By our correspondent
Lomé, In a landmark celebration of Africa’s musical heritage, Dr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang, President of the Ati Annang Foundation Worldwide, has been named the “Pillar of Choral Music in Africa” by the Africa Choral Music Association (ACMA). The award was presented at the grand closing ceremony marking two decades of the revival of choral music across the continent.
The prestigious recognition highlights Mkpanang’s transformative influence on African choral artistry over the past twenty years. Through his leadership, numerous landmark projects have emerged including the Pan-African Mass Choir, the Africa Sings Project, the ECOWAS and Commonwealth Choral Festivals, and Nigeria’s world-famous Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival.
Delivering the honour, Mr. Jean Amah Lolonye Dogba, President of the Togolese Federation of Choral Music, lauded Mkpanang as “a nurturer of voices and visions” who has fostered cross-cultural unity and inspired musical excellence across Africa.
Speaking on his return to Nigeria, Mkpanang described the accolade as “a profoundly humbling reminder that excellence is not a destination, but a duty.” He dedicated the honour to Nigeria’s continuing leadership in Africa’s cultural renaissance, pledging renewed commitment to the Ati Annang Foundation.
“Now, I am back home, fully re-energized, wholly committed, and ready to work 24/7 on the Ati Annang Project,” Mkpanang declared. “The music of our destiny must play on and together, we will make it resound.”
Alongside the title, Mkpanang was also installed as the “Pillar of Praise in Africa” and presented with a Continental Citation of Honour and Plaque of Merit.
This continental recognition cements Mkpanang’s reputation as one of Africa’s foremost cultural visionaries a man whose work continues to elevate, celebrate, and unify African voices on the global stage.
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