By Raji Rasak
Badagry – An Afro-beat Nigerian musician, based in Ohio, U.S, Mr Moses Baoku, says his mission is to revitalise culture to bring people of the world together.
Baoku stated this at the Maiden Edition of African Karaoke Night organised by Jinuset Travel and Tours Ltd., in Badagry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Baoku is the leader of World-Fusion Band in U.S.
He is a professional cultural African performing artist and an Afro-beat musician, singer, song writer, band leader and a composer from Nigeria based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Baoku trained and performed professionally as an African drummer and dancer in Nigeria for eight years, before moving to the U.S in 2002.
According to him, I came home to do a cultural exchange called explore Nigeria with karaoke.
“What I am bringing into Nigeria is revitalisation of culture, I want to continue to promote culture and revitalise it.
“Then, I will preserve culture and use it as a means to bring people together, then promote it to the world.
“In the world today, people don’t know anything about Nigeria’s culture, what they know about the country is corruption, fraud and unstable government.
“I want to show the world that in the middle of all that is a rich beautiful culture,” he said.
Moses advised youths in Nigeria not to give up their dreams, continue to work hard, pray and respect every living thing especially elders.
“Youths need to continue to do their best for themselves, families and the next generation,” he said.
Mr Setonji Oketonjinu, the Director, Jinuset Travel and Tours Ltd., said the African Karaoke night was to showcase the African culture that was almost forgotten in another way to fun seeker and tourists in Badagry.
“We want people to know that aside regular day to day activities, and its historic background, we still have other insides of tourism such as cultural tourism.
“Through this platform, we are telling the world that Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria and Africa have culture.
He said that one of the major problems in Badagry was that after tourists had visited museum and other tourist attractions, they asked for where to relax for the night.
“Having at the back of our mind that tourists would not be thrilled by our bars and clubs here because they have better ones in their countries, so we packaged rich African songs for them.
“With this, tourists will come over to Badagry to enjoy cultural tourism than coming to see the museum and other things.
“The music is reflective on the body to the soul, things like this always capture the heart of tourist to visit Badagry, again and again,” he said.
NAN reports that tourists and fun seekers were entertained with Afro-Karaoke performances and kegite gyrations, alongside undiluted palm wine and bush meat served in gourds and calabashes.
Musical bands that thrilled fun seekers included Moses Baoku’s World-Fusion Band (USA) Akere Metonu Troupe from Badagry, Pepti Dance Troupe from Nigeria and Kegites from environs.
(NAN)
