Rebeca Omordia, the acclaimed Nigerian-British concert pianist, is spearheading a cultural movement to bring African classical music to the global forefront.
Through her pioneering work at London’s prestigious Wigmore Hall and her ongoing engagements in Lagos, Omordia is successfully reshaping the landscape of the genre.
Since founding the African Concert Series in 2019, Omordia has provided a vital platform for composers and musicians from across the continent, with a specific focus on the Nigerian Art Music School. Her vision reached a milestone in 2023 when Wigmore Hall awarded her a residency, allowing the series to flourish as a permanent fixture in one of the world’s leading venues.
The series is noted for its diverse programming, blending traditional instruments like the ojà (flute) and talking drums with the works of classical sopranos and pianists. Following this international success, the series has announced its eighth season, set to launch in London on March 21.
Omordia’s impact extends far beyond the concert hall; she remains deeply committed to fostering talent in her home country. This February, she returns to Lagos for a series of high-profile educational and performance events.
On Tuesday, February 10, Omordia will host a recital and masterclass at the Muson Centre. This event offers students at the Muson School of Music a rare opportunity to receive direct mentorship from a world-class artist.
Omordia will also visit Mountain Top University (MTU) for an event organised by the Organ House Concert and Seminar Series. This initiative promotes interdisciplinary research and creativity within African musical heritage.
Whether through her celebrated African Pianism recordings – frequently broadcast by the BBC – or her live performances, Omordia continues to prove that African and Western classical traditions can enrich one another. By bridging these two worlds, she is not only highlighting the richness of Nigerian classical traditions but ensuring they have a permanent place on the global stage.
•Featured image: Rebeca Omordia/Fourchiefs
