RAISING ‘STAR’ KIDS: Get More Inspiration on Bringing Out The Very Best in Your Child

So far, we have brought you Angela Osaigbovo, Kiki Hector-Fowobaje, Serena Teluwo and siblings, Oluwadare and Oluwadarasimi Alabi’s inspiring stories. If you missed it, read here, here, here and here.

Today, meet 12-year-old Precious Adedayo Ige who has earned several recognitions for his drumming skills, and his mum, Olubukola Ige.

His mum tells us, “We discovered his talent when he was only six months old. Then, he used all available items to make beats. At ten months, before he could sit or speak, he started swinging to rhythms of hymns during the family devotion. By the time he was two years old, he started holding the drum stick without being taught. When he clocked 4 years, he was already perfect. With his father’s help, he started going to different churches and was attracted to their drum sets and learned the names of different musical instruments.”

Today, Precious, who performs at concerts, plays the talking drum, conga and drum set, and is learning how to play the keyboard.

Though he hasn’t won any awards yet, Precious, who also loves football and table tennis, has two special recognitions from Onileagbon Theatre Group and Nigerian Baptist Music Workshop in Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State. He has also played before the former Hon. Minister of Tourism, Edem Duke, and Jimi Solanke at the yearly Children Cultural Festival organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He aspires to participate in the Modern Drummers’ Festival in the UK soon, and ultimately, become a footballer like Messi.

See excerpts from our interview with Precious’ mum, Olubukola Ige

How do your strike the needed balance between his academics and love for music and sports?

“He knows the importance of education, so he doesn’t take his studies for granted. It’s a priority, so, when he is in school, he forgets about music and focuses on learning. Most of the time, we have to encourage him to practice when he has special events. It’s a lot of responsibility for a young child but with the help of God, he’s doing well so far.”

Tips for parents on discovering their child’s potential, both in academics and extra-curricular, and helping them be the best they can

“Always allow children to pursue their interests and learn to be better at them. Then, do all you can to encourage and support them with prayers.”

More to come…