The founder and director of The 500 City Choir, Shallom Matthew, recently shared insights into the motivation behind the formation of his choir.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Friday, Matthew revealed his desire to build a community of musicians, acknowledging that not every musician can achieve widespread success.
“I believe in the power of community; it’s not everybody that will blow. We just have this vision of building a community where people come to learn,” he noted.
Matthew elaborated on the importance of music as a unifying tool in today’s generation. He emphasised the need for musicians to come together to build a community where they can strive, learn, and grow. To make rehearsals more enjoyable and engaging for choir members, Matthew introduced activities such as games and side attractions, ensuring that rehearsals are not seen as a chore but as a delightful experience.
“So I thought about the things we need to do differently. Don’t make rehearsals terrible for people; it’s not a do-or-die affair. Make it beautiful, let people come and enjoy the moment,” he added.
Since its inception in August 2023, The 500 City Choir has grown rapidly, now boasting over 500 members. The choir’s journey to prominence is a testament to Matthew’s vision and dedication. He recounted how missing out on an opportunity to study abroad due to lack of funds led to the formation of The 500 City Choir.
“I started teaching and hosting voice training classes, but I was not fulfilled. Last year in July, I heard God clearly say, ‘Start a community choir,’” he shared.
Discipline, according to Matthew, is the key to the choir’s numerous achievements. He highlighted the choir’s versatility in adapting to different genres and modifying songs to suit various audiences. This adaptability has been crucial in reaching a diverse audience.
“We don’t only do classics; we try to rearrange the songs so that they suit this generation, so different people can relate. There are times when our content is traditional because we want to reach that kind of audience, and there are times we want to do something for young people,” he explained.
The 500 City Choir first came into the spotlight with their viral performance of “Satan, The Number You Are Calling Is Not Available.” This catchy and inspired performance, which has amassed over 3.6 million views on TikTok, was a creative blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The performance was inspired by the Augustine Catholic NAF Base Ikeja Lagos Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) and Zumuntan Mata, with lyrics from Sinach’s “I Know Who I Am”.
Another notable performance by the choir is their rendition of “Hallelujah,” which has captivated audiences with its powerful and harmonious delivery. The choir’s ability to infuse traditional songs with modern twists has made them a favourite among various age groups, including Gen Z.
Matthew’s vision for The 500 City Choir is to reach different kinds of people through their music. “You cannot be a Gen Z and say that you don’t enjoy The 500 City Choir because there is something that will just captivate you,” he said.
The choir’s success is a reflection of Matthew’s commitment to creating a supportive and dynamic community for musicians. By fostering an environment where members can learn, grow, and enjoy the process, The 500 City Choir continues to inspire and unite people through the power of music. (Channels tv)
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