Watching him for the first time perform Opera at church, weddings and even burial ceremonies, one is amazed at the sonority of his voice. You are left wondering whether Alloysius Theophilus Orlumati Mbata is a Nigerian. Something tells you he is either an Italian, German, Austrian, American, French, Czech, Swizz or Polish descent! You are right in your assumption because it’s only in these climes that such opera singing sensation would come from.
But Alloy Mbata (as popularly called) is full blooded Ikwerre, and hails from Rukpokwu Town in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Despite the fact his choice genre of music is apparently unpopular among his generation; Alloy Mbata has carved a niche for himself as his performances are often greeted with standing ovations whenever and wherever he ministers.
And since classical opera music is rather Elizabethan and ‘old school’, against conventional popular genres like hip-pop, reggae, jazz and the likes, its patronage is high among the older generation. Classical music is cherished by a select class that you find in the business, professionals and political circles.
National Network’s Editor, a devout fan of the opera music marvel, played host to him on Monday, and he disclosed to this medium how he has used this rare gift of singing opera to reach the small, high and mighty in the society.
“First and foremost, what I do is a gift from God and I use it to bless people”, he said, and once more averred that he didn’t learn the art from any classical music school in Europe or America.
Not every fan of Alloy Mbata knows that he also sings country music. “As much as I sing classical opera, I also sing country music, although I don’t do it in all performances. I often do country songs at concerts.
The opera singer who enjoys over 3000 followers in his social media platforms is also a proud recipients of Best Charity Classical Soloist Award in 2015 and Frank TV’s Best Port Harcourt Classical Soloist, and says more awards are loading.
On how he draws inspiration to sing, Mbata said his biggest strength and inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit whom he claimed a personal relationship with.
“In the physical realm, my greatest source of encouragement and motivation comes from our Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, MON, GSSRS, POS (Africa) and the Iconic Infrastructural Governor of Nigeria.
“Governor Wike gave me the platform through the numerous projects commissioning tours I did with him. We toured from one local government to another singing and glorifying God, and contributing to the progress of the state through music”, he said.
Mbata revealed that the platform given to him soared his popularity as he has been receiving many invitations to minister in and outside the state.
“Give Wike has made me to understand that disability is but a thing of the mind”, said Mbata who is physically challenged.
“I am also using this medium to tell those in power that persons living with disability can actually go further to actualize their dreams. I am using myself as a point of contact to others who are physically challenged.
“Our governor has challenged me from what he has done. He always says I should not look at myself from what people say but to see myself as physically able in mind and body to carry out any task. Above all, my God says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, he said.
The opera singer also applauded his fans, describing their continual encouragement as moral booster.
“I want particularly to thank our Governor-elect, Amaopusenibo Sim Fubara. He is a lover of classical music. I trust that he will follow the footsteps of Governor Wike. I also want to applaud everyone, from Commissioners, Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen who have been supportive one way or the other. May God bless you all”, he said.
