Italian musical artists ready to partner with Nigerian counterparts

Mr Progetto Canto, President of Italian Diplomatic Officer and Cultural Centre, on Tuesday disclosed Italian artistes' readiness to promote musical exchange with their Nigerian counterparts.

Canto told journalists in Lagos that the move was expected to further strengthen the existing relations between both countries' artistes in the years ahead.

“We are presently working hard at improving the already existing relations between us and our Nigerian counterparts.

“Nigerian and Italian have recently been playing side by side in both countries.

“We will, therefore, continue to create opportunities for promoting high level of cultural musical exchange now and in the future.

“We believe that music is a universal language that can be used to promote relations between countries,'' he said.

Canto added that the Italian Cultural Centre had also commenced discussions with the Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON), in promoting 'stronger relations' with their Nigerian counterparts.

He said that such working agreement with MUSON would make more Italian artistes come for performances in Nigeria.

The Centre's President said they had recently held 5 musical concerts in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

“During these concerts there was a large turnout of Nigerians, which really demonstrated their interests in Italian music.

“Also, many Italians are today falling in love with Nigerian music and artistes.

“It is therefore obvious that Nigeria and Italian artistes have found a way of creating a common linkage for both countries,'' he said.