MUSON, Mandilas Group, kick off Yuletide with Christmas concert

The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) and Mandilas Group have kicked off the festive season of Christmas and New Year with a concert held at the Shell/Zenith Bank Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

The event featured performances by the MUSON orchestra and choir, along with the Mandilas choir delivering a vibrant celebration of music and unity.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MUSON, Louis Mbanefo (SAN), while reflecting on the significance of the event, noted the remarkable growth of the institution over the past 40 years.

“The founders would be incredibly proud to see what we have achieved,” he said, acknowledging the enduring legacy of those who built MUSON and their impact on Nigerian culture and music.

This year’s concert was particularly poignant as it also marked the 30th anniversary of the passing of Chief John Mandilas, the founder of Mandilas Group, who was a key figure in MUSON’s early development. The event also served as a tribute to his contributions to both the arts and the institution.

Mbanefo added that the partnership between MUSON and the Mandilas Foundation continues to strengthen the ties between the musical community and the legacy of one of its most influential benefactors.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mandilas Group, who expressed gratitude for the resilience of both the company and its partners over the years,

“December is always a special time for us as we come together to celebrate the season of joy, peace, and love. We are always honoured to remember Chief John Mandilas, and we pray that his memory continues to inspire love and joy,” she added.

On her part, the Head of Corporate Services at Mandilas, Olabisi Marino, said: “The Christmas concert is a time to reflect, give thanks, and celebrate the true meaning of the season the birth of Jesus Christ and also to honour the legacy of John Mandilas.”