Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko

Book excerpt: Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko is a professionally trained operatic soprano, music educator, music critic, African ethnomusicologist, broadcaster, skits writer, choral conductor, and songwriter. Joy Nwosu was trained in operatic soprano in Italy and received her Ph.D. in music from Michigan State University, Ann Arbor; making her the second Nigerian female to earn a doctorate in music. This book addresses thought provoking issues such as feminine gender, it's a man's world, and the Nigerian factor. Other pertinent issues narrated in the book include the efficacy of prayer and spectacular triumphs by the power of God. The saga of Joy Nwosu encapsulates the ordeal women are constantly subjected to in a male chauvinistic society. This book is also laced with numerous fascinating photos of Joy Nwosu from 1960 to 2005. Nigerian journalists wrote rave reviews of Joy Nwosu's stunning performances and crowned her, "first lady of sound," "diva," "maestro," and "high priestess of Nigerian music;" titles that she rightfully earned and deserved for three pertinent reasons: (1) Joy Nwosu was the first professionally trained female musician in Nigeria to combine operatic singing with popular dance music; (2) she was the first trained female musician to set up a dance band in Nigeria; and (3) Joy Nwosu was the first trained female musician to release a Long Playing record in Nigeria.