Ranti to sing in seven languages at Lagos event

The event, tagged Ranti Live in Concert, will see the classical and folk music singer perform in Yoruba, Ibo, German, Italian, French, Czech and English.

According to an official statement, Ranti’s repertoire on the night will include “well-loved operatic arias, art songs and Nigerian folk songs.” An exhibition by contemporary artist Adewale Alimi will also take place.

Speaking to Music In Africa about her career as a classical and folk music artist in Nigeria, Ranti said the response to her music has been “mostly positive”. She finds she doesn’t have to explain her genre at every turn. “Since I am attempting to break into the non-classical music settings, I always try to meet the audiences with familiar folk tunes before bursting out in songs in foreign languages.”

“The surprise factor has delighted audiences thus far,” she added. “I also created a short opera titled 'After the Dream' which was a collection of excerpts from opera productions by Pucinni, Bizet etc, Nigerian folk songs and even original songs woven into a story line that everyone seemed to love. The audience was beaming from ear to ear at the end. This is an experiment I would love to repeat someday.”

At the event, Ranti will be joined by other musicians. “I am privileged to be accompanied by a renowned pianist and composer whom I consider to be a genius - Seun Owoaje,” she said.

“I will also be performing some of his compositions and arrangements of popular tunes. Our amazing cellist - Jude Olabanji who has worked with me since day one will also be playing a cello solo in the style of Sheku Kanneh-Mason at the recent royal wedding.”

Ranti released her first single ‘Iwe Kiko’ in 2016. Based on a popular Yoruba folk song, the song was accompanied by a video, which won a Nigerian Music Video award.

Asked what her listeners can expect at the end of Ranti Live in Concert, Ranti said, "They can expect to be serenaded and their hearts to swell with joy."

Ranti Live in Concert is at the Bespoke Centre in Lekki, Lagos on 1 July. Tickets can be purchased online at Afritickets.