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Music scholar and sound engineer David Peter Sunday has called for deliberate investment in training and infrastructure to enable Nigeria export technical professionals in music, not just performing artistes.
Sunday, who has worked extensively as a sound engineer and also served as drummer on the popular gospel hit Ebenezeri by CCC Apex Choir and Kent Edunjobi, said the global success of Nigerian music must now extend beyond singers to include producers, engineers and other technical experts.
According to him, the foundation lies in structured education, access to modern equipment and sustainable funding.
“We need good schools, proper gadgets and structured training,” he said. “We also need professionals who will not compromise standards. Funding is equally important if we truly want to compete globally.”
He noted that while Nigerian artistes continue to gain international recognition, the technical backbone of the industry remains underdeveloped due to limited exposure and inadequate facilities.
“Exporting our musical ideologies with the help of modern technology and showcasing our work to the world is key,” Sunday added. “But that can only happen when we invest properly in the people behind the sound.”
Beyond infrastructure, the engineer stressed the importance of mentorship in sustaining the industry’s growth. Having trained over 50 young engineers, Sunday described mentorship as critical to long-term development.
“Mentorship is the lifeline of any organisation,” he said. “If we don’t train others, the system will eventually decline. Teaching people to do things properly is better than working alone without anyone learning from you.”
He explained that knowledge transfer not only strengthens standards but ensures continuity in a rapidly evolving industry.
Sunday also urged young engineers to cultivate discipline and a lifelong learning mindset, warning against complacency in a field constantly reshaped by technology.
“They must develop a learning attitude and always strive to know more,” he said. “New plugins, hardware and software are released every day. You cannot believe you know it all. Continuous study is necessary for long-term relevance.”
