A musical and historical work titled “Samuel Ajayi Crowther: The Slave Trade Untold Story,” is set to be unveiled by the Choir of Bishop Ajayi Crowther Memorial Anglican Church in Gowon Estate, Lagos.
The 25-chapter book combines a unique blend of narrative history and musical composition, tracing the harrowing journey of the transatlantic slave trade through the life of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican bishop.
Speaking on the forthcoming release, the choir director, Sir Kelechi Agu, said the book was inspired by the extraordinary life and witness of Bishop Crowther and stated that the publication promises to shed new light on previously overlooked aspects of the slave trade, emphasizing themes of resilience and divine grace.
“It reflects the story of his birth and enslavement to his redemption, consecration, and missionary impact.
“It offers a musical reflection on his journey while shedding light on overlooked aspects of the transatlantic slave trade and God’s sovereign grace through it all. We travelled far and dug into the archives to get information that is not common.” Agu said.
He also noted the exploration of the personal life of Bishop Crowther, including the story of his wife, Ashana, who also endured the horrors of enslavement.
“Many people don’t know about the family life of Ajayi Crowther. His wife, originally named Ashana, was also a slave. She was later renamed Susan, while Crowther himself was christened Samuel,” he said.
The choir director said the music publication took Chibuikem Onwumere, the composer, three-years to complete as both an academic and artistic undertaking.
He further described the publication as both an academic and artistic project, combining theology, history, and music to preserve Crowther’s legacy.
The book will be dedicated to the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, and will also be presented to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.
It will be available for purchase online and launched at multiple events within and beyond Lagos.
A press conference is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, to officially launch this significant work.
