Adekunle Gold to Co-Produce Documentary on 100 Years of Yoruba Music
Award-winning Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold is set to co-produce a documentary that will explore the rich, diverse history of Yoruba music, spanning over a century. The documentary, titled “The Odyssey”, will delve into the evolution of various subcultures within Yoruba music, including genres such as Were, Sakara, Apala, Juju, AfroJuju, and Fuji.
In collaboration with White House Productions, Adekunle Gold will work alongside a stellar team of producers, including Executive Producer Bobo Omotayo, Tosin Ashafa, Papa Omotayo, and renowned director Abba Makama. Together, they will bring the fascinating history and cultural significance of Yoruba music to life. With his deep understanding of the music industry and love for Yoruba culture, Adekunle Gold’s involvement is sure to elevate the project, blending personal insights with his extensive network in the music world.
A Storied History in the Making
“The Odyssey” will provide an illuminating journey through Yoruba music’s evolution, from its origins to its global impact. The documentary will feature exclusive interviews with prominent music historians, academics, celebrated artists, legendary producers, record label owners, and journalists, both past and present. The aim is to showcase the profound influence Yoruba music has had, not just in Nigeria, but on the global music scene, especially its impact on the popular genre of Afrobeats.
Director Abba Makama expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “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.”
A Vision for Authentic Storytelling
The documentary’s executive producer, Bobo Omotayo, emphasized the project’s commitment to authenticity, stating, “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.”
For Adekunle Gold, the documentary represents more than just another project—it’s a powerful opportunity to honor the history of Yoruba music, a genre that has profoundly shaped global music culture. He shared his excitement, saying, “This documentary is more than simply another project; it’s an opportunity to highlight 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.”
Capturing the Essence Through Photography
In addition to the documentary itself, the team has partnered with award-winning photographer Andrew Esiebo, who will capture intimate moments with the subjects of the documentary, both onstage and in private settings. This captivating collection of images will complement the film and will be showcased in a vibrant exhibition that will open alongside the documentary’s premiere. The exhibition aims to highlight the raw emotion and energy of the figures who have shaped Yoruba music throughout the years.
Looking Ahead
While the release date for “The Odyssey” has yet to be announced, the documentary promises to be an essential exploration of Yoruba music and its profound influence. As the project continues to gain momentum, the team is also seeking potential partners for innovative collaborations, adding further excitement to this groundbreaking endeavor.
With Adekunle Gold at the helm, “The Odyssey” is set to be a remarkable journey into the past, present, and future of Yoruba music, offering audiences both visual and auditory experiences that celebrate the essence of this influential musical genre.
