A Nigerian musician, cultural performer, and researcher, Mr. Alvin, has narrated how his mastery of the traditional Igbo flute, known as the Òjà, and the Ùbóákà (thumb piano) earned him an allexpenses paid trip to Seoul, South Korea, where he showcased Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the global stage.
According to Alvin, the invitation enabled him to present an academic paper and perform traditional Nigerian and Igbo music at an international event, describing the experience as one of the biggest milestones of his career.
Despite the achievement, he said the journey was marked by significant challenges, particularly during the visa application process.
He explained that the Visa Facilitation Services Centre in Abuja repeatedly returned his application documents, forcing him to make three road trips between Eastern Nigeria and Abuja within a week amid heightened insecurity and concerns over kidnappings.
The musician added that delays caused by the Sallah holiday nearly forced him to cancel the trip, prompting him to consider informing his hosts that he would be unable to attend.
However, rather than give up, Alvin said he continued preparing for the opportunity by acquiring new traditional attire and expanding his performance ensemble to include instruments such as the Ìchàkà and Ókpókóró, alongside his signature Òjà and Ùbóákà.
Reflecting on the experience, Alvin said arriving in South Korea made every setback worthwhile and reinforced his belief in the value of faith, perseverance, and preparation.
He disclosed that a full audiovisual documentary capturing his journey, cultural performances, and experiences in South Korea will be released soon.
Alvin encouraged young Nigerians and aspiring creatives to remain committed to their dreams despite obstacles, saying persistence and preparation can open doors to life-changing opportunities across the world.
