A new documentary, entitled “The Odyssey”, is set to detail Yoruba music’s 100-year history to Afrobeats and beyond. “The Odyssey” will take viewers on an illuminating journey through the history of Yoruba music, its cultural significance, and its impact on Afrobeats, and evolution of different subcultures in the last century, including Were, Sakara, Apala, Juju, AfroJuju, and Fuji, among many others.
“The Odyssey, which will feature a stellar cast of producers, including singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold, is garnering attention within the music industry and sets sights on global audiences. The documentary directed by award-winning filmmaker Abba T. Makama and produced by executive producer Bobo Omotayo, takes viewers on an immersive journey through the captivating rhythms and rich history of Yoruba music, revealing its profound influence on the global music scene and role in shaping the emergence of Afrobeats.
White House Productions has announced that Gold will serve as a co-producer alongside Tosin Ashafa, Omotayo, to enhance the documentary’s storyline with his knowledge of the industry, network, and love of Yoruba music. This formidable group is committed to providing an exciting, genuine look at our history, culture, and where we’re going from here.
Abba Makama, Director: “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.”
On his part, the executive producer said: “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. The film, which is now under production, also features some of Nigeria’s most revered music historians, academics, chart-topping artists, music legends, iconic producers, record label owners, and music journalists, both past and present.”
Gold, the co-producer stated: “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.”
“The team invites potential partners to explore opportunities for innovative and brand collaborations. An example of this is a current collaboration with the award-winning photographer, Andrew Esiebo. Esiebo has become a part of the crew, capturing unique and intimate moments with the subjects in the documentary, both in private settings and onstage. This captivating collection of images will highlight a distinctive exhibition that underscores the profound emotion and energy of these figures. While the Odyssey’s release date will be announced soon, the exhibition will open alongside the premiere of the documentary, offering audiences a vibrant experience that honours the essence of Yoruba music through both visual and auditory elements,” the film’s producer stated.
Makama is an award-winning filmmaker and visual artist from Nigeria. His feature film debut, “Green White Green” had its 2016 world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival. Since then it has screened at over twenty international film festivals, including the Stockholm International Film Festival,
On the other hand, Omotayo is a force in the promotion and preservation of Yoruba music, with a remarkable portfolio of pioneering programmes and events, especially under his cultural umbrella “FUJI: A Opera’. FUJI: A Opera” is a multi-dimensional entertainment platform that deconstructs and reimagines the mysterious Fuji music genre for a new generation of music and cultural enthusiasts.
Gold is a Nigerian born and bred singer-songwriter who gained recognition from his very first release, “Sade” a love song released as a cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life” which led to him signing a recording contract with a Nigerian label YBNL just two weeks after its release.
