From this month, the numerous lovers of classical music radio show, Classical Journey, on Radio One 103.5fm will no longer be able to enjoy the one-hour weekly programme except sponsors come to its rescue.
After five consistent years, the producer and presenter of the programme, Mr. Nkanu Egbe, has decided to rest it for lack of sponsorship and remuneration.
Egbe, whose deep knowledge of classical music and soothing voice, has become synonymous with the radio programme announced yesterday on his facebook page his intention to rest the programme.
“Enter 2020, I decided to rest Classical Journey on Radio One 103.5FM,” he wrote. “Over the past five years, I had produced the one-hour show every Sunday afternoon but it was without any pay and sponsorship.
Nigeria does indeed need to preserve its rich cultural heritage and one of the ways of doing that is through classical music.”
According to the seasoned broadcaster, classical music needs patronage not only for a one-hour show but for an integrated music education and appreciation programme which should stretch from the schools to the entertainment centres to broadcast.
“There are a few sponsorships going on, no doubt, but they are far apart. Our indigenous music like our many languages must not be allowed to die.
Classical music is an art of preservation. The more we have people who can not only listen and appreciate but translate our indigenous music art forms into glyphic material, the more we can preserve our past. We are losing our history fast, and now add to that our musical heritage. This is what I have tried to emphasise through ‘Classical Journey’.”
So what is next for this amiable gentleman? “I’m taking a break from it all until I get sponsors and get paid. My five years of free work is good contribution to the cause. I rest.”
