composers, performers, and teachers in music, arts, and the humanities. The research initiative champions academic, artistic, and creative research. Given Rebeca’s expertise and passion for African classical music, her visit will highlight the unique contributions of Nigerian composers and performers to the classical genre.

Omordia’s unique ability to blend African and Western classical music traditions has made her an influential figure in both worlds. Her performances, often featuring a mix of African and Western classical works, demonstrate that these musical traditions can coexist and enrich each other.

Her return to Lagos reflects her enduring commitment to bridging cultural gaps and promoting African classical music on the global stage. Through her work in Nigeria and at Wigmore Hall in London, Omordia is reshaping how classical music is perceived, highlighting the richness of African classical traditions and the power of cultural exchange.