Nigerian musicians have been urged by Mallam Isa Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, to concentrate on creating timeless tunes that will outlive them and guarantee their position in the recollections of future generations.
According to a statement released by BarryFest Secretary-General Ademola Adesingbin, Onilu led the charge at the inauguration of a monument honoring the late Fuji music pioneer Sikiru Ayinde Barrister at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan.
Barrister’s ongoing significance almost 16 years after his passing, according to the head of NOA, highlighted the importance of producing music with enduring influence.
The Curator and Zonal Director of the National Museum of Unity, Mrs Otuka Pamela Oriyomi, described the monument as a historic development for the institution.
According to her, the music icon became the first musician to have a monument erected within the museum premises since its establishment five decades ago.
She commended members of BarryFest for what she described as their unwavering commitment to keeping the musician’s memory alive.
Chairman of BarryFest, Alhaji Olaide Olawumi, said the monument was a reflection of Barrister’s enduring impact on Nigeria’s music industry and cultural history Olawumi described the late Fuji icon as a trailblazer, saying, “He was a pioneer, an innovator, and a visionary whose contributions transformed Nigerian music and elevated Fuji Music to international recognition.” In an effort by Barrister’s supporters to honor the musician and commemorate his contributions to the development of Fuji music in Nigeria, the monument was unveiled on Wednesday at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan.
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