Blair vocal performance major Ariel Olaleye shared her Immersion Vanderbilt capstone presentation on Tuesday, recounting her summer of international travel and research findings on the intersection of Western and Nigerian classical music traditions. Olaleye was one of four Vanderbilt students honored with the inaugural Summer Keegan Travel Fellowship and her 10-week journey took her to Nigeria, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Olaleye’s presentation, “Resonant Narratives: Exploring the Shared Narratives of Western and African Classical Music Traditions,” offers a wide-ranging review of cross-cultural influences, storytelling narratives, music composition structure, and racism in the performing arts. Her extensive field research was supported by dozens of in-person interviews with leading performers, composers, conductors, and music thought leaders.
“Through my time abroad I discovered that music is not only a bridge between cultures but a powerful medium for reclaiming narratives,” said Olaleye. “I found friendship in unexpected places and realized that the shared language of music can unite people across continents, transcending borders and histories. Exploring the intersections of Western classical and African Art Music traditions has deepened my passion for amplifying underrepresented voices and creating a more inclusive global soundscape.”
“Ariel’s work to compare Nigerian Classical music experiences with African diasporic ones has given her a unique perspective on the complex ways culture and history shape music,” said Blair Professor of Musicology Cynthia Cyrus, who served as Olaleye’s faculty sponsor for the project. “She has had amazing conversations with an incredible array of composers, performers, and fellow audience members. This is truly what learning-through-immersion is all about!”
Launched earlier this year, the Summer Keegan Fellowship provides support for students to engage in immersive global experiences for their Immersion Vanderbilt projects. Fellowship requirements include travel to two different continents and oversight by a Vanderbilt faculty member. The Keegan Fellowship reflects the promise from the university and Keegan Fellowship alumni to provide transformative global experiences that foster the growth of future leaders.
Olaleye’s presentation included displaying a collection of music performance programs and other items she saved from her summer travels.