Director, St. Johnpaul Music Academy, Odawulu, Expresses Confidence in Victory in Ongoing Competition
By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
The Music Director of St. Johnpaul Music Academy (SJMA), St. John and Paul Parish, Iba Pope, Awada, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Odawulu Johnbosco Chidozie, has expressed strong confidence in securing victory in the ongoing online Music Academy competition involving all Music Academies under the Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese.
Odawulu stated that St. Johnpaul Music Academy has consistently participated in several online music competitions with various musical groups, adding that he is convinced his team will emerge victorious in the current contest organized by the Archdiocese.
Speaking during an interview with journalists in Onitsha, he explained that his team was thoroughly trained and adequately prepared ahead of their registration for the competition.
“By the special grace of God, I am convinced that we will emerge victorious because we have been participating in online competitions with other Music Academies outside the Onitsha Archdiocese. This is the first time the Onitsha Archdiocese is holding a Music Academy competition,” Odawulu said.
Odawulu, who is still actively engaged in training young musicians and has mentored many who have won awards and scholarships, revealed that one of his trainees recently won the City Radio Talent Hunt.
He added: “I have trained individuals who have gone for competitions independently and won awards and scholarships. For instance, our Chief Organist, a young girl, is studying Music at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on scholarship. Another trainee, a male organist currently in JSS1, is also on scholarship up to the university level.”
He further noted that another female keyboardist from the academy has earned a scholarship in secondary school. According to him, nothing brings him more joy as a music coach than hearing his name acknowledged by successful trainees who win awards or gain scholarships to study music at the university.
“I feel delighted to see myself as a Music Academy coach or director because those who have earned scholarships and won awards must, in one way or another, mention my name as their mentor. It is God’s doing. Many schools and Music Academies want me to train their students,” he said.
Odawulu maintained that, without sentiment, St. Johnpaul Music Academy, Sts. John and Paul Parish, Iba Pope, possesses the highest concentration of musical talent among Music Academies in the Onitsha Archdiocese. He stated that the academy has over eighty members, all performing excellently. However, he noted that the academy currently lacks a permanent rehearsal venue and an official vehicle for outings.
He appealed to parents and guardians to encourage their children and wards to join Music Academies, emphasizing that musical training has many positive impacts on children’s development and helps sharpen their brains.
