Six-year-old whizz-kid Emmanuel shows class at music talent hunt

Six-year-old Emmanuel Motirolaoluwa has emerged as a musical prodigy, impressing judges and guests with his mastery of drums and keyboard.

Emmanuel was unveiled as the standout performer at the Music Minds’ ninth edition of its get-together and Christmas party on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in Yaba, Lagos.

The event, part of the Legacy Project initiated by Music Minds—an organization formed by music enthusiasts nine years ago—was graced by notable figures, including former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba; philanthropist and art collector Prince Yemisi Shyllon; veteran broadcaster Dele Adetiba; Prime Quest Band leader Yinka Alakija; journalist Tunde Fagbenle; and renowned flutist Tee Mac Iseli.

Emmanuel, who displayed remarkable confidence and skill, triumphed in both the Drums and Keyboard categories, outshining older contestants. Other winners included 10-year-old Poopola Oluwafolajinmi (Saxophone) and 11-year-old Omole Chidera (Guitar).

The event also showcased extraordinary talent from contestants aged six to thirteen, who impressed with their performances. Emmanuel’s achievements were particularly remarkable, as he was also crowned the winner in the Drums category.

The evening was filled with music, dance, and networking, with Prime Quest Band performing nostalgic classical highlife music. Veteran broadcaster Patrick Doyle, who anchored the event, highlighted the growth of Music Minds and its Legacy Project, which aims to discover and nurture young musical talents.

Doyle said, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the ninth edition of the Music Minds Christmas get-together. Last year, a unique project was added to the mix. And that is the Legacy Project of the Music Minds where young talents are nurtured and launched into a life of music, melody and all the good things that come to people who love and practice music. Today will not be an exception because the second edition of the Legacy Project initiated for the development of young musical talents will be taking place.”

Shyllon, Chairman of the Legacy Project, thanked Music Minds members for their ongoing contributions.

“We have a lot of surprises for you today. One of our discoveries is six-year-old Emmanuel Motirolaoluwa who plays the drum perfectly and also a guitarist. We also have an eight-year-old. The whole essence is for us to be productive socially and not just meet and greet. While talking about that we are begging everybody to contribute a little bit. This is not how far we want to go.

“We want to discover young musicians. We want to help them. And part of that help we are beginning to achieve by being part of the Legacy Group. But please we need help. We don’t need help only for money. We need help for effort and time. If you are a Christian, know that to give is the best thing you can achieve in life. And giving does not have to be money. Giving can be time and effort. But if you give us money, we would be most grateful. We want people to join us at the Legacy Group and take our meetings very seriously,” he said.

Shyllon also announced a collaboration to produce a medley featuring the winners of the two editions of the talent hunt.

“We’re going to do Tosin Jegede’s music. But we’ll update it. It’s going to be a medley you will all be proud of,” he added.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and cash prizes to the winners, alongside words of encouragement from guests like Tee Mac Iseli, who shared his advice for the young contestants: “There is no shortcut. There is a little secret. And the secret is: Before you rehearse, do a little prayer or meditate. By so doing you learn much faster and your brain remembers.”

The night was a fitting celebration of music, talent, and philanthropy, marked by a powerful performance from the Prime Quest Band and a shared purpose in supporting the next generation of musicians.