PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Musical Concert Strengthens U.S. - Nigeria Relationship

Date: February 20, 2009
Venue: Abuja

Onyeka Onwenu and Chris King on stage during the US National Day Concert at the Hilton. | Download high resolution photo

For guests who attended the musical concert organized by the U.S. Mission Nigeria in collaboration with Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja on February 20, nothing could compare to such an experience.  "It was a night of musical rebirth" said Ephraim Ugwu, senior correspondent for Financial Standard.  Two musical icons - U.S. Grammy Award winning artist Chris Thomas King and Nigeria's "Elegant Stallion" Onyeka Onwenu - treated guests at the Hilton to an outstanding selection of Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Classical, Hip-hop and crossover music.

The concert began with goodwill messages from U.S. Ambassador Robin Reneè Sanders and multi-talented musician-turned politician Onyeka Onwenu, who recalled how at age four her father had passed on without anyone to shoulder the responsibilities of her education. But thanks to a U.S. scholarship, she graduated with a B.A. in International Relations and Communications from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, followed with a Master of Arts in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research in New York. 

"I am an investment of America and a product of its benevolence" said Onyeka.  She said it was such "large-heart" opportunities in education which America extends to global citizens that has made someone like her come back to Nigeria to make a difference.

Actor and musician Chris Thomas King is currently on a tour of Africa for the very first time.  The Grammy Award winner has to his credit more than 10 million recordings of his songs.  Initially known for his audacious fusion of blues and hip-hop, Chris Thomas King has reached a whole new audience starring and scoring in many films including the Oscar winning films "Ray," "O Brother, Where Art Thou," and "Down From the Mountain."  He has also written and recorded more than 150 songs that have been licensed to motion pictures.

Chris Thomas King moves on to Lagos for the second leg of celebrations marking the U.S. Mission American Week in Nigeria.