Write with Music Festival 2024: A Phenomenal Celebration of Creativity
The Write with Music Festival 2024 has come and gone, leaving an indelible mark on attendees and participants. This extraordinary initiative by Francisca Okwulehie continues to bring writers and musicians together across genres to celebrate the intersection of these two artistic worlds.
According to the festival curator, Francisca Okwulehie, the Write with Music Festival is “a celebration of creativity and a recognition of artistic expression,” a sentiment that was evident in the literary contests, panel discussions, and performances throughout the event.
This year’s theme, "Evergreen," celebrated the timeless works of artistic legends such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Onyeka Onwenu, Ama Ata Aidoo, Wole Soyinka, Sade Adu, and Chinua Achebe. These luminaries, both living and departed, have created masterpieces that continue to inspire across generations.
Opening Ceremony
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Francisca reiterated the festival’s commitment to promoting better lyrical content and exploring musical perspectives in writing to enhance creative expression.
Engaging Panel Sessions
The festival featured a series of captivating panel sessions focusing on music, health, literature, and film. These sessions brought together industry leaders to share their knowledge and inspire the audience.
Mental Health and Digital Burnout
Moderated by Zoe Octavia Obazee, this session featured panelists Sandra Anyahaebi of Psychebabble, Ebere Okonkwo of MyCareBuddy and Praise Osawaru, an editor with Chestnut Review. They emphasized the importance of taking social media breaks to prevent digital burnout. Sandra also led the audience in a mindfulness and deep breathing exercise to demonstrate practical stress-relief techniques.
Literature and Songwriting
This panel brought together Anwuli Ojogwu (co-founder of Narrative Landscape), Oluchi Odii (international singer-songwriter), and Eriata Oribhabor (veteran poetry promoter). Moderated by Onyinye Ubah, the discussion explored how music connects with literature. Anwuli highlighted examples of literary works expressed lyrically, while Eriata offered a profound definition of "Evergreen," stating that any documented work has the potential to achieve timelessness.
Ghostwriting
Featuring Uzezi Adesite (Zayzee Limited) and Ayokunle Komolafe (Vivid Verses), this session demystified the art of ghostwriting. Uzezi provided a step-by-step guide to starting a career in ghostwriting, emphasizing the importance of documenting stories.
Adapting Timeless Works for Film
Moderated by Zoe Octavia Obazee, this session included filmmaker Uyoyou Adia, cinematographer John Chizoba Vincent, and film producer Omobola Akinde. The panelists discussed the challenges and creative liberties required in adapting classic works for film to resonate with modern audiences.
Gospel Music and Taboo Words
The evening closed with an insightful discussion on creating sanctified Christian music. Panelists included Rev. Fr. Joseph Odozi, Okedeji Omoteso, Mc Marvellous, and Godwin Adator, who addressed the use of taboo words in gospel music. Rev. Fr. Odozi stressed the importance of understanding and avoiding cultural taboos in Christian compositions.
Music and Spoken Word Performances
Evergreen Writing Contest
The festival also celebrated emerging literary talent through the Evergreen Writing Contest, sponsored by Write with Music Festival and Vitavisco Limited. Winners included:
• Alexandra Shotolu – Short Story
• Keziah Ikomi – Poetry
• Obehi Irabor – Lyrics
Book Readings and Performances
Attendees enjoyed vendor booths from brands like Brinky Bakes, Smile Communications, Camanda Tech Academy, Sire Empire, Ebuka Books, and Goretti Glam Accessories. Musical highlights included performances by Maxson, Fete Yarhere, and spoken word poetry by Solar Speaks (Olushola Adigun).
Closing Ceremony
The festival concluded with the cutting of the second-anniversary cake and a group photo session with attendees and guests, marking a memorable end to this creative celebration.
Festival Sponsors and Partners
The success of the Write with Music Festival was made possible by the unwavering support of sponsors and partners:
• Vitavisco Limited – Major Sponsor
• British Council Nigeria & Smile Communications – Supporting Sponsors
• Camanda Tech Academy – Partner and Vendor
• Brinky Bakes – Hospitality Provider
Media partners included Beadys World TV, Lasgidifest, and Daily Independent Nigeria.
The Write with Music Festival 2024 has once again proven to be a vibrant platform for celebrating timeless works and inspiring new creative endeavors. Here's to another year of artistic excellence!
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