09/01/2025
The Music Within
Lena was a reserved young woman in her late twenties, working as a librarian in the bustling city of Lagos. Her days were filled with cataloging books, helping university students, and reading during quiet moments. Although she cherished her job, she often felt confined by the monotony of her routine. Deep within, she dreamed of something greater, though she didn’t know what it was.
One rainy afternoon, while organizing supplies in the dusty storage room of the library, Lena noticed an old upright piano tucked into a corner. Its wooden body was scratched, and several keys were yellowed with age. Intrigued, she brushed off the cobwebs and pressed a single key. The sound, though slightly off-tune, resonated deeply in her heart, awakening a curiosity she hadn’t felt in years.
That evening, as the rain poured heavily outside, Lena found herself drawn back to the piano. She sat on the rickety bench and hesitantly began pressing keys, stringing together simple melodies. Though she had no formal training, the act of playing felt natural, almost as if the music had been waiting inside her all along.
Determined to learn, Lena began watching free YouTube tutorials at home and borrowing music theory books from the library. Night after night, she practiced on the aging piano, her passion growing with each note. Her neighbors often teased her about the strange "noise" they heard coming from the library, but Lena paid them no mind. For the first time in her life, she felt truly alive.
Six months later, Lena’s opportunity arrived. A local cultural center in Surulere announced a music competition, inviting amateur musicians from all over Lagos to perform. The thought of performing in public filled her with dread, but something inside her pushed her forward.
“Lena, you? Play piano in front of people?” her colleagues teased. “You’ll embarrass yourself!” But Lena had learned to ignore negativity. She poured her heart into composing an original piece, inspired by the rhythms of Lagos—the honking of danfos, the chatter of street vendors, and the quiet moments of rain-soaked evenings.
When the day of the competition arrived, Lena wore a simple but elegant Ankara dress sewn by her aunt. Her heart pounded as she stepped onto the modest stage. The audience, a mix of students, artists, and locals, looked at her expectantly. Taking a deep breath, she sat at the grand piano, closed her eyes, and began to play.
Her music flowed like a river, carrying the audience on a journey through joy, struggle, and resilience. By the time she struck the final chord, the hall was silent, the crowd mesmerized. Then came the applause—loud, thunderous, and filled with admiration.
Lena was awarded first prize that evening, a recognition that brought her to tears. But for her, the real victory was the realization that she had unlocked a gift she never knew she possessed. Her performance caught the attention of local artists and event organizers, leading to invitations to play at cultural festivals and weddings.
Years later, Lena became a celebrated composer, creating soundtracks for Nollywood films and collaborating with musicians across Nigeria. She often credited her journey to that forgotten piano in the library, a symbol of hidden potential waiting to be discovered.
Lesson: Your potential may lie in the most unexpected places. Trust in your journey, silence the voices of doubt, and let your passion shine. Even in the bustling streets of Lagos, the music within can rise above the noise.
