Nigerian music executive and recording artist, Aaron Tochukwu Aaron, is advocating for the establishment of enduring global vocal institutions in Africa, particularly Nigeria. He believes that the focus should shift from celebrated individual voices to building sustainable vocal careers and a stronger music industry. In an interview, Aaron emphasized the need to develop singers beyond preparing them for individual ministrations, concerts, or studio sessions.
According to Aaron, a singer's development should focus on maintaining vocal effectiveness for decades, not just for a single event. He stresses that long-term standards are essential to building sustainable vocal careers and a stronger music industry. Aaron's approach to vocal training covers range, register coordination, tone, resonance, pitch, breath management, articulation, dynamics, expression, vocal health, and versatility.
Aaron believes that Africa needs artists with distinctive identities rather than another generation of singers who simply imitate popular voices. He focuses on developing originals, not copies, and his mentoring approach begins with listening carefully to a vocalist's natural tone, phrasing, instincts, range, musical background, and the story behind their voice. This helps him identify technical limitations that may be hiding or distorting each singer's individuality.
Aaron's mentoring extends beyond vocal exercises to the development of the complete artist, including technical competence, musical judgment, communication, stage responsibility, discipline, confidence, character, and longevity. He emphasizes that in gospel music, gifting and character must mature together, and that a platform may reveal talent, but only preparation and integrity can sustain influence.
Aaron's responsibility, he says, is to help each vocalist discover the strongest, healthiest, and most authentic version of their own voice. He trains the whole voice, not isolated tricks, and believes that a singer may possess power, but if that power is unsupported, inconsistent, or unhealthy, it is not yet mastery. This approach, he believes, will help build a sustainable music industry in Africa.
The music industry in Nigeria and Africa at large is in need of a new generation of artists who can carry their own unique sound and identity. Aaron's approach to mentoring and vocal training is an effort to fill this gap. By focusing on the development of the complete artist, he hopes to produce vocalists who can stand anywhere in the world with confidence and discipline.
Aaron's call for enduring global vocal institutions in Africa is a timely one, as the music industry continues to evolve. With his approach to vocal training and mentoring, he is contributing to the growth of a sustainable music industry in Nigeria and beyond. His emphasis on building voices capable of remaining effective for decades is a key aspect of this effort, and one that could have a lasting impact on the industry.
Key points
- Aaron advocates for establishment of global vocal institutions in Africa.
- He emphasizes need to develop singers beyond preparing them for individual events.
- Africa needs artists with distinctive identities, not imitators of popular voices.
