Guitar concert for World Interfaith Harmony Week

Organized by Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria (PERREFON)

Theme: Melody for Harmony, Peace and Togetherness

The Live-Guitar musical concert was the first of its kind in the entire northern part of Nigeria and it was aimed at promoting peaceful co-existence and enhancing understanding among different faiths practiced in the country. The Kaduna state Live guitar concert has brought together youths, traditional musicians, drama artistes and guitarist from various communities numbering over a thousand in all, using the medium to call for peaceful resolution of any religious conflicts, using humanity and the common message of peace and love which all the religions preach.

Pastor Yohanna Y.D. Buru who is the General Overseer of “Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Fellowship Church” who also organized the guitar concert resides in Sabon Tasha kaduna says that the World Interfaith Harmony Week provides an opportunity for them to bring all faith-based organization to come together to dialogue, interact, communicate and preach the words of peace through music. He made the disclosure in a remark at the ground ceremony to mark the World Interfaith Harmony Week of the year 2020, held in Kaduna City of Nigeria. Various artists from African neighboring countries showcased their talent at the event. The all night live musical event which took place at Ibrahim Mohammed Gashash theatre at Yan-doya Kaduna Central Market has enabled young and old musicians perform beautiful peace songs of unity and harmony.

The idea behind the music concert was that through the collective and general love for music, the combination of the right lyrics, rhythm and instruments can build a group identity, stir strong emotions, engage audiences and amass people to take action toward promote love, peace and harmonious unity and make music the perfect partner for social change.

Pastor Yohanna Y.D. Buru states that music is an important part of popular culture. It entertains us, and so it is a great platform for discussions on social issues. Concerts are particularly effective because artists have the opportunity to address large crowds. This creative venture contributed towards tackling cultural bridges between peoples of different faith base organizations and provide ways of promoting reconciliation. The week is part of efforts to strengthen inter- and intra-religious relationship toward preventing and countering violent religious extremism and promoting peace building, reconciliation and conflict resolution, which is part of events of the ceremony worldwide. We must remember that we are one family under God.

Meanwhile, a testimony came from the representative of the disabled people in Nigeria by the name Rilwanu A, who praised Pastor Buru’s foresight as people with disabilities consider peace to be synonymous to peace, saying they are ready to support anyone on peace mission because of their vulnerability and much dependence on peace.

He commented pastor Buru initiative, saying every good Muslims has high respect and regard for Prophet Isa (Jesus Christ).