NWAJEI, Dr. George Uzomechi

Date of Birth: Tuesday (Eke) 27'" November. 1956 State of Origin: Delta Local Government Area: Aniocha North Village/Town: Obior Contact Telephones: 234-1-4707552, 234-1-8903097 234-8033085994 Dr George Nwajei is a musicologist, artiste and cultural administrator. He was born on November 27lh 1956 at Obior Town in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delia State. Schools attended • Royal Schools of Music London obtained Certificate in Theory of Music ( Grade V) • Correspondence Course. Moscow State School of Music Moscow Certificate in General Musicianship and instrumental Pedagogy (Trumpet) 1074 • University of Maxism-Leninism, Moscow (Dept of Philosophy) Diploma in Political Science. • University of Helsinki. Finland BA. MA( Musicology). 1981 • University of Helsinki Finland Phi/PhD (Ethnomusicology). Performances and Experiences in Music Gone through breadth and length in Music /Art industry. Some of the major performances have taken place with a member of musical group both in classical and popular music while in Europe as student of music 1974 1982. Others include: • Prime Guest on Art Alade Show. NTA Lagos 1976 • Acted a role in Film ' The Best Time of your Life" by African American playwright. William Saroyan in Helsinki Finland. 1977 • Guests on Artistes Show case, on NTA Lagos (Interview. Discussion and Performances) - Topic: Problems of Musical and Artistic Development in Nigeria: The Case of Popular Music and Musicians 1979. • Joined Public Service as Cultural Officer I Federal Dept of Information and Culture 1984. Deputy Head. Performing Arts Division. Fed Dept of Culture 1984 1988. • Chairman. Cultural Sub Committee of the Inter-Ministerial Planning Committee for Nigerian Independence Anniversary 1986 1987 • Deputy Artistic Director. (Co-ordination. Research and Logistics) for Nigeria's Independence Anniversaries 1987 1988 • Chairman Cultural Subcommittee of the Inter-Ministerial Planning for the Launching of MAMSA ( National Crusade for Discipline. Social Justice and Self Reliance - 1987) Promoted to Principal Cultural Officer 1988 Production Manager for Nigeria's Cultural package/Presentation in Guyana. South America on the occasion of the 150"'Abolition of Slavery in the Caribbean, July/August 1988 • Performing Arts Section, under the Creative Arts Services. Federal Department of Culture 1988 Production Co-ordinator ( Main Hall ) National Theatre Lagos 1989 1990 • Submitted an entry ( a musical competition) for the ECOWAS ANTHEM COMPETITION January 1997 • Production Manager for Nigerian's Cultural Package/presentation ( a musical drama) by Professor LazEkwueme at Pan- African Musical Festival, in Congo Brazzaville, organized /produced by the Federal Dept of Culture July/August 1996 • Appointed Assistant Director. National Troupe of Nigeria. 1991 date Dr Nwajei owns and manages Hot Vibrations ( a Musical /Entertainment outfit) 1983 1984 • He was the Winner olThe Fame Musical Award 1992 Productions • Produced Erinma - a musical drama 1992 • Led National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) Contingent to Music and Dance Exposition/Festival in Pyongyang North Korea 1992 • Member, National Troupe to Seoul. South Korea 1993 • National Troupe to New York USA 1995 • The Way Forward-Musical Drama 1994 • Choral Music Concerts 1997- 1999 Chant ofTwo Seasons ( Musical Drama) 2000 • An Evening of Highlife Music ( a Concert) 2001 Founder and Co-ordinator • National Troupe of Nigeria Choral Society; later renamed National Troupe of Nigeria. Youth Choir ( a 35- man Choral Group) July 1997 Courses and Conferences • Attended a two day course on the theme: Managing People for Desired Results" organised by the Nigerian Institute of Management ( N1M) under MCPEP Mandatory Continuing Professional Education Programme September 2004 • Travelled to Japan for a Performance with an 80-man Cultural Troupe sourced from eight states of the Federation as an official in August 2005 Publications • Nigerian Music and Songs: Mirrowing the on goings in the society 1984 • Methods of musical composition and arrangement among Nigerian composers 1984 • Contemporary Music in Africa A hybrid of indigenous and foreign musical expression: a blessing or curse? 1996 • Investing in the New Talents and indigenous musical promotion: the Nigerian experience. ( a Keynote address delivered at a seminar/workshop organised by conference of musical journalists 1999 • A musical drama script ADAORA 2002 • Imperatives of Cultural Advocacy and their implications to Nigeria's Socio-Polilical and economic emancipation (a lecture delivered at a workshop on campaign for Cultural Emancipation as key to social and economic development of Nigeria - organised by Human Development. An NGO based in Bremen West Germany. June 2003 • Creating an enabling environment for the performing arts to flourish- whose responsibility is it? March 2004 • The Performing Arts as Factors in Development - a myth or reality Some other Positions of Trust • Social and Cultural Secretary of International Students Club. Helsinki Finland. 1975 1976 • Treasurer. Nigerian Students Union. Helsinki 1975 1976 • Chairman/Founder Pan African Studies Group in Finland 1979 1980 • Member. Musical Society of Nigeria ( MUSON) 1999 Date • Member (Vice Chairman). Arts Exhibition and Colloquium Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Management ( NIM) Lagos Branch. 2000 till date • Member ( secretary) Local Organising Committee LOC. of the World Music Day. Nigeria 2000 till dale • Member. ( Former General Secretary) BAFT Club ( Black Africa Festival Town Club) Festac Town Lagos. 2001 Dr Nwajei's advice to the youths and leaders: "To the Youths, beencouraged lo embrace education. Buying andselling (trading) will not carry you far. Education is the key to greater success in life ". To the Leaders - "emulate the examples of Hausa and Yoruba Leaders whohelptheirpeople. You look too selfish, but please change".