Tom Adaba Receives 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award
Tom Adaba Receives 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: T.A.L.P | INYA ODE | Africa-RelateD
Abuja, nigeria
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MEDIA AWARD
Prof. Aaze Tom Adaba Receives 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award
Nearly a year after being announced, veteran broadcaster known as the 'Father of Independent Broadcasting' in Nigeria, Prof. Aaze Tom Adaba finally received the 2021 Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) at his home in Abuja,on July 5, 2022.
The 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award was given ‘in recognition of his professional and exemplary life dedicated to the promotion of media excellence and service to the nation'.
The Ohietohueyi of Ebiraland, commended the prestigious organization for continuing this long tradition of honoring the best media minds for the last 29 years, and expressed joy that media practitioners can still come together to celebrate each other.
The NMMA Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Haroun Al-Rashid Adamu and the Trustee Chief Administrator, Mr Samuel Yemi Akeju made the presentation. While reminiscing on old broadcasting days, the veteran broadcaster pledged to do more within his powers, in mentoring the next generation of broadcasters.
The Nigeria Media Merit Award is a non-profit that was established in 1990 to recognize, encourage and reward excellence in media practice in Nigeria and help build a more progressive Nigeria by fostering the bonds between the press and citizens. It does so with events like the annual award ceremony. Entries for the 2022 season just closed.
Adaba was joined by two of his children Pst. Elizabeth Gomwalk & Dr. Inya Ode, as well as his devout wife of 55 years, Mrs. Theresa Adaba - to dedicate the award to what he described as, 'The Struggle of the Nigerian and Human Condition'.
He presented copies of his upcoming book But For God, and challenged the occupants of the 4th Estate to use their voices against the odds.
The main award ceremony was held in Lokoja, Kogi State in October 2021. Prof. Adaba was unable to attend due to health reasons.
T.A.L.P works with children’s education, cultural preservation, philanthropy and advocacy
Sign up to the Tom Adaba Legacy mailing list to get notifications, news and upcoming events
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
SCHOLARSHIP NOTICE FOR US-BASED FOREIGN JOURNALISTS
The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA) offers scholarship to journalists
Are you a foreign journalist currently studying for a Master’s Degree in the U.S? Here is a scholarship opportunity for you.
Scholarship opportunity: The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA) provides annual scholarships to professional foreign journalists who are currently enrolled in any full-time master's level program of any U.S.- based academic institution. More information can be found here:
Africa-Related is a media content production house
DIGNITY DEFINED: Tom Adaba @ 81
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: David Araga, Margaret Adaba-Soyemi, T.A.L.P, Africa-Related
SEPTEMBER 2022
2nd Edition
The veteran broadcaster remains a rare breed with a fighting will to live, do more and witness the change he has long-desired for his motherland Nigeria. On his 81st birthday, he speaks to the conscience of both the Nation and citizens alike.
In the second edition of his upcoming memoirs But For God, soon to be released on September 1, 2022, the Ohi Etohueyi of Ebiraland reflects deeply on a life richly blessed life, the challenges and triumphs along the way. The memoir - in book and audiobook formats, will be released on September 1, 2022.
“Over time, Nigeria has morphed into a convoluted country driven by greed, corruption, and leadership and governance ineptitude. The sheep have no credible shepherds and so are left to flounder in poverty, indiscipline, insecurity and blossoming criminality. Right before our eyes the country is bound on a journey to nowhere and is careening towards total collapse. We are watching a steady disintegration of human values and national ethos.”
- Thomas Aaze Adaba -
Excerpt from ‘BUT FOR GOD’
In 2021, The Tom Adaba Legacy Project (T.A.L.P) was launched with operations in Abuja and Okene. The project’s key focus areas are preserving indigenous culture, promoting education & improving living standards.
To live up to its set objectives, the project joined forces in 2022 with Ita’i Our Cloth - a weaving social enterprise - to build a community centre for learning seated in the heart of Okene. The Tom Adaba Legacy Center is a purpose-driven community centre for knowledge, which will house training facilities for vocational and academic exchange, with a global outlook.
The project is expected to be carried out in two phases over a twenty-four month period, and is open for local and international partnerships.
T.A.L.P works with children’s education, cultural preservation, philanthropy and advocacy
Sign up to the Tom Adaba Legacy mailing list to get notifications, news and upcoming events
GOGE AFRICA Highlights WEAVING In EBIRALAND
Words: Rosemary O. Onubaiye & Oyiza Adaba
Photo/Video: Goge Africa
Okene - Kogi State, Nigeria
Nneka & Metche Isaac-Moses
Cultural Ambassadors & Hosts of
GOGE AFRICA
“The Itinochi hand woven cloth of the Ebira people is perhaps Nigeria's most authentic traditional fashion masterpieces. It is the most durable and wearable artistic heritage of our people. Let us celebrate the uncommon beauty of an economy-driven traditional practice, sustained by women through the ages”.
- Nneka & Metche Isaac-Moses
Gogeafricatv at Ohueje Ohinoyi Cultural Festival March 2022
The long-running multi-award winning travel TV series Goge Africa, gave extensive coverage to the 2022 edition of Ohueje Ohinoyi - the yearly Cultural Festival of the Ebira people held every March in Okene, Kogi State, central Nigeria. In line with the theme 'The 100 Loom Match', the three-day event gave focus to one of the more visible qualities of the Ebira people - Weaving. Ohueje Ohinoyi is in its sixth edition and is supported by Africa-Related and Ita'i Our Cloth.
Full Report: Ohueje Ohinoyi Cultural Festival 2022
THEME: 100 LOOM MARCH - Repositioning Ebira Heritage for Economic Prosperity
Features
Weaving Competition
Symposium
Dancing Competition
Exhibitions
Food-fair
The 2022 edition of Ohueje Ohinoyi themed 100 LOOM MARCH - Repositioning Ebira Heritage for Economic Prosperity - took place on March 3-5 2022 at Ado Ibrahim Civic Centre, Okene, Kogi State. The 3-day event was all about empowering women through the ancient art of weaving. The festival is supported by Anebira Heritage Foundation and in partnership with Ita'i Our Cloth and Africa-Related.
3rd March 2022
Day 1: Opened with a display of current and historical images of Ebira sons and daughters, exhibition stands for display by Art & Culture Abuja, Ita’i Our Cloth, a symposium with participating schools and many more activities.
Symposium Topic: Traditional Cloth Weaving in Ebiraland. Presented by ALH. Okehi Abdulaziz Yusuf
The symposium called on the relevant educational bodies to include weaving in the school curriculum.
The weavers were already set up to start the weaving competition, as seen in their different colours, skills and patterns other activities were going on side by side
School children and visiting guests were shown the weaving process by weavers from various parts of the region, who congregated at the venue with their loom, yarns and weaving material. They provided several demos for the crowd.
4th March 2022
Day 2: Food Fair with a variety of locally made food produce and meals on display. Dancing competition, amidst the weaving contest
5th March 2022
Day 3: Grand finale with every activity from day one, culminating in the finale with some additional features With the exhibition, festivities, masquerade, sales etc all happening simultaneously, there was a fashion display presented by SHIZANUEL Collections an Abuja based designer, dancing masquerades, GUODO products made from fabric from the Middlebelt region states of Plateau, Nassarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Niger and Southern part of Kaduna states.
Highlights of the festival include an address by Ebira Historian and Emeritus Professor of Art History Prof. John Picton who covered the region extensively from the 60s; and the award ceremony that presented winning weavers for BEST QUALITY, MOST CREATIVE and OVERALL Best with certificates of participation. The women could not hold back their joy knowing that they are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and expressed their thanks to the organizers.
Ohueje Ohinoyi - which means the king's courtyard - is an annual festival to celebrate Ebira indigenous culture and tradition.
Photo Coverage: Ohueje Ohinoyi 2022
Want to know more?
Follow Goge Africa @gogeafrica @nnekaisaacmoses @metcheisaacmoses
Follow Ita'i Our Cloth @itaiourcloth
Follow Ohueje Ohinoyi @ohueje_ohinoyi
Follow Anebira Heritage Foundation @anebiraheritage
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
Rosemary Onubaiye works with media, women & communities
HOUSTON - GLOBAL ENERGY CAPITAL Takes The Lead In Energy Transition By 2050
HOUSTON
GLOBAL ENERGY CAPITAL Takes The Lead In Energy Transition By 2050
Houston aerial view: Photo by Vlad BusuiocWords: Oyiza Adaba
Photo: Africa-Related/Vlad Busuioc
Houston, Texas
Mayor Sylvester Turner's office announced on Friday that the city of Houston will be leading a delegation to Paris from June 27-July 2, as part of its preliminary mission in combating the environmental impact of the global energy industry..
Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs City of Houston
Bob Harvey President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership
Speaking to the Foreign Press, the President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, Bob Harvey outlined the objectives and commitments of Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HEDI) which was launched last year. The coalition of 18 key global energy stakeholders will begin the steps toward this transition process, which is expected to lower the world's carbon footprint to net zero by 2050. Their strategy, which leverages on the oil and gas leadership to accelerate these global solutions, will focus on four working sectors - carbon capture, use & storage; clean energy & hydrogen development; industrial decarbonisation, and funding or capital formation.
Known as the energy capital of the world, Houson is strategic for many reasons. It is home to the renowned Texas Medical Center with MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Johnson Space Center, 25 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, the Port of Houston which is the largest port in the US, over 1,700 foreign-owned firms and a large foreign born population.
"Houston is the only city in the world frankly, with the technology expertise, the commercial skills, the manufacturing talent, the infrastructure, to lead the transition to a more sustainable, open future on a global scale"
-Bob Harvey
Mayor Sylvester Turner who also heads the U.S Climate Network acknowledged the benefits of this initiative to the city's institutions and residents, and said much of Houston's success is built on private public partnership. He was represented by Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs, who used the opportunity to commend the 'robust' African Diaspora residents in Houston and their contribution to politics, culture and the economy. He called on the Nigerian Government to establish a much-needed Consulate in the city for what he described as 'one of the largest Nigerian populations outside of Nigeria'.
HEDI to some may be an acknowledgement to decades of environmental degradation caused by the industry's practices like burning of fossil fuel. To others, it could be a start in the industry's effort to right some of its past wrongs, as seen in places like Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The burden of delivering environmental justice, clean energy and development to communities especially those most impacted, however shouldn't be on Houston alone. In Harvey's words,
"…There's simply no way we're going to move forward globally, with trillions of dollars of investment to support the energy transition, without it being inclusive, and being very mindful of both current and past inequities, and how this program is going to speak to them.
- Bob Harvey
HEDI estimates about 560,000 new jobs by 2050, if properly implemented. If HEDI were to make a dent of an impact, it would need partnerships and commitments from global Governments, corporations and communities to adopt their framework, in order to credibly achieve its objectives of clean energy production and environment.
"If we do nothing but follow the path of the traditional energy industry, Houston will likely shed half 1,500,000 jobs by 2050.
- Bob Harvey
Learn more about HEDI and the City of Houston
Oyiza Adaba is Nigerian journalist and producer @africarelated
"We Will Now Go To Kpaaza" UCHE OKEKE EXHIBITS AT IWALEWAHAUS
The ongoing exhibition at Iwalewahaus in Bayreuth Germany in honour of the late seminal artist, master illustrator and scholar Uche Okeke, encapsulates his entire artistic journey that helped redefine Nigeria's art history and direction.
Uche Okeke Exhibition at Iwalewahaus: Fabled Brute Uche Okeke 1959
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: Iwalewahaus/ Asele Institute
Bayreuth, Germany
The ongoing exhibition at Iwalewahaus in Bayreuth Germany in honour of the late seminal artist, master illustrator and scholar Uche Okeke, encapsulates his entire artistic journey that helped redefine Nigeria's art history and direction.
From his pencil works to his Uli-inspired themes, Okeke played freely with forms, lines etc; he advocated through The Zaria Art Society for an artistic meeting point called Natural Synthesis - a blend of the old and new, modern and ancient, traditional and contemporary.
Okeke is a product of a rich African heritage and extensive global training. An Igbo man from Nimo in Anambra State eastern Nigeria who grew up in the northern region of Kafanchan, he learned the traditional body-painting art of 'Uli' from his mother, and later imbibed characters from childhood folktales in his globally celebrated art. His training in the art of stained glass and mosaic in the then West Germany further established a lifetime network of friends and contemporaries.
Okeke passed in 2016, leaving his treasure trove in the hands of The Asele Institute in Nimo, Nigeria and The Professor Uche Okeke Legacy Limited. Managed by his family, both estates have collaborated with Iwalewahaus to make this exhibition possible. Other featured artists include his devoted wife Ego Uche-Okeke, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Demas Nwoko, Okechukwu Odita, Oseloka Osadebe, Uzochukwu Ndubisi, Emmanuel Tetteh, C.O. Ibe, Kuniyasu, J.O. Akujobi, Anozie, F.N. Ekeada, Martin O.C. Onwuzuruoha, Ibrahim El Salahi, Mathias Kauage. Digital intervention by Jeremiah Ikongio in conversation with Uche Okeke’s text-based and sculptural artworks.
'We will now go to Kpaaza’
This was one of Okeke’s regular expressions, inspired by a line ‘I will not go to Kpaaza’ in the poem he titled 'Early Enochs’. 'Kpaaza' to him was a creative journey, a thought process, facing the task ahead.
Let's go!
Iwalewahaus,Bayreuth Germany
April 29 – October 15 2022
Follow the exhibition online here:
https://the-uche-okeke-exhibition.com/?page_id=4
Media/Interview Request:
Oyiza Adaba is a Nigerian journalist and producer @africarelated
REFUGEES HAVE RIGHTS and COUNTRIES HAVE RESPONSIBILITY
US Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes briefs the Foreign Press
US Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photo: Africa-Related
Video: Foreign Press Center
Migration continues to be a global hot topic from China to Ukraine and from South America to Africa. On World Refugee Day 2022, US Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes briefs the Foreign Press from Washington D.C. She reiterated the United States’ commitment to addressing the challenge.
"We encourage host governments to provide durable solutions for refugees including by enabling local integration, granting citizenship and including refugees in their development plans."
"... self reliance benefits the refugees and the donors and the hosts especially as conflicts are becoming longer lasting and displacement continues to rise."
"Wherever they are, whoever they are, wherever it is really, believe that refugees have the right, and we as responsible countries have the responsibility to help them seek safety."
Oyiza Adaba is a Nigerian journalist and producer @africarelated
SPOTLIGHT ON GUODO: ITA'I @ 1st TINCITY Fashion Week
The spotlight is cast on one of the oldest woven cloth pieces from the middle belt region of Nigeria…
Words: Rosemary Onubaiye
Photos: TCFW/Africa-Related
Jos, Plateau State NIGERIA
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Ita'i Our Cloth, a weaving social enterprise based in Okene Kogi State recently showcased at the TinCity Fashion Week, which took place in the city of Jos, Plateau State in November 2021.
The first edition highlighted the Guodo - the woven cloth of the ethnic groups found across the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria. Participating designers were thrilled to deliver their creative interpretations and transform the runway for three nights in Jos!
Ita’i featured designers like Zizi Cardow and Morino, who worked with the Okene/Ebira woven cloth . The event was organised by Ms. Christabel Bentu of TCFW and supported by various sponsors.
Read more about the historical significance and the many uses of the Guodo Cloth below.
Historical Background
It has been observed by stakeholders in the FASHION and THE CREATIVE industry on the PLATEAU and the MIDDLE BELT region of Nigeria that there is a CRITICAL NEED to revive and promote the local textiles and fashion industries in order to rekindle a general interest among the people of Central Nigeria and by extension Nigeria and globally in patronizing our indigenous traditional fabric and designs.
This is to ensure that the local industries are sustained at home and in the global market. This will also serve as forum for the Preservation, Promotion and Presentation of our unique and rich traditional fabrics. It will further create job opportunities for millions of unemployed youths, thus reducing the incidence of extreme poverty within the already highly marginalized region.
2021 PROGRAMME CONTENT
(A)TEXTILE FAIR
This event will involve textile, weavers and accessories produced and displayed by the traditional fabric manufacturers and producers from the MIDDLE BELT REGION states:- Plateau, Nassarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Niger and Southern part of Kaduna states. They will converge in Jos and at an Event center to display a variety of traditional fabrics, accessories etc to the public and for sale---a kind of textile market for the JOS FASHION WEEK.
(B) FASHION SHOW
This Event will bring together FASHION DESIGNERS from these six States to display their designs in an organized show with emphasis on fabrics from the six earmarked States of the Middle Belt Region .
(C) STAR APPEARANCES
This will feature Nationally and Internationally known fashion designers, putting up a show-appearance to add value to the entire event. Similarly, Music stars, Comedians, Actors, Star footballers etc to perform/show up at the event for Endowment.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. To introduce the Middle Belt region traditional fabrics to the Nigerian/Global market.
2. To Promote and Create a market local textile and fashion designers within the area of coverage.
3. To provide a platform for Exchange of ideas among producers in order to enhance standards for National and International recognitions and patronage.
4. To promote Middle belt dress culture and provide a tourist market that would sustain the viability of the industry.
5. To showcase the creations of promising designers newly introduced to the fashion world.
6. To help strengthen the Entertainment and Creative industries on the Plateau, thereby restoring it's lost glory.
7. To provide at forum for fostering PEACE AND UNITY among all Nigerians.
PROJECTING GUODO - Africa Fashion Week
BRIEF HISTORY OF PLATEAU STATE
The name PLATEAU is derived from the nature and form of its prominent landmass, which is largely occupied by Rocks, Hills, Mountains ETC.
Out of the original area coverage created initially, two States later emerged out of PLATEAU STATE namely BENUE and NASSARAWA STATES. These three states namely PLATEAU, NASSARAWA and BENUE STATES make up the center of the Geographical area called the Middle Belt region. Other states within the Middle belt region include TARABA, KOGI, NIGER and SOUTHERN PART OF KADUNA STATES.
Historically, these six/seven States have similar cultures having migrated from the famous KWARARAFA KINGDOM. The dances, dress code, language, values and norms of the people have similarities. This is why our proposed programme plans to concentrate largely on the indigenous fabrics and designs from the Middle Belt region
Source: TinCity Fashion Week
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FINALLY! EL ANATSUI OPENS THE CONCIERGERIE IN PARIS
The pandemic had delayed Anatsui's first solo exhibition in France, and a welcomed breath of fresh air greeted the art world today, as galleries and museums worldwide slowly begin reopening.
A welcomed breath of fresh air greeted the art world today, as galleries and museums worldwide slowly begin reopening.
PARIS, France
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: Eric Dereumaux
Exhibition: May 19, 2021
Exhibition: May 20 - November 24, 2021
The pandemic delayed Anatsui's first solo exhibition in France, and now the doors the former medieval royal palace which became a prison during the Revolution, have opened to the public.
The poetic installation by the globally-acclaimed sculptor echoes the history of the location and the passing of time. By calling on the five elements: water, wind, wood, metal and stone, Anatsui fills the walls and fireplaces with six new sculptures that reflect the theme.
The exhibition is part of the Africa 2020 Season and is opened through November 24, 2021.
El Anatsui The Film Produced by Africa-Related Inc COMING SOON
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WOMEN ENTERPRISE ITA'I FEATURES WEAVING AT 1st TEDx OKENE 2021
HAND-WOVEN social enterprise, ITA'I - OUR CLOTH showcased their collection of Ebira woven Cloth at the first ever TEDx Okene on January 30, 2021
By Rosemary Onubaiye
Photos: David Araga/Africa-Related
Photo: David Araga/Africa-Related (2021)
ITA'I - OUR CLOTH is an exclusive HAND-WOVEN social enterprise rooted in Okene, with operations in Lagos, Nigeria and New York City recently showcased its collection at the first ever TEDx Okene.
Founded in 2019, this global brand with a home-felt impact is dedicated to bringing a modern approach to preserving, presenting and promoting Africa’s cultural heritage through the woven cloth; and in line with the seven of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).
The vision at Ita’i is to make Ita'i a global brand with a home-felt impact, and it goes about it by encouraging community development and women empowerment through existing resources such as weaving.
PHOTOS
What can you do?
DESIGN + PARTNER + BUY + DONATE
@itaiourcloth www.itaiourcloth.com
SHOP: online or call
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KOFI ANNAN: Death Of A Peace Keeper
Death Of A Peace Keeper By Oyiza Adaba
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: John Oko-Nyaku
New York, NY
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1938-2018
KOFI ANNAN was often criticized for by many who readily welcomed other options to peace...
In December 2006, on the eve of Kofi Annan stepping down as the seventh Secretary General - a tenure he served for 9 years from 1997 to 2006 - I was a journalist working in New York, assigned to cover the farewell reception hosted in his honor by the Ghanian Mission to the UN. While making his entrance to the reception with his wife Nane, and flanked by the then Ghanian President John Kufuor and other diplomats, I somehow managed to corner the guarded group.
I introduced myself and suggested how wonderful it would be, if he spoke directly to his fellow Africans through our platform. He graciously obliged to a few questions. During our brief chat, he spoke proudly about being an African, fondly of his home country Ghana, was not quite sure what to expect with retirement, and concluded with the importance of our legacy as human beings. I also recall his wife Nane expressing her pleasure at now being able to have her husband home more often.
During his lifetime, this Ghanaian diplomat held many administrative positions that saw a steady rise in his career. He was a practicing peace ambassador, as demonstrated in his approach, policies and personality hence winning the Nobel Peace prize in 2001. Peace was a quality Kofi Annan was often criticized for by many who readily welcomed other options to peace, in the most tumultuous of times that witnessed the highest increase in peacekeeping missions around the world.
He was a proud African, who not only represented the continent as the first black African to hold one of the highest offices in the world, he led it with grace and a quiet resolve that influenced the world’s perspective of the African people and continent. How else could he depart but ‘peacefully in his sleep’? Rest in the PEACE you brought in no small measure, to a world that remains troubled.
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
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ALBUM REVIEW: "Asoju Oba" by AYETORO
Asoju Oba is the first Ep from the third in the Afrobeat Chronicles series by Ayetoro - the internationally acclaimed Afrojazz collective led by one of Nigeria's most talented composers and pianists Funsho Ogundipe.
ASOJU OBA- Album Cover
By Athene Oveh, Lagos
originally published in TARUWA MAGAZINE
Music Review: ‘Asoju Oba’ by AYETORO
Ayetoro is an internationally acclaimed Afrojazz collective led by one of Nigeria's most talented composers and pianists Funsho Ogundipe.
Ayetoro was formed by Nigerian Pianist, Composer and Music Director, Funsho Ogundipe. It straddles both the Afrobeat and Jazz worlds equally creating a sound which draws energy from the highly percussive Afrobeat keeping music lovers excited with its intensity. A global band which exists in different forms in different places, the creative sounds evolve constantly under Ogundipe’s direction to create different versions in Lagos, London and Accra.
With this, the third international release and coming on the heels of the critically acclaimed Omo Obokun Afrobeat Chronicles Ayetoro take Afrobeat into modern territory with Soul and Hip Hop added to the rich brew of Afrofuturistic Jazz and Afrobeats.
Asoju Oba is the first Ep from the third in the Afrobeat Chronicles series. It features all three versions of the group and was recorded in Accra Lagos and London.
The album in the Afrobeat Chronicles series. Featuring the cream of African and Diasporic talent this EP introduces Lady Jay from Ghana who sings lead vocals on Baba Don Go, a tribute to Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Other talents featured from the Hip Hop camp include Lagos based producer and rapper Hakeem Yesufu aka Mendo and Akinyemi Ogundipe aka Skillz a young Lagos based Rapper.
Who both feature on 'Seeds in the Pod' a Hip hop meets Afrobeat Jazz like joint. Its diminished chords and minor scales provide a platform for some deep Jazz/Rap inspired by the Sufi Poetry of India's Ibn al Arabi.
The Jazz heavyweights are still flexing their improvisational skills. Music muscles as Music Director Composer Funsho Ogundipe on Piano and Keys and Trumpeter Byron Wallen and Clarinetist Shabaka Hutchings illuminate the album with entrancing colours.
Asoju Oba is an imagining of what Afrobeat would sound like in the hands of the great Thelonious Monk. It's a funky dance floor number with sax and piano solos and a free Jazz outro.
Its cover is a collaborative work involving Prila Paiva, a Brazilian artist who is steeped in African culture. It is an esoteric representation of an Ifa story. The new album is titled Asoju Oba, which roughly means the King's eyes. It is inspired by the writings of the Brazilian author Jorge Amado who exposed Yoruba culture to the Portuguese speaking world.
Official. 'Asoju Oba' Ayetoro's new EP available online as digital download
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ayetoro/id78713249
Ayetoro EPK
music . videos . photos . news . calendar
http://www.sonicbids.com/ayetoro
- Taruwa Magazine
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AYETORO INTERVIEW FOR AYAKA ONLINE
Ayetoro is an internationally acclaimed Afrojazz collective led by one of Nigeria's most talented composers and pianists Funsho Ogundipe. Ayakaonline sat down with the longtime Music Director.
Ayetoro is an internationally acclaimed Afrojazz collective led by one of Nigeria's most talented composers and pianists Funsho Ogundipe .Photo by Numero Unoma.
originally published in ayaka online
February 28, 2012
AYETORO INTERVIEW FOR AYAKA ONLINE
1. Ayetoro is often mistaken for the town with a similar name. What prompted you to name the band Ayetoro
A. The name conjures a vision of order. After chaos order is a mathematical possibility. With order peace has a chance. So the name represents to the band an ordered world of peace. Directly translated, it means a world of peace/order.
2. Describe Ayetoro’s music and bran
A. The band was formed in 1996 in Nigeria. Our first album Naija Blues featured Segun Arinze, the late J T West, Shadrack John and a host of other guest artists. I then relocated to the UK. In London, together with music talents such Byron Wallen the trumpeter, guitar player Jim Mulle, bass player Orefo Orakwue etc, Ayetoro performed at live shows across the UK. In 2007, we formed Ayetoro Ghana with an equally talented group of musicians such as bassist Phillip Acquah, drummer C C Frank. Our producer engineer Panji Anoff lives and works from out of Accra. What you hear now is the new Ayetoro in Nigeria which was formed when I came back in 2010. The journey has been remarkable playing alongside respected talented musicians worldwide. The one constant about Ayetoro is that it has been and remains open to musicians that understand the music and bring a certain level of quality and creativity to it. Asa toured with us, the legendary guitarist Oscar Ellimbi and bass player Falna King both from Cameroon played in the first edition of Ayetoro in Lagos. Today’s Ayetoro is experimenting with music genres such as Rap, Poetry, Neo Soul and Blues. What remains unchanged is the quality of our music. There are no compromises there. The brand is rooted in tradition yet very modern.
3. Which of your songs leave a vivid memory whether it the writing or performance?
A. Recording and mixing the Afrobeat Chronicles Vol 1 album in a day. No overdubs or editing and no time for multiple takes . Such a challenge but the band rose to the task magnificently.
4. Although you're not mainstream, it's been 16 years of sheer musical genius as seen in the quality of your work, but do you think you've broken trough in Nigeria yet. Do you feel any sense of acceptance by Nigerians yet?
A. Nigeria is what it is. We live we love we cry and we never say never. Afrobeat or Jazz is underground music nationwide so we put everything in its proper place.
5. Culturally what is the significance of the traditional symbols and Yoruba language we see and hear all over Ayetoro's works?
A. Our culture is the basis for everything we do. It is the same for those who hold the scroll in the right hand. The Yoruba possess a magnificent artistic tradition. We are only carrying on in that tradition as we are based in that cultural area in Nigeria.
6. Ayetoro's new single Asoju Oba just dropped online. Can you explain the album, artwork and the people that worked with you on it?
A. Asoju Oba roughly translates into The kings observer. It marks the beginning of a conceptual series of albums featuring contemporary art. The album is our homage to the deep cultural ties between Bahia in Brasil and the Yorubas in Nigeria Benin Togo and Ghana. The title is inspired by a character Oju Oba in the book Tent of Miracles by Brazilian author Jorge Amado. It features three tracks which showcase the different ayetoro bands.
Baba don go is a tribute to Fela Kuti. With Lady Jay from Ghana and Skillz from Nigeria on spoken word. Solos are by Byron Wallen and Shabakka Hutchings in the UK.
Asoju Oba is an instrumental feature.
Seeds in the Pod/Love is my Religion is where Afrobeat meets conscious Hip Hop and guest stars Mendo with Caroline Fusi singing the hook. I take piano solos. The artwork was created by the Brazilian artist Prila Paiva from Sao Paulo. Seeds in the Pod is inspired by the Sufi poetry of Abu Bakr Ibn al Arabi especially love is my religion.
Technically we collaborated with Panji Anoff of Pidgen Music Ghana who is in charge of our technical side. The tracks were recorded at Alpha Junes (Lagos), Livingstone Studios (London) and Pidgen (Accra) and mastered by Sonny at Spare Dougal (London).
7. Where can we find the album and is there a plan for a launch in Nigeria?
A. Currently the album is available as a digital download on iTunes. The address is: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ayetoro/id7871324. Then it will be available on cd and as a 12inch vinyl record in Nigeria in April 2012. Fans can like Ayetoro Live on Facebook and our official page is www.myspace.com/ayetoro
8. Are you looking for any future collaborations with any artists (Nigeria or international)? Who?
Watch this space!
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