A Northern Illinois University student won a voice award that he says has boosted his confidence.
Daniel Chukwunyem, who is from Lagos, Nigeria, sings bass with a focus on opera and is pursuing his Master of Music degree at NIU. He said he once questioned whether his talent was enough. Winning the Advanced Classical Tenor, Bass and Baritone Voice Category at this year's National Association of Teachers of Singing convention changed that perspective.
"Since I'm able to win this," he explained. "I can you know try to do other things and try to do greater things. And I'm very confident in my art, in my voice, in myself now."
Chukwunyem stared out playing trumpet but decided to shift his focus to voice after it did not feel like the right fit. He said opera and classical music fascinated him.
"I used to watch opera performances back home in Nigeria," he said. "A couple of them. And I enjoyed the fact that you were able to sing, (and) one is able to, you know, perform and act."
Along with first place in the competition, Chukwunyem received prize money and opportunities to connect with renowned singers. He hopes to one day perform at major opera houses, including the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Listen to the full interview here.
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent
