Abuja’s Cultural Landscape Set for Transformation as Green Chamber Choir Presents ‘The Prince of Egypt’

ABUJA, Nigeria – The air in Nigeria’s capital city carries a new kind of electricity these days, one that has nothing to do with politics or policy. Instead, it’s the palpable anticipation building toward November 15, when the Green Chamber Choir will transform the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre into a portal to ancient Egypt through their production of the legendary musical, ‘The Prince of Egypt.’

A Legacy of Excellence Meets Ambitious Storytelling

For those familiar with Abuja’s cultural scene, the name Green Chamber Choir resonates with quality and artistic integrity. Founded in 2009, the ensemble has steadily grown from a passionate collective of voices into one of Nigeria’s premier classical music institutions. Their annual Harmattan Classics series has become a cornerstone of the capital’s cultural calendar, attracting diplomats, government officials, corporate leaders, and music aficionados alike.

“What we’re creating transcends typical musical performance,” explains Zitu Benafa, the choir’s founder and Music Director, who also serves as Creative Director for this production. “We’re not just telling a story; we’re building an immersive experience that will resonate long after the final note fades.”

The Production: More Than a Performance

Securing the license from Music Theatre International (MTI) in New York represents a significant achievement for the choir, placing them among elite theatrical producers worldwide. The production promises to harness the full power of sweeping orchestral harmonies, expressive choral arrangements, and innovative stagecraft to transport audiences to the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

The timeless narrative of Moses – the prince who became a deliverer – provides fertile ground for artistic interpretation. Through this biblical epic, the choir explores universal themes of identity, liberation, and destiny that remain strikingly relevant in contemporary society.

The Vision Behind the Music

Under the guidance of Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Esosa Osayi, the Green Chamber Choir has maintained its commitment to artistic excellence while embracing ambitious creative challenges. The ensemble consists entirely of dedicated volunteers who balance professional careers with their musical passion, performing both Western and African classical choral masterpieces with equal authenticity.

Benafa’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the choir’s distinctive voice. His approach blends technical precision with emotional depth, creating performances that engage both intellect and heart. “Classical music shouldn’t exist in an ivory tower,” he reflects. “It should speak to our shared humanity, our struggles, our triumphs.”

Why ‘The Prince of Egypt’ Matters Now

In a nation navigating complex social and political landscapes, the story of liberation and self-discovery takes on particular resonance. The production arrives at a moment when conversations about identity, leadership, and collective destiny dominate public discourse.

“There’s something profoundly timely about this story,” observes a cultural analyst familiar with the production. “The themes of finding one’s purpose, challenging oppressive systems, and forging a new path – these speak directly to the Nigerian experience today.”

The Harmattan Classics Tradition

The 2025 edition of Harmattan Classics continues a tradition that has become synonymous with artistic excellence in Abuja. Each November, as the dry season winds begin to blow, the choir presents a landmark performance that sets the standard for classical music in West Africa.

Previous editions have featured everything from Handel’s Messiah to specially commissioned works blending Western classical traditions with Nigerian musical heritage. This year’s choice of ‘The Prince of Egypt’ represents both a continuation of this tradition and an ambitious expansion of it.

Building Cultural Bridges Through Music

The production exemplifies the choir’s mission to build cultural bridges through shared artistic experiences. By presenting a story with roots in multiple religious traditions to a diverse Nigerian audience, the ensemble demonstrates music’s unique capacity to transcend boundaries.

“In a country as religiously diverse as Nigeria, finding common ground through art becomes especially meaningful,” notes a regular attendee of Harmattan Classics events. “The choir has always had a knack for selecting works that speak to our shared values rather than our differences.”

The Technical Challenge: Bringing Ancient Egypt to Life

Staging a production of this scale presents significant technical challenges that the choir has spent months addressing. From costume design that captures the opulence of Egyptian royalty to set pieces that evoke the grandeur of pyramids and palaces, no detail has been overlooked.

The musical complexity of the score demands exceptional vocal technique and dramatic interpretation from the choir members, many of whom balance rehearsals with demanding professional careers. The orchestra, comprising some of Abuja’s finest musicians, faces the equally daunting task of bringing Stephen Schwartz’s acclaimed score to life with authenticity and emotional power.

Community Impact and Cultural Development

Beyond the immediate spectacle of the performance, the production represents an important investment in Abuja’s cultural infrastructure. By demonstrating that world-class theatrical productions can originate in Nigeria, the Green Chamber Choir inspires younger artists and contributes to the growing recognition of Nigerian cultural production on the global stage.

“Events like this create ripples throughout the artistic community,” explains a local arts educator. “They show our young people what’s possible, they create opportunities for technical and creative professionals, and they elevate the entire cultural ecosystem.”

Looking Toward November 15

As rehearsal intensity increases and opening night approaches, the sense of anticipation among cast, crew, and audience continues to build. The Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, known for hosting significant political and cultural events, will provide a fitting venue for what promises to be a landmark moment in Abuja’s artistic development.

For the Green Chamber Choir, this production represents both a culmination of sixteen years of artistic growth and a bold step into new creative territory. The choice of ‘The Prince of Egypt’ signals their ambition to expand the boundaries of choral performance while maintaining their commitment to technical excellence and emotional authenticity.

A Testament to Nigerian Artistic Excellence

In a global cultural landscape where African artists are increasingly claiming their space, productions like this one demonstrate the sophistication and ambition of Nigerian performing arts. The Green Chamber Choir joins a growing roster of Nigerian artists and ensembles earning international recognition while maintaining deep roots in their local communities.

As Benafa summarizes: “We’re not just performing a musical; we’re making a statement about the place of Nigerian artistry in the global conversation. We belong on these stages, we can interpret these works with fresh perspective, and we have something unique to contribute to the world’s cultural heritage.”

When the curtains rise on November 15, audiences will witness more than a retelling of an ancient story. They’ll experience a testament to the power of artistic vision, the result of countless hours of dedication from volunteers who believe in music’s capacity to transform, and a milestone in Abuja’s continuing emergence as a cultural capital worthy of global attention.

Source: Independent Nigeria