Genevieve Ogu-Odii, known on stage as GENEEMUSIC, is a distinguished Nigerian classical and crossover singer, composer, producer, and music educator whose passion for music has been evident since childhood. With her rich mezzo-soprano voice, captivating stage presence, and genre-blending artistry, she has become one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and innovative musical voices.
In 2013, Genevieve was awarded a full scholarship by the MTN Foundation to study voice at the prestigious MUSON Diploma School of Music. She graduated in 2015 as the Best Overall Student, Best Graduating Voice Student, and Best Female Singer. She went on to earn a First-Class degree in Music from the University of Lagos, where she distinguished herself both academically and artistically. Genevieve also holds ABRSM and MUSON certifications in voice and music theory, completed with distinction up to Grade 8.
Her operatic experience is extensive, with major roles including Dorabella (Così fan tutte), Marie (La fille du régiment and Guillaume Tell), Norina (Don Pasquale), Gianetta (L’elisir d’amore), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), and Rosina (The Barber of Seville). Beyond the operatic stage, she has built a unique profile as a vocal coach and composer, creating original works such as The Hunger Tale (2017), An Audition to Remember (2018), I Love Food (2019) and Maybe Today (2020). These works blend neoclassical and Broadway styles, garnering critical acclaim for their creativity and social relevance.
In 2025, Genevieve made history with her groundbreaking concert, “Sounds of Color: A Musical Journey through the Spectrum.” Held on May 25, 2025, it was the first concert of its kind in Nigeria, merging the worlds of color, storytelling, and music into one breathtaking experience. Through a seamless blend of Classical, Pop, Broadway, and crossover repertoire, accompanied by subtle visual art elements, Genevieve took her audience on a journey from darkness to light, weaving together music and color in an unprecedented way.
Her previous co-organized concerts include Some Enchanted Evening (2018) and the virtual charity concert, The Lockdown Classical Serenade (2020), which was put together to support young classical musicians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also represented Nigeria on international stages such as the Isola del Sole Festival in Grado, Italy (2014), the World Choir Games in South Africa (2018), and the Ghana Meets Naija Concert in Accra (2021).
Genevieve speaks exclusively to Sunday Oyinloye, Publisher, Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable
Excerpts:
How did you get into classical music?
My first real encounter with music was in church. Growing up Catholic, I was surrounded by hymns and choir singing that filled the air with beauty and reverence. I discovered I could sing like the voices I admired in the choir and that was the beginning of my journey. Later in secondary school, I became the choir mistress of our boarding school choir. It wasn’t something that happened overnight, it was a gentle, steady progression from those early church hymns to discovering the world of classical music, a journey that has continued to unfold ever since.
Classical and Crossover music are two distinct but often overlapping musical worlds, how are you able to combine the two?
For me, it comes from understanding both worlds deeply. Classical gives me the foundation, the technique and the discipline. Crossover allows me to bring in other colors like, broadway, pop, even African influences. When I combine them, I don’t force it, I just let the music flow naturally, making sure the emotion is real. That’s how the two blend into something fresh but still authentic.
An average Nigerian sees classical music as only for the elites, what will you say to people who have that perception?
I would say classical music is for everyone. It is true that some people see it as reserved for the elites, but when you strip it down; it’s simply music that tells stories and expresses emotions. These are things that we all share as human beings. I’ve seen audiences who never thought they’d enjoy it moved to tears. Once people experience it in the right way, they realize it’s not about class.
How will you describe your career so far?
I would describe my career as a journey of growth, discovery and impact. From my early days performing in choirs to now staging my own productions like Sounds of Color, it’s been both challenging and fulfilling. Every step has prepared me for the next and I am grateful for how far I’ve come and excited about where I’m going.
Can you recollect the most challenging moments of your musical career?
Yes, definitely. One of the most challenging parts has been pushing through times when classical music wasn’t understood or supported in the way other genres are. There were moments I questioned whether people would connect with what I was doing. Also, balancing the demands of performance, teaching and creating my own works have not always been easy. But those challenges shaped me and made me stronger.
I’m sure you also have great moments, would you like to share your experience?
Yes, I’ve had many beautiful moments on stage. One was during The Lockdown Classical Serenade in 2020. It was a concert I co-organized for young classical musicians who were affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. Another special memory was Some Enchanted Evening in 2018, a broadway concert at MUSON. It was full of energy, joy and music that really connected with people. It reminded me how much I love storytelling through song. And of course, my Sounds of Color concert in May, 2025 is one of the biggest highlights of my career so far. It was the first of its kind in Nigeria, combining music with the idea of colors, moving from darkness to light. The audience’s response was overwhelming, everyone felt the journey. That evening showed me the true power of music to touch hearts.
What are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m preparing for the second edition of Sounds of Color, which will be on an even bigger stage next year. I’m also working on original music that blends classical and contemporary styles in a unique way. In addition, I’m building my company, which will serve as a platform for performance, coaching and music production.
Are you passing your musical knowledge to the younger ones?
Yes, that’s very important to me. I coach young singers, helping them discover their voices and guiding them on healthy singing techniques. Beyond the technical side, I try to inspire them to be bold, creative and confident in expressing themselves. I believe that sharing knowledge is one of the best ways to keep the art alive for the next generation.
Outside music, what are you passionate about?
Outside music, I’m passionate about storytelling in all its forms, whether through writing, mentoring, or creative projects. I also value spending time with family and loved ones. It keeps me grounded.
Is there anything special about you that the world is probably not aware of?
Something people may not know is that I’m also a composer not just a performer. Many people see me only on stage, but I actually enjoy creating music from scratch; writing, arranging and shaping sounds behind the scenes. That side of me is just as important as performing, and it’s a big part of what I want to share with the world going forward.
