The new national anthem has ignited comments and condemnation from a section of the populace, while some people feel it was needless, others have stated that it was needed for national unity. On May 29, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to the National Anthem Bill 2024 reverting to the old national anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”.
Following the signing of the bill by the President to reintroduce the old national anthem, the joint sitting of the National Assembly jettisoned what has been in existence since 1978, to adopt the former (and newly signed) national anthem ‘Nigeria, we hail thee’.
The old anthem, “Nigeria, we hail thee”, composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, has replaced the “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem. Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who lived in Nigeria during its independence, penned the lyrics for “Nigeria, we hail thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music. The anthem played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.
While the unending controversy continues, Nigerian born singer, composer and pianist, Ileriayo Temitope Fadeni, known in the music industry as Ileriayo, has delivered a classic rendition of the anthem. In the video which he uploaded on May 30, 2024, he sits to play the piano, he plays on the piano for two minutes, twenty six seconds with different razzmatazz, showmanship and craftiness.
The classic session begins with Ileriayo raising and repeatedly playing the key, the pattern changes and the keys are sharper than expected. Perhaps,because the recording was done live, it becomes difficult for the audio to come out well. A proper mixing and mastering could have cleaned the session well however it is still a commendable effort from the pianist.
With close to two decades of experience as a pianist, composer and songwriter, Ileriayo has continued to show while he is highly sought after in the Nigerian music industry. He is so in tune with his craft that he rarely looks at the keys, he understands where they are , his concentration is masterly exhibited.
Ileriayo has performed, coordinated and curated musical sessions for artistes like Steve Crown, MOG Music, Sclan Music Foundation, Inspire Community Choir, Manchester and others. He has performed at historic sonic concerts and events like Nigerian Week London, Gathering of African Best Awards, London, Heart of Gold Awards, London and other cities in the United Kingdom.
Although the people are still not receptive to the new National Anthem, however, Ileriayo has shown his dexterity with sound as he marshalled the piano to do justice to the anthem. Exploring the piano to achieve this clearly shows that more can happen. A session like this would have required the service of a saxophonist and other instrumentalist, just to spice things up. Ileriayo sonic dynamism, mastery and craftiness just showed that he will be here for a long time.
