Nigerian singer and songwriter, Adekunle Gold, has joined Bobo Omotayo and award-winning filmmaker, Abba Makama, as co-producer for the upcoming music documentary ‘The Odyssey’.
Currently in production, ‘The Odyssey’ chronicles the history, evolution of Yoruba music, and its various subculture like Were, Sakara, Apala, Juju, Afro Juju, Fuji, among others, to the present, whilst highlighting its significant and impact to Afrobeats.
The documentary will feature sounds, images and interview segments with Nigeria’s music legends, record label owners, chart-topping artistes, producers, and music journalists both past and present.
Adekunle Gold brings to the project his background of highlife, folk storytelling; his capacity to infuse Afropop with Afrobeats, Fuji, Juju, R&B and Amapiano and his networks from collaborations with diverse African and International artistes to play.
Enthused by the artiste’s involvement, Makama (Green White Green 2016, The Last Okoroshi 2019) said, “Working with these producers, each with their own backgrounds and perspectives has enlivened the creative process. We’ve already captured some incredibly fascinating interviews, and Adekunle Gold’s involvement adds a new dynamic layer to the story.”
“Our goal from the start has been to make a documentary that gives justice to Yoruba music by showcasing its essence. Our dedication to genuine and diverse storytelling is strengthened by Adekunle Gold’s addition to our team,” said Omotayo.
For his part, the artiste noted that beyond just another project, The Odyssey, aims at highlighting the history of a sound that has shaped and will continue to shape music culture around the world. “Working with the rest of the team, I can’t wait to bring this story to life with authenticity, energy and enthusiasm.”
Additionally, The White House Production team is also open to innovative collaborations on the documentary, in the manner of photographer Andrew Esiebo – who as part of the crew captures unique and intimate moments with the documentary’s subjects both in private and onstage settings.
Esiebo’s photographs on the documentary will be exhibited in same time as The Odyssey’s premiere, on a later to be announced date, to offer audiences a visual auditory experience that honours the essence of Yoruba music.
