Entertainment
Interview with Ebele the flutist, the first Nigerian professional female flutist
Ebele the flutist (Source: Ebele Ezeamakam)
Ebele Ezeamakam, known as Ebele the flutist is a versatile, creative, innovative musician and personal development coach who believes in the power of music and its ability to induce progressive positive transformation in an individual. Although her parents wanted her to study accounting so she can work in the bank. According to her, they would rather prefer her to be a banker than a musician. In this interview with Alaba Ayinuola, she elaborated on how her experience playing flute and culture influenced her career journey into the superstar performer and Nigeria’s foremost female flutist she is today. Excerpt.
Alaba: When did you start playing the flute? Why did you choose the instrument?
Ebele: I started playing the flute at age 14. I was exposed to music at a very young age and we learn music in general. I have a very high pitch voice (Soprano), and when it comes to choosing a musical instrument, flute blends with my high-pitched voice. Also, my teacher was a Philippine lady who plays the flute, she motivated the flute playing also.
Alaba: As a Nigerian-African, would you say your culture influenced your love for music in any way?
Ebele: In a way I’ll say yes. But the truth is; music is a gift, an ability given by God. Many learn and are being trained to know music, but you can’t compare something you learn to do with another person who is born with the ability to do so. Notwithstanding, even if one naturally poses the ability, one still need to master your craft. It’s a God-given ability to me.
Alaba: When did you transcend to become a professional musician?
Ebele: For a long while playing the flute was just something I love to do. While working as an accountant in an Oil Firm, I attended musical training for contemporary music because my background was classical music genre. Even developing myself on contemporary music, I still didn’t know I’ll be a professional musician. It all started when I never felt fulfilled as an accountant anymore, and didn’t mind how lucrative my job was, I left to pursue where my heart is music.
Alaba: Did you always want to be an orchestral flutist? Can you imagine your life as a non-flutist?
Ebele: I am not an orchestral Flutist, am a contemporary musician who plays and sing different genres of music, i.e., classic, R&B, high life, gospel etc. this makes me a professional Flutist. An orchestral Flutist is one who plays in an orchestra setting only. I was like that, but I break the norm that Flute cannot be used outside orchestra setting. I used the flute to play different genres of songs, this makes me a professional Flutist, and the First and Foremost Female Flutist in Nigeria. I can’t imagine a life as a non-flutist, I thank God I pursued my passion.
Alaba: You’re also a personal development coach? Kindly tell me more about it and which came first?
Ebele: I started playing the flute in a very young age, never actually supported by my parents. I normally escaped from extra moral classes to learn the flute. A time came when they set an example for us to qualify us a Flutist, my parents were invited. They saw me play the flute so well and my dad bought me my first flute at age 14. Even after this, they refused I further much on music, they insisted I read accounting so I can work in the bank. They would prefer me be a banker than a musician. I did their bid but never left music. I continued learning and mastering my craft. In the long run, this is who I am.
I choose to help young men and ladies discover and develop their gift on time because I was graced to do so for myself. I help them by organising and attending Personal Development Coaching.
Alaba: Can you remember how you felt the first time you played it?
Ebele: Great really! Especially when my parents were amazed at my playing.
Ebele the flutist (Source: Ebele Ezeamakam)
Alaba: How are you keeping yourself positive and inspired in the current crisis? Can you share your thoughts
Ebele: It’s really not been easy going through 2020 lock down, but somehow, we survived it. So far God has been faithful to me, hence I still get involve in some training online and some program’s still call me to perform, though with high restrictions due to covid19.
I believe “This Too Shall Pass”. I believe we will get through it but much more I pray we learn and step-up, to be a better people and nation who succeeded and overcame such crises.
Alaba: How do you feel as Nigeria Foremost Female Flutist?
Ebele: It feels great but with much responsibility. I believe I should do more and especially invest in others so we can have more Flutist. Am doing that already and in not much time a lot of Flutist will emerge, female ones also.
Alaba: What is your plan for the year? Any new projects you’re working on?
Ebele: Oh yes, my long-awaited album. Planning and trusting God it’s going to be a national one because it’s really taken some time. Planning on releasing some singles as well in addition to my previous once.
Alaba: What causes are closest to your heart?
Ebele: I love helping the less privilege, I have been involved in A lot of program’s were I assisted in less privilege works. We had one very beautiful one we did for the patients in Lagos state university some time ego, titled “Music and Medicine “. It was a musical concert for patients.
Alaba: Your top picks to read, watch and listen?
Ebele: Hmm! Hard to answer really because I have a lot of them and don’t really know which to mention. I’ll plead you spare me on this one.
Connect with her LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
NBA Africa and Africell, one of the fastest-growing mobile network operators in Africa, today unveiled an indoor basketball court at 1˚ de Maio at Av. Deolinda Rodrigues in Luanda, Angola as part of their multi-year collaboration to use basketball to benefit Angolan youth. The new court, donated to and operated by the city of Luanda, will provide a safe space where members of the local community can play basketball year-round and host Jr. NBA events and programming in the future.
The court was unveiled by Africell Angola CEO Jorge Vazquez and NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. They were joined by Angolan NBA Academy Africa prospect Aginaldo Neto, who is signed to Petro de Luanda for the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season as part of the BAL Elevate program, and who previously participated in the Jr. NBA program in Angola. Following the ceremony, the court hosted two exhibition games featuring men’s and women’s teams from the local community.
“By making basketball more accessible to young Angolans, the partnership between Africell and NBA Africa is having a big impact,” said Africell Angola CEO Jorge Vazquez. “Basketball is an important part of Angolan popular culture, and this new facility brings it into the reach of more potential players.”
“This beautiful new court speaks to Angola’s rich basketball tradition and further builds on our youth development efforts across the continent,” said NBA CEO Clare Akamanzi. “Thanks to the support of Africell, more boys and girls in Luanda will be able to learn and play the game in a safe environment year-round.”
In addition to the court unveiling and exhibition games, last week, NBA Africa and Africell held a Jr. NBA clinic in Lubango for 250 boys and girls ages 18 and under. Last year, NBA and Africell held Jr. NBA clinics, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, as well as a Her Time to Play basketball clinic and leadership workshop for 200 girls ages 16 and under and 20 female basketball coaches.
The new court also builds on NBA Africa’s previous initiatives in Angola, including hosting Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa in Luanda in 2016 and a Jr. NBA league in Luanda in 2017 and 2018. BWB, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, has reached nearly 100 Angolan boys and girls since its launch in Africa in 2003.
Angola’s Petro de Luanda is representing the country in the 2024 BAL season for the fourth consecutive time.
Canon Central and North Africa is thrilled to announce its partnership with KidZania Cairo, to introduce a Canon Photography Studio at KidZania in Cairo, Egypt. The new innovative space is designed to provide children from 8-14 years of age with a unique opportunity to explore the world of photography, learn about Canon’s cutting-edge technology, and unleash their creativity in a fun and interactive environment.
The Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo is set to become a captivating and creative play space where children can engage in a variety of activities related to photography. The aim is to create an immersive experience that not only entertains but also educates and empowers young minds while igniting their creativity.
“We are delighted to embark on this exciting collaboration with KidZania Cairo. Canon has always been committed to inspiring creativity and nurturing a passion for technology and innovation. The Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo is more than a play space; it’s a gateway for children to explore the captivating world of photography, learn about leading-edge technology, and, most importantly, have fun while doing so. The indoor city built to scale for kids, is an innovative and educational concept where children can engage in various role-playing activities and simulate real-world jobs and professions. We believe in the power of education through experience, and this collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to empower the next generation of photographers,” says Amine Djouahra, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central and North Africa.
Building upon the success of the Canon Academy Juniors programme, the studio at KidZania Cairo adopts a similar educational empowerment approach tailored to children’s unique scale, level, and language comprehension. Much like the aforementioned initiatives, the studio at KidZania Cairo aspires to instill valuable knowledge and empower young minds in a way that resonates with the dynamic and creative world of children.
For many years, Canon has been committed to empowering young people and providing them with tools and opportunities for personal and educational growth. Initiatives like this with KidZania Cairo play a vital role in enabling young people, providing them with opportunities for skills development and access to education, and fostering personal growth.
“The collaboration between KidZania Cairo and Canon marks a significant stride towards enriching educational experiences for children. By integrating Canon’s expertise in photography with KidZania’s immersive learning environment, we are poised to provide a unique platform for young minds to explore the realms of creativity and technology. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of photographers and creators, equipping them with valuable skills and insights that will shape their future endeavours,” says Ahmed Ibrahim Habib, CEO for KidZania Cairo.
The Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo will feature a diverse range of activities. Children will also learn the art of composing a visually appealing photograph. Through interactive games and activities, they will understand the importance of angles, lighting, and framing.
Additionally, they will get hands-on experience with Canon’s latest technology. After capturing memorable moments, they will have the chance to bring their creations to life by using a Canon printer to print their photographs. Canon and KidZania Cairo are committed to providing children with a unique and enriching experience.
Equipped with newfound experience in camera operation, lens variation, and the intricacies of capturing and printing images, children will emerge with a well-rounded skill set that transcends the fundamentals of basic photography. By combining play and learning, the Canon Photography Studio at KidZania Cairo aims to leave a lasting impression on young minds, inspiring the future generation of photographers.
Amanda Uzoagba (Image supplied)
Mdundo, a prominent music streaming platform that has experienced significant growth in recent years, has expanded its team to include renowned entertainment lawyer Amanda Uzoagba as the Head of Licensing for West Africa. With a current workforce of 40 full-time staff spread across Africa, Mdundo continues to strengthen its position in the industry.
In her new role, Amanda Uzoagba will take charge of the team handling licensing operations in Ghana and Nigeria, overseeing the acquisition and retention of content from artists, music labels, publishers, and rights societies. With her extensive experience, Mdundo aims to elevate its licensing operations to new heights, fostering a sustainable and equitable environment for music creators.
With the strengthening of its licensing team, Mdundo is placing its focus on five African countries and has set an ambitious goal of reaching 50,000,000 users by June 2025. Mdundo prides itself on offering millions of songs from both Africa and abroad, available for free download and streaming.
Mdundo generates revenue for its platform through advertising sales and telco-bundle subscriptions paid by end-consumers. Users can access a wide range of music content, including the latest releases, DJ mixes, playlists, podcasts, and music news, directly from the Mdundo website (mdundo.com) and the Android app. The collaboration between Amanda Uzoagba and Mdundo signifies a promising alliance, bringing forth a new era of premium transparency and sustainable compensation for African music creatives and the industry at large.
With over eight years of experience in the entertainment industry, Amanda Uzoagba’s addition further solidifies Mdundo’s position in the market. Her extensive background in film, music, dance, and media production and management, along with her collaborations with notable entities like Netflix, Empire, Dream Empire Music, and Sony Pictures, make her the ideal professional to join the Mdundo team.
This appointment propels Mdundo forward in fulfilling its mission to provide revenue splits to rights owners on all recordings generated. It is worth noting that Mdundo conducted an IPO in September 2020 and is now listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Markets in Copenhagen, Denmark.
