Jazz Forum growing Nigeria’s entertainment industry through talent-hunt- Odumosu

Prof. Olakunle Odumosu, President, Ibadan Jazz Forum (IJF), says potential in NIgeria entertainment industry can be harnessed through the creation of platforms for talents discovery.

Odumosu made this assertions, while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of Jazz Concert in Ibadan to commemorate the International Jazz Day.

Our correspondent reports that UNESCO had in 2011 dedicated April 30 of every year for the commemoration of International Jazz Day.

Odumosu, a retired Professor, said that such platforms would help a lot in discovering, encouraging and nurturing talents toward the provision of lifeline for young talents against unavailable white collar jobs.

According to him, the platform also create opportunity for togetherness, peace and harmonious coexistence among people of diverse culture.

He said that the forum, which was formed 17 years ago, had continually offered such platforms for young jazz musicians to showcase their talents.

Odumosu said: “We started the Ibadan Jazz Forum to encourage young musicians to help them develop their talents. We provide the platform for them to display their talents and engage them.

“We have been doing these for years through contributions from members. The forum is not a money-making venture; we are happy creating the platform for young people to showcase their talents.”

He said that the forum had, since its establishment, organised several shows through which many jazz musicians gained prominence and stardom.

Odumosu recalled how a drummer was discovered at their concert by a white man, who later invited him to U.S to display his talent.

“It is true we have all genres of music in Nigeria and there is none that cannot be jazzified.

“In Nigeria, it is more about praise-singing and sometimes it is wrong. We praise-sing corrupt people, corrupt leaders and people with negative characters.

“What we are doing is to encourage youths and appreciate music in the positive sense, not in the sense of praise-singing,” he said.

On popularity of Jazz music in Nigeria, Odumosu said that all depended on what individuals grew up with in their households, adding that individuals like what they grow with.

“You know Jazz music doesn’t just come to you like that, it takes time. Some of us here also listen to other musics in those days. Enjoying jazz music has to be innate.

“But, some of our parents travel abroad and came back with these albums.You grow up seeing your father listening to these musics in the house and it sticks with you.

“So, when you grow up, you start enjoying it. A lot of our radio stations in the 60s play jazz music in their stations as intro. So, you grow with it and enjoy it,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that the event attended by several upcoming as well as talented artistes, was a great evening with Jazz and serenades.