Revive Ajaokuta Awareness Walk
The Ajaokuta Awareness Walk, a sensitization march organized by The Revive Ajaokuta/Itakpe Movement, a group of advocates for the revival of Nigeria’s existing moribund industries held in Abuja on Jan 25, 2017.
BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
ABUJA, Nigeria January 25, 2017
Photos: AFRICA-RELATED
The Ajaokuta Awareness Walk, a sensitization march organized by The Revive Ajaokuta/Itakpe Movement, a group of advocates for the revival of Nigeria’s existing moribund industries held in Abuja on January 25, 2017.
Over 300 marchers from across the country, started the walk from Eagle Square to the National Assembly where they were received by members of the Senate, and ended at the Ministry of Justice.
Dressed in national colors and holding placards with various advocacy messages alongside photos of Nigeria’s founding fathers, their aim was to draw the government’s attention to the state of Nigeria’s industries especially the steel company in Ajaokuta, which has been dormant for over 30 years with only 2% to completion. They called for the original builders to be brought back to Nigeria to complete the project that will in turn diversify the dwindling economy and create jobs for Nigerians.
Key highlights include speeches by featured speakers and advocates such as Dr. Okeme Arome (Convener), Ajaokuta activist Barr. Natasha Akpoti and Comrade Issa Aremu of the NLC.
SIGNAGE, CHANTS AND SLOGANS
Various signage, banners and placards carrying informative message conveyed the spirit of the group. Examples include: TRADE NOT AID, STIMULATED BY STEEL, REVIVE OUR INDUSTRIES, 2% TO COMPLETE 38 YEARS IN WAITING Etc…
The marches chanted slogans like
Revive Ajaokuta! Industrialize Nigeria!
Ajaokuta is… NOT for sale!
2% to Complete! 38 Years in Waiting!
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Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Nubuke Foundation 10th Anniversary - A Conversation with El Anatsui
Ghanaian cultural oasis, The Nubuke Foundation recently celebrated its 10th year anniversary with an exhibition by various local and international artists, and a conversation with world renowned artist El Anatsui that was moderated by art critic and curator N'Goné Fall.
By Oyiza Adaba. Accra, Ghana
N'Goné Fall , independent curator and art critic moderates conversation with globally acclaimed sculptor El Anatsui on his life journey from 1974-2016.
Ghanaian cultural oasis, The Nubuke Foundation recently celebrated its 10th year anniversary with an exhibition by various local and international artists, and a conversation with world renowned artist El Anatsui that was moderated by art critic and curator N'Goné Fall.
The conversation dwelt on the artist’s early works from 1974-2016. The rich audience consisted of respected names from the Ghanaian art scene, who got a rare chance to interact with Anatsui with a Q&A session. The children also unveiled an art piece made in honour of the highly revered artist. Congratulations to the NUBUKE Foundation.
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
The Men's Room Forum II
BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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The Men's Room Forum 1st Edition
BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Highlights of Anya Fụlụ Ugo 2015
An Interdisciplinary African Arts Conference in honour of El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu that took place at the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. The maiden edition was held in honour of Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu.
By oyiza adaba - Africa-Related, Nigeria
Faculty of Arts Complex, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Photo: Africa-Related
anya fụlụ ugo jaa ya mma, na-adi afụ ugo kwa daa
- the eye that sees an eagle should adore it, for only rarely are eagles seen -
Video Courtesy of Africa-Related
Interdisciplinary African Arts Conference of the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria in honour of El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu
Theme: African Art and Artists after the Millennial Turn
Venue: Princess Alexandria Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Date: 24-27 June 2015
This conference adopts an interdisciplinary approach to the discourse of the current state of art and artists in Africa and in the African Diaspora. It is our tribute to two important global artists associated with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, whose work over the past four decades demonstrates the multiple layers of critical, historical, and other narrative contexts that African art engenders today. Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu are acclaimed for creating a respectable body of works that have grown to defy any marginal critical or historical narrative - a microcosm of the form and content of African art today.
The four-day even was attended by artists and educators from various countries including UK, Spain, The United States, Germany etc. The program was packed with activities such as breakout sessions, art exhibitions, guided tours etc.
The broad theme of the conference, “African Art and Artists after the Millennial Turn” proposes an interdisciplinary approach to the discourse of the current state of art and artists in Africa and in the African Diaspora. Under the banner “Anya Fulu Ugo”, this maiden edition was held in honour of Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu.
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El Anatsui Visits KNUST Kumasi
BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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El Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Induction Ceremony To American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AMACAD) inducted 204 new members at Havard University Cambridge on October 10 & 11, 2014 . They include some of the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders.
OYIZA ADABA - Cambridge, MA
Photos by Africa-RelATD
Letters of Acceptance line up the halls of The American Academy of Arts & Sciences at Havard University, Cambridge, MA.
El Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Induction Ceremony to The American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AMACAD) inducted 204 new members at Havard University Cambridge on October 10 & 11, 2014 . They include some of the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders. Two prominent Africans were also on the list - novelist & playwright Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o for Literary Criticism from University of California, Irvine; and former Professor of Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka El Anatsui as a Foreign Honorary Member in Visual Arts Criticism and Practice.
NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS, APRIL 2014
TOTAL: 204
FELLOWS: 188
FOREIGN HONORARY MEMBERS: 16
EL Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Inducted
Since its founding in 1780, The Academy has served as a champion of scholarship, civil dialogue, and useful knowledge. As one of the country's oldest learned societies and independent policy research centers, the Academy convenes leaders from the academic, business, and government sectors to respond to the challenges facing the United States and the rest of the world.
AMACAD’s membership encompasses over 4,600 Fellows and 600 Foreign Honorary Members; and reflects the full range of disciplines and professions including mathematics, physical and biological sciences, medicine, social sciences and humanities, business, government, public affairs, and the arts. Among the Academy's Fellows are more than 250 Nobel laureates and 60 Pulitzer Prize winners. The strength of the Academy lies in the intellectual leadership of its members and the wide range of expertise they bring to its studies and publications.
Letters of Acceptance Class of 2014
Past inductees include Nelson Mandela (2009), Albert Einstein (1924), Martin Luther King Jnr (1966), Bill Clinton (2006), Quincy Jones (2001), Thomas Jefferson (1987), Al Pacino (2014), George Washington (1781), Colin Powell (2009), Alan Alda (2006), Paul McCartney (2012), T.S Eliot (1954), Emmylou Harris (2009), Joan Miro (1961) and many more.
DELA: The Making of El Anatsui is a biographical documentary about one of the world's greatest sculptors. .
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OCCUPY NIGERIA PROTEST OJOTA LAGOS DAY 1
February 20, 2014
Photos by Africa-Related
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OCCUPY NIGERIA DAY 2 MARINA & JAKANDE-LEKKI
FEBRUARY 2, 2014
Photos by Africa-Related
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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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Jazz Singer Yinka Davis @ Jazzhole
New Album Listen - Black Schiffon Available @ Jazz Hole Ikoyi & online http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Y inkaDavies
Lagos, Nigeria - May 14, 2011
Photos by Africa-Related
Yinka Davies Live!!!
New Album Listen - Black Schiffon Available @ Jazz Hole Ikoyi & online http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Y inkaDavies
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Messengers Season I & II Press Photos
Jul 8, 2006 – Sep 30, 2010
photos by Africa Related
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Memory Lane: A visit to China Achebe at Bard College
African journalists and educators Okey Ndibe, Joyce Ashuntantang, Omoyele Sowore and Oyiza Adaba visit Prof Chinua Achebe at Bard College in 2008
Press Release
African journalists and educators Okey Ndibe, Joyce Ashuntantang, Omoyele Sowore and Oyiza Adaba visited Prof. Chinua Achebe at his home at Bard College in 2008.
Annandale-on Hudson February 2008
Biyi Bandele's OROONOKO Playing in New York City Theatre
Nigerian playwright Biyi Bandele’s 'OROONOKO' is playing in New York City from February 2- March 9, 2008
BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NEW YORK
Nigerian-born playwright and novelist Biyi Bandele speaks with Tuzyline Jita Allan about his daring and politically-charged adaptation of the 17th century classic Oroonoko, a story of a journey from kingship to slavery, written by Aphra Behn, the first professional female author in Europe. Ooronoko, which was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, will have its US premiere at Theater for a ‘new audience’ in February.
Oroonoko
Biyi Bandele’s daring and politically-charged adaptation of the 17th century classic Oroonoko, a story of a journey from kingship to slavery, written by Aphra Behn.
Biyi Bandele's plays have been presented at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court and Royal National Theatre, and his novels include The Sympathetic Undertaker and Burma Boy. Tuzyline Jita Allan is a Professor of English at Baruch College, editor of Women Writing Africa, and author of Womanist and Feminist Aesthetics: A Comparative Review.
Oroonoko first premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1999 where it was acclaimed as 'a true act of cultural reclamation’. Biyi Bandele, a prolific Nigerian writer residing in England, was commissioned by the RSC to adapt Aphra Behn's 1688 novella Oroonoko. With vibrant words, drumming and dance based on Yoruba culture, Bandele interpretes the tragic love story, a journey from kingship to slavery, rebellion and death.
Aphra Behn (b.1640-1689) was the first professional female author in Europe. Living for a time in Surinam in the Caribbean, Behn based her 1688 novella Oroonoko on tales told by the African slaves brought over by the Dutch.
Bandele himself is a descendent of a returned slave, and his plays have been presented at the RSC, Royal Court and Royal National Theatre. Juwon Ogungbe composed the original score while Kate Whoriskey directed at LAByrinth Theatre Company, the Goodman, American Repertory Theatre, and the Intiman Theater.
The cast include Che Ayende, David Barlow, Greg Derelian, Mar Gueye, Ira Hawkins, Jordan C. Haynes, Albert Jones, Ezra Knight, Graeme Malcolm, LeRoy McClain, Toi Perkins, Christen Simon & John Douglas Thompson
The highly acclaimed 'Oroonoko' opens in New York City on February 2nd 2008.
February 2- March 9, 2008
The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 West 42nd Street, New York
For more information: www.tfana.com
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Photos: Kofo the Wonderman & The Daylight Stars @ ZINC Bar NYC
Multi-talented Kofo Wonder performs at Freedom Park, Lagos
By Oyiza Adaba | Photos: Africa-Related New York
Kofo Wonder & The Daylight Stars at Zinc Bar NYC (Photos: Africa-Related/2008)
Our crew spent a wonderful evening with Kofo the Wonderman & The Daylight Stars taping our TV series MESSENGERS at Zinc Bar NYC.
PHOTOS
