US Navy Band bolsters Us-nigerian relationship through music

For the second time this year, “Topside,” a brass band of the United States Naval Forces Europe, visited Nigeria from July 28-30, 2019 to bolster the U.s.-nigerian relationship through the power of music.

Whether it was “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Stand By Me,” “Lion Sleeps Tonight,” or “Water No Get Enemy,” the high-energy performances of the “Topside” band were well received by the Nigerian audiences across different locations in Lagos.

On the first day of their visit, the band performed American and Nigerian tunes to the

delight of approximately 300 children and youths at the Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park in Alausa, Lagos.

Topside also captivated a crowd at Freedom Park where they performed a special rendition of Afro-beat legend Fela Anikulapo-kuti’s classic “Water No Get Enemy” to the delight of music lovers who sang and danced along with the band.

Monday, the group of nine musicians conducted a masterclass for established and emerging local musicians, including members of the Nigerian Trumpet Guild. Building on their long-standing partnership, the U.S. Navy band shared best practices with their Nigeria Navy, Air Force and Police counterparts.

“We are really excited to be playing for our Nigerian partners again, our last visit to Lagos was so well received,” said Musician 3rd Class Michael Parker, a member of the Topside band.

The U.S. Navy band performed at a special reception commemorating the 2019 Africa Partnership Station (APS) Mission. The event was held at the Nigerian Naval Dockyards in Victoria Island, Lagos and was attended by U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Kathleen Fitzgibbon; U.S. Naval Forces Europe Deputy Chief of Strategy, Resources and Plans, Rear Admiral John Gumbleton; Nigerian Navy’s Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Oladele Daji; alongside Nigerian political and business leaders, as well as, members of the diplomatic corps.