MTN Foundation Launches “The Business of the Arts Series” For MUSON Scholars

L-R Senior Manager, Programme & Implementation, MTN Foundation, Abasi-Ekong Udobang; Commercial Legal Manager, MTN Nigeria, Lanre Kuforiji; Executive Secretary MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma, Programme Director, MUSON Scholars Programme, Princess Banke; beneficiary of MTNF-MUSON Scholarship Programme, Joseph Shaibu and Commercial Legal Advisor, MTN Nigeria, Iyore Asuen at the MTNF-MUSON Music Scholars Workshop Series: 1 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos on January 25, 2019

MTN through its Foundation has launched a series of workshops to give students of the MUSON Music Scholars Programme a better understanding of the business side of their craft.

The first in the quarterly series was themed “Copyright & Intellectual Property Protection,” held at the Agip Recital Hall of the MUSON Centre, Lagos.

Using a variety of local and foreign case studies,legal experts educated scholars on the fundamentals of intellectual property rights, discussing its benefits and possible consequences of its negligence.

The scholars also received information which will enhance their entrepreneurial skills.

Speaking on the new initiative, Nonny Ugboma, Executive Secretary of MTN Foundation, stated, “We have a long-term commitment to the development of young talent, as demonstrated through our interventions over the years.

“Last year, we sponsored a masterclass with the renowned countertenor, Daniel Taylor and soprano impresario, Ellen McAteer for all students of the MUSON School of Music;our desire to see well-rounded music professionals who are skillful, and understand the business of music led us to introduce this workshop series for participants in the music scholarship programme.

The workshops will help prepare the scholars for the real world.”

Commenting on the intervention, Princess Banke Ademola, Director, School of Music, MUSON, appreciated the Foundation, reminded attendees at the inaugural workshop that, “What MTN Foundation is offering is critical learning often overlooked or unavailable to aspiring artistes. It’s difficult to find words to express my delight that beyond supporting the scholarship programme, MTN Foundation, is providing this opportunity.”

The collaboration between MTN Foundation and MUSON dates back to 2006, with the initiation of a scholarship programme that has produced hundreds of graduates from the MUSON School of Music, who are currently achieving laudable feats in various spheres of arts and culture globally.

Supporting arts and culture remains a crucial focus of MTN’s social investment mandate in Nigeria.