Pipeline Vocal Project, Alaska’s pioneering vocal trio and Cultural Ambassadors for the US Department of State, lit up the University of Lagos’ Faculty of Creative Arts with a dynamic music masterclass on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Hosted by the University of Lagos in collaboration with the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, the event showed how music can bring people together and spark creativity. With their unique acapella sound and catchy vocal arrangements, the trio brought a taste of Alaskan music to Nigeria, blending modern styles into an exciting performance.
The programme, organised in partnership with American Voices and American Music Abroad, underscored the unifying power of music as a tool for cultural exchange. Held at the CRA Board Room, the event began with a musical presentation by Pipeline Vocal Project members Molly Dienne, Lisa Hawkins, and Taylor Seibert, who thrilled the audience with their performance. This set the stage for an engaging session of acapella vocal training, where participants learned to produce harmonious vocal arrangements that beautifully supported the visiting performers.
The session continued with further acapella vocal training, highlighting the beauty and versatility of the human voice without instrumental accompaniment. An interactive session followed, allowing students to ask questions and exchange ideas with the visiting vocalists, deepening their understanding of the art form.
The high point of the event came when the Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts, Professor Olusoji Stephen, mounted the podium to recognise and appreciate the visiting U.S. delegation. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, at the occasion, he reiterated the commitment of UNILAG to projecting African creativity to global heights in all the art forms.
Anchored by Dr. Sheyi Kehnny (DSK), an Associate Professor in the Department of Music, the masterclass stood out as a unique blend of creativity, performance, and cultural diplomacy. The event prefaced a music concert that will hold on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, where students of the Faculty of Creative Arts will perform alongside the Pipeline Vocal Project.
Report: Pelumi Oloyede (Student-Intern)
Photography: Michael Joshua
