For Music Africa Awake Foundation (MUAFA), the peaceful co-existence among different ethnic nationalities of Nigeria will be re-enacted through the instrument of reggae music.
Founder/CEO of the Non-Government Organization (NGO), Prince Emeka Ojukwu, made this commitment at the launching of the 7th edition of Nigeria Reggae Festival, which will hold at Trade Fair Motel, Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Express Way, Lagos, from November 11-13, 2022.
According to Ojukwu, the event is geared towards heralding peace and unity, and to eradicate xenophobic attacks in African countries. “We have discovered that Africans don’t love themselves and Nigeria happens to be most hated of African countries. We want to use this platform to preach brotherhood. We are one people who complement each other.
“Our mission is to use reggae music to sensitize the youths to say no to crime and violence and embrace art. We also want to awaken the senses of African people to understand that Africa is one but buffeted by disunity, hence the need for a collective action to rescue it from all forms of inanities for the benefits of our youths,” he said.
In his remarks, the group’s marketing consultant, King Oke-David disclosed that the essence of the festival was to use music to preach peace and reveal the wonders of Africa and Nigeria in particular. “Reggae music is a unifying factor that we want to use to help the country grow. We want to use it to engage our youth and save them from drugs and Ponzi schemes,” he noted.
Reggae artistes headlining the event include UK-based Jethro Sheeran, Patoranking, Daddy West, and up and coming G3, who is set to release his work and embark on tour of Europe. There will also be a seminar on music and health as well as art exhibition.