By Ijeoma Obioma in Makurdi.
The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi, Professor Joseph Iorapuu, has said that the institution would establish a music department in order to harness abundant talents of people who ought to be in the music industry.
Iorapuu, who spoke at the weekend while reviewing a documentary film, E.E. Zuzu – A Life of Songs, produced and directed by Mr Bem Pever, noted that the work inspired his announcement of a music department.
“We will establish a Department of Music. The Tiv culture is rich. This documentary is rich and it will stand the test of time.
“This documentary is to gather facts, established facts. I also commend the producer for the documentary because it is first of it’s kind and will stand the test of time in the archives. ” he said.
The vice chancellor further stated that Ephraim Eryum Zuzu, popularly known as E.E. Zuzu for short, is a composer of Tiv gospel songs and one man who took the NKST gospel songs and had given it a unique rhythm that has been appreciated by many Tiv language speakers.
He said that having listened to Zuzu’s songs for a long time, there were need to encourage him to continue his good work, stressing that his songs were not only symbolic but also teach life changing lessons and has the rich Tiv culture and traditions embedded in them.
Iorapuu added that Zuzu is not only talented in music but can be adopted as a double professor of music adding that for his sake, he will see to introduce a music department in Benue state university.
Earlier, the Chairman of the central planning committee,who is also the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Benue state chapter, Rev. Akpen Leva, extolled the rich talent exhibited by Zuzu and encouraged him to keep up the good work.
“When I listen to Zuzu songs, I get these feelings that I’m already in heaven. I’m happy and I know that as we celebrate him here on earth while he is still alive, heaven is also celebrating him,” Leva posited.
Meanwhile, the producer, Bem Pever, explained that he made the documentary film as a form of evangelism and most importantly, to celebrate the life and songs of Zuzu.
Pever said people like Zuzu who are a gift to the world must be celebrated while they are still alive because his contribution to the Tiv culture and tradition using the arts of songs and dance is worth it.
The Reporters recalls that Benue state is blessed with many musicians such, innocent Idibia, popularly called 2 baba, among others.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
