-Alphonse de Lamartine
Being born into a family of musicians (father, mother, brother, sisters, and I) exposed me to a whole lot of singing and musical instruments at a very young age.
I remember how little I was when my dad told the then choirmaster of my Anglican church that his two little children (my brother and I) are going to join the choir as soon as possible. This became a reality as soon as my brother and I turned 11years and 8years old respectively.
At a tender age, it was easy to spot that I had a high-pitched female voice so I was sent to sing the soprano part while my brother had a high-pitched male voice and was sent to sing the tenor part.
At first, I did not enjoy it as it was a lot to commit to as a child or so I thought at the time. We were required to go for choir practice three times a week, learn new songs, and get tested on them. Soon enough I started to fall in love with it and this became my life. The older I grew, the better I got and today I am here.
In response to my lovely Gab and one of my favourite pianists @mipiano’s prompt, please enjoy my answers to her question prompts on musicians and their neighbour.
Are you a Musician or Have a neighbour that is a Musician?
I would describe my neighbours as soundcians, if there is a word like this. They make sounds that are either pleasant or unpleasant to the ears. Sometimes, it is the sound of loud music playing non-stop from a broken speaker or it is the sound of loud chats, quarrels, and kids crying non-stop. And Yes, I am a musician.
Does someone in your close family play an instrument?
Yes, my dad played the pipe organ in church, we even bought a Hammond Electronic Organ with 3-keyboard and foot pedals for our house-use as the pipe organ is really expensive. Although he sold it after so many years. My mom plays the drums and is learning how to play the keyboard she purchased shortly before my dad passed.
Is it difficult to listen many times to the practicing sessions?
For my dad, No. It was not since he knew his way around the organ. For my mom, sometimes especially when she plays the keyboard. It is a funny yet slightly cringy feeling when she plays really off-key notes while practicing.
Is it nice, do you find joy in that?
In my dad’s case, it felt really nice as he would accompany us with his instrument during morning devotions as we sang hymns, praise, and worship songs. On the other hand, my mom just plays the drums and with the two of them combined, it is a full music band with us the singers in action.
Did you have some funny moments?
Oh Yes! There was this time my mom was playing the drums and went into the spirit and by that I mean, we had all finished singing while my mom continued playing the drums with her eyes closed as everyone waited in silence and awe.
By the time she realized and opened her eyes, she realized we had finished singing ages ago, she threw the drumsticks up in the air due to excitement. One of the sticks landed on my dad’s head as he was standing right in front of her. My dad responded with “Kids this is what we get for being patient” and we all laughed.
Have someone ever complained of you if you study your musical instrument?
Actually No. For one, my house has sound-proof doors and windows which usually keeps the sound confined within the house. Also, on the topic of listening to loud music, I personally prefer listening to my music with ear pods, so I shut out all the noise.
The only thing that could disturb my neighbours is when I sing high-pitched songs outside and in such cases, if the song is familiar, I hear someone hum to it or sing along from the other compound (they are cool like that). If it is unfamiliar, they do not complain. However, I rarely sing outside.
What was the wildest thing you made in your flat, bothering the neighbours?
There was this time when we decided to demolish the bungalow we grew up in and rebuild it into a 2-story duplex with a Penthouse where we currently live in. So the noise from the construction during those months must have disturbed them.
I would say it was more of a non-musical act but they never complained to the best of my knowledge.
What is favourite music I listen to very loudly?
It would be afrobeats/Nigerian music. I like my classical pieces more personal and solemn. However, I like to listen to afrobeats in the confines of my room and mostly when my windows are closed as they are sound-proof.
Has someone called the police?
Lol. No. Even if they did, I doubt the police would respond except it concerns some highly placed or influential individual in the society or if it were to be a “serious” crime like armed robbery, murder, and the likes with such gravity of offense.
What do your neighbours listen to & do you like it?
I live in a very serene and secured area of my city, although the influx of lounges, bars, and clubs to the area has affected the calmness of some surrounding areas. Oh well, everyone literally minds their business except your business becomes their business and vice versa then an interaction or altercation occurs.
Although, I cannot remember ever listening to my neighbour's playlist before because I am always in-doors with the external sound shut out and while I am outdoor I am going out of the house.
You are welcome to take part in this thought-provoking prompt here and on that note, I draw the curtain here.
-Charlie Parker
Till I come your way again.
Love & Light, Hugs & kisses!
Thank you for reading and have an amazing day!
