Ritman College, Ikot Ekpene, has won first prizes in four categories of the 2017 music competition for schools in Akwa Ibom State, organized by Music Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (MUTAN).
Abasifreke Moses won first in Male Solo, and Antipas Ben came tops as best keyboard player for Ritman College. The school also received first prizes in the mixed choir and female choir categories during the event held at the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture hall, Uyo.
Among the competitors in Male Duet, Nathaniel Brown and Princewill Uwemedimo of Ritman College came second, just as the Ritman Primary School Choir was first runner-up in the Primary Schools Choir category. Emem Bassey Isong won third place in the Female Solo contest and also won third in Female Duet with Eriyanga Raphael for the college, which is an arm of Ritman University.
With this competition, MUTAN aims to develop music talent and improve knowledge of music in schools, while also creating a platform for musical expression in children. It also hopes to develop practical knowledge of music in students vocally and instrumentally. Other schools that participated included Police Secondary School, Ukana; Federal Government Girls’ College, Ikot Obio Itong; Fortune High School, Uyo; Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo; and Assumption Girls Juniorate, Ndon Ebom.
Also participating in the competition were Infant Jesus Model School, Oron; Bright Future College, Uyo; Nobles International Schools, Uyo; Air Force Secondary School, Uyo; Top Faith International Secondary School, Mkpatak; Redemption Academy, Uyo; and Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong. Ritman Nursery and Primary School, Ikot Ekpene contested under the Primary Category.
The annual competition tested different aspects of music embracing singing and playing of musical instruments.
Edidiong Esara, 16/11/2017
