EDAOTO & THE AFROGENIUS BAND IN LAGOS’ LIFE SERIES NOVEMBER EDITION

‘And there was no hiding the fact that the audience had a fulfilled day at the show. Many of them, like the ace dancer, Dayo Liadi 'ijodee', Lekan Balogun, one of the strong voices in contemporary Nigeria theatre industry, Segun Adefila of Crown Troupe of Africa, with some of his dance team, would want the band to continue even after their three hours of Afrobeat performance.’

The November edition of Edaoto and the Afrogenius Band’s Lagos’ Life Series took place last Saturday against every odd that seemed would put off this every second Saturday of the month Afrobeat show.

The first of these odds started earlier in the month when the band leader and lead vocalist embark on a 12-day performance tour with the ace dancer and director of Ijodee Dance Troupe- Dayo Liadi. The aftermath of this was that the band could not hold its rehearsal since the main man was absent.

As if this was not enough, at the beginning of the same month, the band’s only guitarist lost his father to the cold hands of death. Ibukun Ogini was therefore crossed out of rehearsal, if the band could even improvise any, much the same way he was not considered for the performance of 12^th of November. The November edition was dedicated to his late father. Certainly, this is not too much an honour for a man who was a fan of band in his life time. The band would not forget that many a time they held their rehearsals in the late clergyman’s compound.

The story was not different with Tobi Oguntade, the band’s bassist and Okanlaa Folarin one of the band’s two saxophonists who were both unavoidably absent. Tobi Oguntade was sitting his first examination at Yaba College of Technology where he is a freshman. While,Okanlaa Folarin on his part was in Edo state, Benin city, on a national call. He is a member of the country’s supporters club that went to cheer Nigeria match against Botswana.

Nonetheless, because the band as a resolution that says come what, Lagos’ Life Series will not suffer continuity, the few members who were earlier by the 7pm take off time of the show were there to make things happen.

Meanwhile, the audience who could not fully comprehend these lapses was saturated with apprehension on how an Afrobeat band would survive in the absence of percussion that is the trust of its groove. But this fear did not last long as some of the band members began to trickle in single digit.

Interestingly and unexpectedly, it was Ibukun Oginni who first show-up at the start of the show. His Afro-hair and fair complexion could not hide the fact that he was yet to get over the death of his loving father. No doubt, there is a sense in how his fellow members and audience fill that he came notwithstanding, because of his faithfulness to his profession. Not too long afterward, Dayo…..also came in. Then, the typical grooving of Edaoto and the Afrogenius Band which the audience is familiar with resuscitate in full swing.

And there was no hiding the fact that the audience had a fulfilled day at the show. Many of them, like the ace dancer, Dayo Liadi, Lekan Balogun, one of the strong voices in contemporary Nigeria theatre industry; Segun Adefila of Crown Troupe of Africa, with some of his dance team, would want the band to continue even after their three hours of Afrobeat performance.

‘…at the beginning of the same month, the band’s only guitarist lost his father to the cold hands of death. Ibukun Ogini was therefore crossed out of rehearsal…The November edition was dedicated to his late father. Certainly, this is not too much an honour for a man who was a fan of band in his life time. The band would not forget that many a time they held their rehearsals in the late clergyman’s compound.’

Reported by: ’ari-ajia lanre

LAGOS’ LIFE SERIES, THE OCTOBER EDITION

‘We enjoyed what we see here…tell the world that we do.’ Those were the words of Mssrs Ghalem, the head of French Cultural Centre, Lagos office and Ibrahim, the centre’s Technical Officer during the October edition of Lagos’ Life Series. These were not ordinary accolades. For the members of Edaoto and Afrogenius Band the fact that the arrow-head of French culture and his lieutenant would spend an approximately two hours of their busy time to listen and continually applaud the band performance was a metaphor of endorsement on its own; not to mention their good words.

This every second Saturday, monthly Afrobeat show as usual commenced at 7pm, at its present in situ- Savannah Bar and Restaurant, 42, Iwaya Road. By the time the show took off, dignitaries such as the two mentioned above were already seated; same for the teaming fans of the band that continues to increase in such an admirable digit. It was as usual expected that the band continues to be in the good book of their fans. Evidently, the fans are beginning to master the songs of this band, as well as their musical dexterities. Edaoto, the band leader, only have to say Gbagba, and one is sure that the audience will not wait for the refrain reply of his member. They often first the band boys in the reply of this onomatopoeia that is not only a covert word for a call to performance action but somewhat becoming the band’s signature turn. This is a pointer to one thing: that the fans are fully into the groove of this band.

The October edition of Edaoto and Afrogenius Band showcased other interesting musicians and instrumentalists such as …. who left the audience jaw-dropping when he exhibited another talent of his where he sang lengthily… Perhaps, one remarkable essence of this skill is that there was no mistaking the lyrics of the popular tune he reproduced that evening. Other artistes include the ever reliable clan from Crown Troupe of Africa.

More and more, Lagos’ Life Series continue to reaffirm the fact that it is not any kind of programme, the reason why it should not be compared with any other programmed; least, not with any from Savannah Bar, simply because this Afrobeat evening is on the role call of programmes that happen at this rendezvous. Lagos’ Life Series is in a world of its own. It is the only programme at the bar that can boost of the presence of the crème de la crème of the Nigeria Literary and Art enclave, as well as, the Who-is-Who in Nigeria, in its audience. Let us not over-flog the obvious Lagos’ Life Series does conscious music that is outside the orientation of other programmes/ performers at this event place.

“Evidently, the fans are beginning to master the songs of this band, as well as their musical dexterities. Edaoto, the band leader, only have to say Gbagba, and one is sure that the audience will not wait for the refrain reply of his member. They often first the band boys in the reply of this onomatopoeia that is not only a covert word for a call to performance action but somewhat becoming the band’s signature turn.”

Report by: ARI-AJIA lanre

Edaoto plays for Soyinka

EDAOTO SINGS FOR PROFESSOR WOLE SOYINKA
“As always, this Afrobeat artiste performed to the teaming audience at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, venue of this celebration. Evidently, one of his songs titled Fe ni fo ro, has become a national anthem as the entire audience in the hall took the song off his mouth.”
On the 13th of last month Professor Wole Soyinka, Africa first Noble Laurent for literature turned 77 years. Felicitations for him came from every corner of the world. This is not a surprise. It has always been the story, every year, for some time now. Even though it may be difficult to place hand on when this man of letter’s birthday celebration becomes a national event, a la global, it would certainly not be too far from the time of his investiture into the Stockholm circle.
Sometimes, against Professor Wole Soyinka’s disposition, literates go ahead to mark his birthday. So much that art and literary enthusiasts look forward to this annual ritual that always take more than just a day to celebrate a living legend, one of Africa gifts to humanity.
As part of the programme celebrating the literary icon’s birthday this year, National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP, Lagos State chapter rolled out series of programmes. One such programme was Edaoto performance. As always, this Afrobeat artiste performed to the teaming audience at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, venue of this celebration. Evidently, one of his songs titled Fe ni fo ro, has become a national anthem as the entire audience in the hall took the song off his mouth.
The audience disaffections at his leaving the stage at the end of his performance was returned when again Edaoto re-appeared on stage to provide a musical accomplishment for Dayo liadi ijodii, the well travelled dancer-chorographer when it was his turn to perform.
Edaoto, the band leader of Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band is not a stranger to solo performance as the one at the auspices of the foremost thespians’ association in Nigeria. It is what exigency like low budget the organizer could provide. Nevertheless, this does not always diminish his output in any way.

EDAOTO & THE AFROGENIUS BAND IN ARCHIVE: A CURSORY FLIPPING THROUGH LAGOS LITERARY AND ART LANDSCAPE-report by 'Ari-ajia lanre

The Nigeria Arts and Literary firmament is wide and interestingly it continues to expand within and without the bounder of this country under what is called Diaspora Literature / Arts. Ironically, the spaces available for Literary and Arts exhibitions do not correspond with the available creative high entropy in the land. The truth is that like it is with other sectors of the Nigeria society the management and promotion of Arts have come under low funding as a result of the country’s deficit economy. However for even a few platforms there are in the country, this cursory report does not claim to unveil even a few of them; nor the roles of Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band in them.

Therefore, like we were taught in Regional Geography, back in secondary school: that a study of the climatic and the general landscape of one of the sub-Sahara Africa countries will suffice for the rest; this technique is what we shall adopt here- in taking a speed of light look at Arts in Nigeria, and the role of Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band in it.

Against this background, there can be no any better state in Nigeria that is more qualified a sample for this assignment among the 36 states in Nigeria than Lagos State. Of course Lagos is more than being the commercial heart-beat of the country it is also the country’s cultural meeting-point.

Sequel, any Art that can find its root in Lagos State can represent the country; hence, we welcome you to a parochial narrative album of Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band in the last one, two years.

ANA- ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA AUTHORS- This is the umbrella association of Nigeria writers, and it has branches in all the 36 states of the Federation. The Lagos state chapter meets once in every month at Aina Onabolu Hall, National Theater, Iganmu, Lagos. It is on record that one of the regular performers at this writers’ gathering is Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band till date.

P.L.A.Y: This acronym stands for POETRY, LAUGH, AND, YOU. It is part of Guarantee Trust Bank social responsibility to Arts and Literature. It is always a three-day of poetry and poetic-songs performances. Since it started in 2009 at Terra-culture, Tiamiyu Salvage, Victoria Island, Lagos, Edaoto has never been omitted at this event that married Arts with corporate initiative.

CORA-COMMITTEE for RELIVANT ARTS, is a frontline culture and arts promotional establishment in Nigeria arts and literary space. The group has a handful of programmes under her label; some of these programmes are LABAF- Lagos Book Fair and Elders’ Forum. Since the days of LABAF at the courtyard of Onikan National Museum to its present National Theatre multipurpose hall, Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band remains one of the performers at this annual international event.

WORLDSLAM: A poetry gathering that showcases the best of Nigeria poetry performers. It is a project of Culture Advocate Committee in collaboration with Goethe Institute. The first two editions of this project took place inside the former location of Goethe Institute along Lekki express, Ajah, Lagos. Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band has never missed performing at any of these events; even when it was moved to the open space of National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.the next one is on the 24th 0f sept.visit;www.wordslam.blogspot.com

WORLD & SOUND: This is also a poetry performance evening, though now rested. It is the creation of Beautiful Nubia, the Vet-Medicine turned Nigeria musician. This programme, and those who were not missing it at JazzVile can never forget Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band for his jaw dropping performances.

NAIJAZZ FESTIVAL: This is a Lagos state government sponsored event. It paraded the best of Nigeria Jazzy performers, saxophonists and the likes. It is an exclusive platform for Jazz players and instrumentalists, however, because of the outstanding performance of Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band, aside the fact that Afrobeat is to Africa what Jazz is to the western world, the band has remain a regular at it's yearly event.

IFE POETRY FESTIVAL: This yearly poetry festival holds regularly at OAU- Obafemi Awolowo University, under the directorate of the pharmacist-poet, Professor Laminkanra. The rush that always accords this event in the university community is an index of the popularity of the event in the school. Ditto, the popularity of Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band among the students and the varsity’s don alike.

BEAUTIFUL NUBIA:The ambience of Sparkle Bar, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, is a place for the Nigeria Canada based music artiste- Beautiful Nubia to treat his audience to his genre of music that is full with African vibe; and one of the regular performers at this show is always Edaoto.

CROWN TROUPE: The multiple awards winning movement analyst holds their regular performance at Motherland, Opebi-Allen, Ikeja. It has become commonplace that Edaoto is one of the a la carte this group always looks forward to serving their fans.

SOUL STORM: This is one of the creative platforms in the country. It is the brain-child of The Pen Society- a literati organization that is entirely inclusive to all genres of creativity. When Edaoto, the leader of Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band was invited as Guest Artiste by TPS during one of their monthly show, his outstanding performance made the audience to request for his return, several times than one.

POETRY POTTER: This is a creation of Kowry Kreations Media. As its name suggest, one of the management concerns is the promotion of poetry; and since its establishment some five years ago, Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band was a face to look forward to during this once in every one month programme at the Rotunda Hall, National Library, Alago-meji, Yaba, Lagos.


etc, etc…

FEATURE:

Edaoto, the founder and lead vocal of Edaoto & the Afrogenius Band has enjoyed cordiality from other artistes in no small measure. Like it is with those who have listened to him sing, other musicians too seem incapable to hide their admittance and admiration for his musical dexterity. This is perhaps the pointer for his inclusion in their works. However, as against many offers that he has had from other musicians, Edaoto would only attend to a few of them. No doubt, this is unconnected with his own philosophy of what quality music is, and if a music is serving humanity. From all indication, Edaoto’s philosophy of quality music is not restricted to Afrobeat, though this is his own fort, he however would not compromise the fact that any quality music must respond to the psycho-emotional need of the people, as well as, their socio-politic marginalization.

Hence, in recent time he has featured in the work of such artistes as would be alighted in the following paragraphs.

ELELE TURE: The title of a new poetry CD from the award winning poet, Akeem Lasisi. This work runs largely on the theme of love; and, the role of Edaoto in its success is inestimable. All through the poetic performances, he provided apt songs that make this work loveable by not only literary enthusiasts; even by-standers cannot but acknowledge the effort of Edaoto.

WHERE RIVERS SING A SONG: This is the poetry CD from the poet-musician, Segun Akinlolu (aka Beautiful Nubia). Edaoto was one of the singers-audience in the largely interactive poetry CD.

ORI-AGBE: A EULOGY FOR PROFESSOR WOLE SOYINKA: This is another poetry CD from the poet-journalist, Akeem Lasisi. As the title indicated, it is a praise-poetry for Professor Wole Soyinka’s achievement as an activist, writer, humanist among others, in a way that is panegyric-like. And like with Elele Ture, Edaoto’s input was simple invaluable.

Al islam: This is another feat from Edaoto’s musical finesse. Kafayat Kafidipe (the popular actress from Saworo-Ide), was the main act in this Islamic music. The fact that Edaoto would feature in this genre of music that is known for its own peculiar modulation is worth commendation.

in those days wit oga Ropo Ewenla,Awoko and Edun productions,2004@Yaba tech.

Osaaa mo pe Yoruba nimi
mo je adulawo Ife sa lorirunmi
Osaa mo pe omo Awoyokun nimi oo
Lagos nigeria Ife sa na ti danran mi oo
Omo to so le nu o sapo ya ko ni
emi oni fowo osi juwe le iba mi
omo to so lenu osa po ya ko ni
emi oni fowo osi juwe le iyee mi

adulawo ni mi
osa gbooko mi
adulawo ni
osaa rawo mi
adulawo nimi
osaa gbo npa asa mi
adulawonimi
oosaa gbohun enu mi oo

Our names tell stories
Our names tell stories
Our place get histories
Our place get histories
Dont let us forget our histories
cos in it lies our victories
Blackman dont let us forget our histories
cos in it lies our victories

Adulawo nimi etc

Our names tell stories
Our names tell stories
Our place get histories
Our place get histories
Dont let us forget our histories
cos in it lies our victories
Blackman dont let us forget our histories
cos in it lies our victories

Korus
Adulawo nimi etc

toba je adulawo nie
ko ye ko gbagbe asa re
toba je adulawo nie
ko ye ko gbagbe itan re
toba je adulawo nie
koye ko gbagbe esin re
to ba je adulawo niee
koye ko gbagbe oro agba awon adugbo re oo.