The bata drums' vibrant rhythms echoed through the classrooms painted in cheerful yellow hues. The primary two and three pupils abandoned their wooden desks and chairs, rushing to the front of the room as the beats reverberated.

Ruqyiat stood in the midst of it all, embracing the spotlight with uninhibited grace. Her movements mirrored the cadence of the drums. Friends joined in groups of threes and fours, expressing their joy through dance. Within moments, curious onlookers crowded the classroom door, intrigued by the spectacle unfolding among year two and three students.

This was the pinnacle of Foster's inaugural outing.

Enthusiastic moments were equally abundant during the listening sessions. With hands eagerly raised, pupils clamored for attention as the 20-second music soundbites played from the speakers. Each student sought recognition with the usual “Uncle me, Uncle me” calls, yearning to engage with the music instructor as he asked them questions.

The day concluded on a triumphant note, with other pupils - those watching the event from the classroom entrance – began inquiring about their upcoming turns. Oh, if only we could accommodate all the requests! Interestingly, we discovered that some year six pupils had joined the younger ones for the class.

Yet, the question remains: What role does the African Music Library (AML) play in a primary school, and what impact can this organization make amongst primary school pupils?

The African Music Library (AML) is a non-profit organization established to empower the global music communities with the deepest understanding of African music.

In June 2023, AML kicked off its music education initiative, Foster. Foster is focused on bringing the transformative power of music education to children in disadvantaged African communities. The program's mission is to bring accessible African music education and ensembles to children in underprivileged African communities. Thus, raising a new generation of confident and resilient individuals who have a deep appreciation for African music and possess the skills and knowledge to pursue their artistic aspirations.

Foster is fastidious in pursuing its mission through partnership with local primary schools and music volunteer communities to deliver a 3-Part music education curriculum to children who ordinarily don't have access to this opportunity. This music education program runs alongside the primary school curriculum for a sustainable framework.

To enrich the student's learning journey, a specially curated African music handbook tailored for children has been developed, offering them an opportunity to further explore their musical education beyond the classroom.

Our unforgettable inaugural outing  at Akoka Primary School, Lagos, left  us and almost 40 pupils looking eagerly ahead  for the learning classes to commence.

As Foster plans to expand the program to more schools in different  African communities in the coming months, our doors remain open to volunteers. Whether you are musically inclined or not, there is a part for everyone to play as long as you are willing to make a commitment. Have you made a decision yet? Please register here.

Foster Inaugural Outing at the Akoka Primary School Lagos on June 23, 2023

Foster Inaugural Outing at Akoka Primary School Lagos

Foster Inaugural Outing at the Akoka Primary School Lagos on June 23, 2023

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