Nigerian Navy moves to infuse technology into Steelpan production in its Music School
In a bid to elevate its practice to conform to international best practices, the Nigerian Navy has begun moves to infuse technology into its Music School through steel pan production. As the first step towards achieving this, it gathered academia and other stakeholders at the 2021 Navy Band Conference themed ‘Improving the capacity building of the Nigerian Navy Band through Technology for global recognition, to brainstorm on ways to enhance quality production of Steel Pan in its music department, for global recognition.
By the way, Steelpan is a musical instrument that originated from Trinidad and Tobago and has become an accepted form of art with some international recognition. Its emergence in Nigeria can be traced to the 2nd World Festival of Black Arts and Culture of January 1977, tagged “Festac’77”, which was held in Lagos.
After the festival, the contingent that came from Trinidad and Tobago presented a complete set of steel band instruments to the then Chief of Army Staff. Thereafter, the Nigeria Army Headquarters sent some of its soldiers to Trinidad and Tobago to learn how to play and produce the steelpan.
Declaring the three-day conference which was held at the Nigerian Navy Music School,Otta , Ogun State, open, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, said the conference would provide participants with a forum to discuss, share musical experiences and proffer ways to exploring technology and skills of the Nigerian Navy Steel Pan production, as well as boost the capacity of personnel for enhanced effectiveness.
By Evelyn Usman
