I don’t know what to say about this guy, but one thing I know is that he is on a mission.
It has become so obvious that some serious business is about to go down when Adédèjì flew into Lagos last week for four straight “all day rehearsal” in preparation for his six-week European tour tagged ‘Yoruba Odyssey.’
My interest and excitement are in him choosing to come back home from Europe to rehearse and pick his team that will go on tour with him from back home in Lagos, Nigeria rather than getting session men either foreign or Nigerians in Europe.
Not because it’s cheaper but because in his words “Nigeria has massive talents that must be given more exposure and if I don’t do it who will? Also how do we create opportunities for others if we don’t do this?”
Deji is the kind of guy that takes risks and makes me have a rethink and be proud to be an music promoter amongst other things.
A selfless individual in this hugely egoistic and largely self-exalting business I find myself in. He is a breath of fresh air both in terms of his music and also his personality.
Deji is a true ‘omoluabi’ and I am so proud of what’s happening to and for him.
Headlining Respect Concert in Prague, Czech alongside Ethio French KUTU on June 16, Adédèjì made the audience go berserk as the eclectic vibes from his nine-piece band from Lagos hit them hard note by note.
As an observer said, one could not adequately describe the feeling as the band dished out the Yorùbá funky groove from his YORÙBÁ ODYSSEY and AFREEKANISM albums.
The intense energy coming from the stage and connecting the crowd to the band left everyone reeling and there was an endless call for an encore to the music which the Czech community of critics term as some of the best Afrobeat since the days of Fela Kuti.
Adedeji’s tour continues as the party moves to Denmark for the biggest music festival in Europe, Roskilde in Copenhagen, Denmark. There, he will be proudly flying the Nigerian flag on the same stage that will have the likes of Grammy winner Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, Busta Rhymes, Kendrick Lamar, etc.
His Yoruba Odessey musical onslaught is not going to spare anyone as Netherlands (Afrika Festival Hertme) and Germany (Sounds of Bridges) will also be getting the full dose of the organic broth to be served early and mid July respectively.
His Yoruba Odessey journey continues at the Belgian municipal of Boechout, Antwerp for the Sfinks Mixed Festival where he and his team will represent the African continent alongside Salif Keita and our own Yemi Alade.
One can’t but be on alert to watch out for this rising African musician on the scene intentionally representing Nigeria and Africa and making us proud.
I say well done to this creative young man. May your effort be well rewarded.
Shalom.
