A chance moment on a festival stage has opened a new chapter in the life of a young Ijaw musician, as Jking Alfred Izon-Ebi has officially welcomed 10-year-old Master Funtari Edwin Lambert of Ikibiri Community into his musical foundation for young and gifted Ijaw artistes.
The journey began on Sunday, 2nd August 2026, during Alfred Jking's performance at the Anyama FE-ATEI-OGE Festival, when Funtari, an indigene of Ikibiri Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, stepped forward and seized the opportunity to showcase his talent. His performance immediately caught the attention of Jking and everyone watching, with the young boy displaying a striking command of rhythm, confidence, and musical expression well beyond his years.
Recognizing raw potential worth nurturing, Jking took a personal interest in the boy's development and moved to bring him under his mentorship. Following the performance, Funtari's parents were invited to Jking's residence in Akenfa, Yenagoa, where discussions took place and an agreement was reached for the young talent to formally begin this new phase of his musical journey. Jking assured the family of his full commitment to Funtari's well-being, proper grooming, and continued mentorship going forward.
Speaking about his young protégé, Jking noted that Funtari "mimics him completely," pointing to striking similarities in the boy's musical style and expression. But beyond raw talent, Jking stressed the importance of character, humility, and discipline, urging Funtari to stay grounded, remain respectful, listen to those guiding him, and understand that lasting greatness is built through patience and consistency, not just gift alone.
For Funtari, this marks only the beginning. Organizers describe the moment as more than a signing, calling it part of a broader effort to discover, nurture, and preserve the next generation of Ijaw music, one capable of inspiring other young Ijaw children to believe in their own talents and pursue them boldly.
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