Music executive and recording artist, Aaron Tochukwu Aaron, has called for the establishment of enduring global vocal institutions in Africa, particularly Nigeria, rather than a focus solely on celebrated individual voices.

Aaron made the call in an interview, where he said the development of singers should go beyond preparing them for individual ministrations, concerts or studio sessions, stressing the need to build voices capable of remaining effective for decades.

According to him, “a singer is not prepared to survive a particular ministration, concert or studio session,” but should instead be developed to maintain vocal effectiveness for the next 10, 20 or 30 years.

He said such long-term standards were essential to building sustainable vocal careers and a stronger music industry.

“The voice is both a gift and an instrument. A gift must be honoured; an instrument must be understood, trained and maintained. I train the whole voice, not isolated tricks,” Aaron said.

He explained that his vocal training covers range, register coordination, tone, resonance, pitch, breath management, articulation, dynamics, expression, vocal health and versatility.

“A singer may possess power, but if that power is unsupported, inconsistent or unhealthy, it is not yet mastery,” he said.

Aaron also said Africa needed artists with distinctive identities rather than another generation of singers who simply imitate popular voices.

“My approach is not to manufacture copies; but to develop originals. Africa does not need another generation of singers who merely imitate the most popular voice of the moment. We need artists whose sound carries identity, discipline, cultural intelligence and the confidence to stand anywhere in the world,” he said.

He said his mentoring of young vocalists begins with listening carefully to their natural tone, phrasing, instincts, range, musical background and the story behind their voices.

According to him, he then identifies technical limitations that may be hiding or distorting each singer’s individuality, correcting weaknesses without erasing the qualities that make the voice distinctive.

Aaron said his mentoring also extended beyond vocal exercises to the development of the complete artist, including technical competence, musical judgment, communication, stage responsibility, discipline, confidence, character and longevity.

“In gospel music especially, gifting and character must mature together. A platform may reveal talent, but only preparation and integrity can sustain influence,” he said.

He added that his responsibility was to help each vocalist discover “the strongest, healthiest and most authentic version of their own voice-not mine, and not anybody else’s.”