The National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) has revived its music department with a performance featuring songs from different parts of Nigeria and other African countries.
The performance, themed “Songs Across the Nation,” took place on Monday at the National Troupe Amphitheatre, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
The troupe’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Kaltume Gana, said the initiative was designed to promote national unity through music and provide opportunities for performers from diverse backgrounds.
She said more than 20 students from five institutions had participated in the troupe’s activities, showcasing their talents in music, dance and drama.
Gana also disclosed that the troupe was working to document folklore from different parts of Nigeria and make the collection digitally accessible to researchers and people interested in African culture.
The Assistant Director of Music, Mrs Monica Adeniyi, said the department had been inactive since 2016 and that she initiated its revival after assuming office in 2023.
She said the performance featured Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo songs, alongside music from Ghana and South Africa.
One of the guest artistes, Samson Alhassan, popularly known as Gas Cooker, encouraged young creatives to remain persistent in pursuing their careers.
Alhassan, a founding member of the troupe who joined in 1989, said age should not discourage anyone from developing their artistic talents.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event featured folklore, choral songs and performances by guest artistes.
