A critically acclaimed UK-based Nigerian musician has called for more efforts to spur Nigerian youths towards the development of knowledge. Speaking with News Express from England, soul singer Tavian (his full name is Tavian Oladapo Ogunmakin), who visited Nigeria last year, is of the view that education (especially science) is taken for granted in his motherland.

“I visited my old secondary school (in Nigeria) and it looked worse than I remember. I went to a few bookstores and the content is appalling. I spoke with some of the kids and their knowledge of scientific discoveries was poor,” he said.

The artiste has released a number of singles, among them a very catchy dance song Na like dis we dey, which features extremely-talented Yoruba rap artiste, Bossta. The club hit would do any DJ proud and has been viewed and downloaded by many worldwide on Youtube.

Na like dis we dey criticises the harsh socio-economic realities of Nigerian life. Tavian is however not satisfied with being just a critic; he is looking forward to more direct roles towards making Nigeria better. “Well, I think our musicians have a duty to inspire our youths through positive encouragement by offering opportunities through some kind of platform like providing scholarships or promoting debates and encouraging invention,” he said.

The multi-talented artiste added: “I would love to see a music foundation grant that helps aspiring musicians and other similar platforms to nurture and encourage talent and diligence. We do not encourage our kids enough. We take education for granted.”

Tavian is among an impressive list of England-based Nigerian music artistes who have been making hits that have entertained millions of people all over the world. The soul and RnB star stands proudly – alongside distinguished music personalities like soul singer Henry Adoela (Seal), Tunde Baiyewu (of Lighthouse Family), Kele Okereke (lead singer of pop and rock group, Bloc Party, Lemar Obika (singer and songwriter), Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu (Tinie Tempa) and more recently, RnB crooner Parker Ighile – as fine music exports of Nigerian origin.

He was the lead singer of a pop group called Hysteria. “We did a cover of purple haze by Jimi Hendrix which had a little success and is now a collector’s item. Also did the vocals for a track titled We clo ride the boogie which was also mildly successful,” he informs.

Some of Tavian’s other critically acclaimed tracks include the soothing and cathartic ‘So Cold’, ‘je ki mon’, ‘One Kiss’ and a spine-tingling cover of the Nigerian national anthem.
•Photo shows Tavian Oladapo Ogunmakin.

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