Voice of unity is a tribute to the transformative power of music in Nigeria's post independence era. Created with pencil and mixed media on paper, my hope with this piece is to capture the legacy of musicians like Osita Osadebe, whose music transcended ethnic diversity and promoted national unity.
Rooted in highlife genre, Osadebe's songs such as United Nigeria- echoed the spirit of unity during a time of rising ethnic tensions. Through intricate details and layers with pencil and mixed media the work reflects the fusion of traditional Igbo sounds with western instrumentation, symbolizing how music became a universal language for Nigerians across diverse cultures.
My hope with this work is to evoke the emotions tied to the music industry’s role over the past 70 years. It celebrates how artists like Osadebe not only entertained but also inspired a collective identity. This drawing is inspired by the undocumented richness of Nigeria’s music history. Voice of unity is all about the impact of music as a cultural and unifying force. It invites you to reflect on the enduring legacy of music in shaping Nigeria as a nation.
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