CONSONANCE IN CHAOS: THE POWER OF SHARED MELODIES

In a world frequently bathed in discord, finding harmony becomes our saving grace. Each conflict, each voice and weapon raised in anger, serves as a discordant note in the symphony of humanity. Yet, it is in this vast symphony where we find our solace, our shared rhythm, and our communal melody. Each event, be it disheartening or hopeful, adds a unique chord to our collective composition.

The events of the past few weeks have greatly disturbed my inner peace, evoking the profound emotions shared by everyone who cherishes ideals of justice, equity, and non-violence. Too many nations are ensnared in chaos, and a cacophony of chaos reverberates around the world. Each day, the headlines are dominated both by unspeakable acts of violence and by interventions and statements that either condemn the violence or advocate for the rights of parties embroiled in conflicts. A significant part of my professional journey, along with the monumental efforts of other global health experts whom I have closely observed, centers around diplomacy. We utilize diplomacy to navigate through tumultuous waters and to bridge divides; to advocate humane resolutions where harmony seems impossible or where relationships feel tainted with injustice, or even irreparably damaged.

Yet diplomacy isn't always about dispatching high-powered delegations to negotiate peace among warring nations. Sometimes, it whispers softly, resonating in gestures as gentle as the health and cultural diplomacy manifested during India's G20 presidency which I wrote about here.

This form of diplomacy leverages commonalities — seemingly simple elements we all share— to bring adversaries to a shared negotiating table.

Merely weeks ago, on the cusp of an attack that would plunge a region into a heart-wrenching war, my husband and I were privileged to welcome the outgoing ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Nigeria into our home, celebrating his tenure.

That evening, we were thrilled to have an entrancing rendition of Verdi's "Aida", an opera deeply rooted in the Old Kingdom of Egypt. Its inaugural performance in Cairo's Khedivial Opera House on that crisp December night in 1871, under Giovanni Bottesini's expert guidance, heralded the birth of a timeless musical legacy.

Observing diplomats and personalities from diverse backgrounds, spanning from neighboring Benin and Egypt to more distant lands like Mexico, the USA, and Germany, converge was deeply moving. Reflecting on the current geopolitical upheavals, I can only wonder if assembling such a diverse group would be as feasible today.

Such is the ineffable magic of art, more so of music. It not only tempers prevailing tensions but also creates an environment where souls synchronise, amplifying our shared humanity which is often eclipsed by divisive currents. This consonance is the cornerstone of my work— a continuous call for nations, institutions, and individuals to embrace our mutual humanity and the true spirit of equity.

The evening evolved like a beautifully orchestrated sonata. Although the iconic welcome of Yoruba talking drums we sometimes have in our home was absent, we were graced with something equally special and authentic. Brilliant Nigerian artists showcased their ingenuity, masterfully intertwining melodic Igbo chants with the timeless cadences of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. What they birthed was more than just a musical blend—it was a harmonious fusion of comfort and vigor, a testament to music's unique power. Echoing Maya Angelou's evocative words, "Music was my refuge," these young maestros illuminated how music's embrace extends far beyond the individual, forging timeless connections amongst us all.

The young musicians from the Abuja-based ensemble deserve every accolade. Their rendition was a heartfelt echo of Nigeria's core values: our unparalleled warmth, our expansive generosity, and our infectious enthusiasm for life. Their melodies didn't just resonate with notes; they wove an experience, dissolving barriers and highlighting the intricate threads that bind us all. Their prowess filled me with a deep sense of pride.

Nigeria pulsates with undying vigor, with music as its life force. Our national opus is a blend of meticulous compositions and spontaneous harmonies. Yet, amidst the daily grind, do we pause to celebrate the young maestros orchestrating these melodies? Do we truly acknowledge how their harmonious strains envelop us, especially when external adversities bear down upon us?

Being able to host guests from diverse global backgrounds, especially in these turbulent times, is a blessing I cherish immensely. This emphasizes the necessity and beauty of soft diplomacy tools like music, underscoring our shared values and joys.

In a world where parochial politics often eclipse genuine dialogue, the intrinsic value of art stands unwavering. Amidst the din of divisive discourse, we must seek refuge in the timeless joys that celebrate our shared humanity. Now, as we navigate a world fraught with crises, with arbitrary lines on maps dictating destinies and the very essence of life being questioned, it is paramount to introspect: What truly binds us?

Music, as with most art, transcends human-made constructs. It glides effortlessly past border checkpoints and permeates the thickest of walls. Beethoven's notes hold no prejudice against a Nigerian violinist's hands. The Yoruba talking drums do not reserve their whispers solely for Yoruba ears or cause only Nigerian waists to sway. I have witnessed international guests move almost involuntarily, but joyfully to the deep tones of those talking drums heralding their arrival. Those tones speak a universal language, connecting souls across vast expanses.

I firmly believe, challenging as it may appear, that it is entirely feasible to find common ground in politics, health, and culture, making our world a place truly worth inhabiting. In a world where it is easy to be cynical, I choose hope. I choose to find common ground that fosters global solidarity, especially when faced with collective challenges. Challenges, whether they are pandemics with the potential to ravage humanity, wars that could shred the fabric of our shared existence, or a rapidly changing climate threatening our singular home planet, are ever-present.  If diplomacy ever had a moment, it is now.

As I continue my global health endeavors, I remain invigorated by this unwavering truth. In our relentless quest for justice, equity, and peace, may our shared melodies always guide and unite us.