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To Set Up A Music Empire In LAGOS
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BIMBO ESHO, Evergreen Musical Company MD Gives Details
There is a buzz going on within the entertainment industry this very moment. Music enthusiasts in Lagos and beyond are ecstatic. Artistes, both the veterans and rave of the moments, are excited and full of expectations of what’s to unfold in the sector in the coming months. The big news is that two giants from two diverse fields but though share mutual interest in music have come together to set in motion the establishment of the largest music Empire in Nigeria and possibly the African continent. These two giants are respected prophet and preacher, Dr. DK Olukoya, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) and the renowned music Afficionado, Chief Femi Esho, Chairman, Evergreen Musical Company.
According to the very brilliant and gorgeous looking MD of Evergreen Musical Company, Bimbo Esho, the edifice which will be known as the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation is one of a kind. It is a phenomenal project that will take Africa by storm.
In a telephone conversation with City People Senior Editor, WALE LAWAL (08037209290), we asked Bimbo Esho what this project is all about. Below are excerpts.
“Well, it’s life long dream of my Dad. He has always wanted this massive music empire, something like a stop shop for music lovers. It will consist of a music Museum, music library, gallery showcasing Head Burst of Artistes, display of over 1,000 pictures of Nigerian musicians from 1914 and relics of their costumes/old musical instruments, an event center for music concerts, cinema theatre, recording studio and so much more. It is a one stop shop for all music lovers all over the world as it will become a big tourist attraction center for all enthusiasts of Nigerian music.
It is called the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation. The Chairman of this historic project is my Dad, Chief Femi Esho, who also doubles as Chairman of Evergreen Music Company, while the Patron is one of Nigeria’s most revered preachers and prophet, Dr. DK Olukoya.”
I am sure that this will come as a surprise to many people who cannot understand the connection between Dr. Olukoya and this landmark musical project.
But how did this collaboration come to be? We are talking about two great men from two diverse fields here and Dr. Olukoya is not known to get involved in anything outside the church and the work of God?
“Well, it’s a long story really. But let me just say that my Dad and Dr. Olukoya are very good friends. He has followed the music trajectory of my father and respects his works as well And don’t also forget, for those who do not know, Dr. Olukoya is not just a first class major, best in his course at Unilag, first scientist to clone genes and a hugely respected preacher, he is also a lover of quality music. He has a rich knowledge of many genres of music. He believes in my dad’s dream. And this is why he has graciously agreed to be Patron of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation. They both share a strong passion for quality music.
Many don’t know Dr. Olukoya teaches music. He wrote his first song in 1976 and his church choir is widely regarded as one of the best in the world having won several international choir competitions in Europe and other parts of the world.
I have always had the conviction that the collaboration between these great men would birth that which generations to come will benefit from.”
How much support have they gotten from the man of God?
According to Bimbo Esho, the Executive Secretary of the foundation, Dr. Olukoya’s financial and moral contribution to the realisation of the project has been invaluable. It is to his credit that the foundation has been able to make tremendous progress so far.
“Dr. Olukoya has been more than wonderful,” she says. “From day one, he told my dad he was 100% interested in the project. As our patron, he has shown us that his word is his bond. His consistency in ensuring that my dad’s dream of 25 years is brought to fruition is mind blowing. Not only has he used his goodwill together with ours to ensure we secure a magnificent edifice that perfectly matches the Evergreen dream, his financial, moral contributions have been enormous. We are indeed grateful to him.”
When is the project expected to be ready for take off?
“By God’s grace, before the end of the year it should be ready. Its a massive project that will gulp quite a lot of money. But we are trusting in God that He will see the project through and finish what He has started.”
But she says there is still a long way to go and the foundation still needs a lot more financial support from well meaning Nigerians who appreciate quality Nigerian music and desire a legacy that will serve as a custodian of our rich musical history and heritage.
“The project is a massive one,” Bimbo Esho explains. “It is a historic landmark project that will stand the test of time and outlive all of us. Dr. Olukoya has been magnanimous and we remain eternally grateful to him for his love and support for this dream. But there’s still plenty of work to be done.”
Where is the proposed building for the project located?
“Its situated at Oyedele Ogunniyi Street, Anthony Village, Ikeja, Lagos. We are still calling on all music enthusiasts, lovers of Nigerian music all over the world to come support this dream, it will be your contribution to a legacy that will sustain for generations to come all of the enduring morals and intrinsic values that our music of yesteryears taught us, all of which is lacking toda,” she concludes.
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