A monumental and unprecedented project is underway, poised to revolutionize the musical landscape of Africa. This groundbreaking initiative will not only captivate the nation but also resonate across the entire African continent. The collaboration between two eminent figures—Dr. DK Olukoya, a distinguished preacher, and Chief Femi Esho, a renowned music expert and founder of Evergreen Musical Company—marks the beginning of an extraordinary venture.
Currently, intensive work is in progress to build and complete, before the end of the year, the largest music empire ever seen in Africa. This massive undertaking will consist of a music museum, a music library, a gallery showcasing head busts of artists, over 1,000 pictures of Nigerian musicians from 1914, relics of their costumes and old musical instruments, an event center for music concerts, a cinema theater, a recording studio, and much more. This one-stop shop for music lovers will become a major tourist attraction for enthusiasts of Nigerian music.
Named the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation, this historic project is chaired by Chief Femi Esho, the music aficionado and practitioner, who also serves as Chairman of Evergreen Music Company. The Patron is none other than one of Nigeria’s most revered preachers and prophets, the iconic Dr. DK Olukoya.
This collaboration may surprise many who cannot fathom the connection between the firebrand preacher and this landmark musical project. However, anyone who knows Dr. Olukoya closely will attest that, after his unbridled love for God, his next passion is music. Dr. Olukoya is a music aficionado with extensive knowledge of various genres, ranging from highlife to juju, folklore, traditional music, reggae, country music, gospel, and more. His rich musical knowledge is evident in the music ministry of his church, MFM, where he has also served as a music teacher.
The MFM choir, known for its brilliant performances of some of Nigeria’s most enduring highlife and folklore compositions, reflects Dr. Olukoya’s influence. The choir’s aim is to revive the morals in these classics and instill them in listeners. It’s no wonder the MFM choir is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, having won several international choir competitions in Europe and beyond.
Dr. Olukoya, a first-class major and best in his course at Unilag, the first scientist to clone genes in Nigeria, and a highly respected preacher, is also a lover of quality music. This passion has led him to graciously accept the role of Patron of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation. His close relationship with Chief Femi Esho and shared passion for quality music have been instrumental in this project.
According to Bimbo Esho, the Executive Secretary of the foundation, Dr. Olukoya’s financial and moral contributions have been invaluable. Thanks to his support, the foundation has made significant progress. However, she notes that there is still a long way to go, and more financial support is needed from well-meaning Nigerians who appreciate quality Nigerian music and wish to contribute to a legacy that will preserve our rich musical history and heritage.
“The project is a massive undertaking,” Bimbo Esho explains. “It is a historic landmark that will stand the test of time and outlive us all. Dr. Olukoya has been more than supportive. He has been magnanimous, and we remain eternally grateful for his love and support. But there is still plenty of work to be done.”
Located at Oyedele Ogunniyi Street, Anthony Village, Ikeja, Lagos, the magnificent edifice is calling on all music enthusiasts and lovers of Nigerian music worldwide to support this dream. Contributions will help sustain the enduring morals and intrinsic values taught by the music of yesteryears, which are often lacking today. This center will be a place where youth can enjoy quality music and research the rich musical history of some of Nigeria’s most accomplished musicians from the 1950s to the 1990s.
In conclusion, Bimbo Esho appeals, “Support this dream; it is a contribution to a legacy that will benefit generations to come.”
