Tribute to Rev John Aina: Going home on music chords - Punch Newspapers

The choir and Orchestra on the platform at the funeral service of the former Music Director and Conductor, Apostolic Faith Church West & Central Africa, the late Rev. John Aina, were concert-ready, just as they always were when he conducted the Hallelujah Chorus at concerts. Every May 1, the Apostolic Faith Church Choir and Orchestra hold their first national camp meeting concert rehearsal. Aina died on May 1, 2026, going home on music chords. Until his formal retirement in 2012, Aina served as music director and conductor for five decades. Aina became the official organist at the Ibadan Church, Oke-Bola, on October 6, 1959, before moving to Lagos in 1962-1963, where he remained until his death. He retired from the organ after 67 years. Brother John, as he is fondly called in the Apostolic Faith Church, lived a fulfilled life. His life was characterised by music and his conducting skills. This attracted dignitaries, VIPs, government officials, captains of industry, traditional rulers, diplomats and a former President of Nigeria to the Apostolic Faith annual camp meeting concerts. He attended London Symphony Orchestra rehearsals to study orchestra formation and brought the knowledge home to shape the Apostolic Faith Orchestra’s own structure. This brought the Apostolic Faith Choir and Orchestra in Nigeria to international levels. As a music educator, he trained choirs across Nigeria and travelled to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Cameroun, Liberia, Togo, South Africa, Kenya, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Ghana, representing the church musically as far afield as Portland, Oregon, Philadelphia, New York, Washington DC, London, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. AI operation uncovered 126 terror suspects – INTERPOL Soldiers kill terrorists, recover weapons in Borno Oyo kidnap victims drank dirty water, ate unsalted rice — Survivor Brother John raised generations of music instrumentalists who are now scattered across the globe. Many of his students are now global figures. Examples include the Superintendent General of the Apostolic Faith Church Worldwide, Rev. Sola Adesope; his wife, the District Superintendent, Apostolic Faith Church WECA, Rev. Isaac Adigun (a trombonist); Brother Lana Alofe (a clarinettist); the pastor of the Massachusetts church; and many others too numerous to mention.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google He set a very high standard and discipline for the choir and orchestra; no doubt they stand out anywhere they are. It takes a minimum of three years of musical training to qualify to become a member of the choir and orchestra. It is uncommon to have Brother John write a beautiful remark on your senior test result, and so, if you are so fortunate to have him write such with his signature, then you must celebrate indeed. I am one of those so lucky to have Brother John write a fantastic remark and seal it with his signature on my senior test result. My senior test was evidence of grace. Being the only female trumpeter among my set was noticeable. But when my performance of Bluebells of Scotland, with all its technicalities and variations, received a standing ovation and applause, it became even more noticeable. Several protocols were broken afterwards. Brother John called me into his office and told me I’d play my piece at the opening service of that year’s camp meeting. I played the Bluebells of Scotland as a trumpet solo before the Sunday school. Against the norm of waiting a year to play at the camp meeting concert, Brother John asked me to play. I was later appointed a member of the semi-choir and a member of the accompanists on the same day at the same time. On behalf of every member of the choir and orchestra (both former and present) that Brother John conducted, I write this tribute in appreciation and as a last respect. Brother John lived in music, died in music, and was borne on musical chords at his death by the harmonies of the national concert rehearsals on May 1, 2026. Good night, Brother John Aina! Taiwo Adekanye, CEO, JD Global Light Consult Ltd Kindly share this story:

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