The serene atmosphere of Christmas in Helsinki stands in stark contrast to the vibrant celebrations typical of Lagos, Nigeria.
Omotola Adeshina, an accomplished musician, reflects on his recent achievements after obtaining a Master’s degree from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. His studies in the academy’s Global Music program culminated in a memorable concert held in mid-December at Musiikkitalo’s Sonore Hall, part of the city’s Global Fest. Adeshina’s performance showcased his original compositions, interwoven with spiritual songs, and featured an ensemble of musicians that included three choirs sharing the stage.
The audience was enthralled, responding with spontaneous singing, dancing, and clapping, fully engaged in the joyous atmosphere.
Adeshina’s primary instrument? His own voice. He embarked on his musical journey as a child in a church choir, a foundational element of his identity as an artist. “My family belongs to the Christian C&S congregation,” he shares, reminiscing about a legend surrounding its founder, Moses Orimolade. “He sang so beautifully as a child that his older brother feared angels would carry him off while they worked in the fields.”
From Lagos to Helsinki
Originally hailing from Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling capital, Adeshina’s musical odyssey took him from church choirs to the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ibadan. His interest in Helsinki was piqued upon discovering the Sibelius Academy’s Global Music program, taught in English and celebrating diverse cultural traditions.
However, his first autumn in Finland was anything but smooth. Adeshina chuckled as he recounted his arrival in October: “I didn’t have an apartment or a bank account. While Nigeria basks in sunshine, I was met with something quite different here.”
Despite the initial challenges, Adeshina found a supportive community within the Global Music program. After some hurdles, he secured housing, and both international students and faculty lent their assistance. He also connected with a church community in Helsinki, which he describes as a second home. “It has nurtured me musically, spiritually, emotionally—across all facets of life,” he says with warmth.
Making Music
A growing number of students at the Sibelius Academy hail from outside Finland, now comprising 21 percent of the over 1,000 enrolled individuals. Adeshina serves as a voice for these international students on the board of the University of the Arts Helsinki student union. He acknowledges the unique challenges arts students face in Finland, noting, “They effectively juggle a dual workload. Apart from their studies, they must also attend to their instruments—be it a physical instrument or their voices.”
Finding part-time work in Helsinki can be daunting, as the city’s living and housing expenses continue to rise. The looming increase in tuition fees—set to more than double by August 2026—adds another layer of pressure. At the Sibelius Academy, annual fees will climb to 28,000 euros.
Thus far, the academy has supported international students through a mix of state funding and private donations, but with impending government cuts, the need for innovative solutions to assist these students has become more pressing.
Christmas in Finland
Adeshina has decided to spend Christmas in Finland this year. With time, he has grown accustomed to Helsinki’s winter grayness and forged musical connections. Looking ahead, he harbors ambitions of pursuing doctoral studies.
“Our professor, Nathan Riki Thomson, emphasized the importance of venturing into our discomfort zones,” Adeshina remarks. “I’ve embraced that notion in my musical journey, exploring new avenues.”
In Nigeria, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, often marked by family gatherings and city outings. At first, he found the near-silence in Helsinki during the holidays disconcerting. However, Adeshina has come to value the Finnish custom of celebrating Christmas with close family ties.
He observes that services in the Evangelical Lutheran Church are notably quieter than the vibrant worship he recalls from home, yet he appreciates this shift. “I value the stillness and the clarity of the hymns,” he shares. “Here, church feels like a sanctuary for reflection and calmness. Everything has a focused intent.”