Adekunle Gold Joins The Odyssey as Co-Producer to Celebrate 100 Years of Yoruba Music

Nigerian renowned singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold has been engaged in a thrilling new endeavour as co-producer on an innovative documentary probing Yoruba music’s evolution and its effect on Afrobeats, titled The Odyssey. Still, in production, it will cover a timeline of 100 years of the expansion of Yoruba sounds like Wéré, Sakara, Apala, Juju, Afrojuju, and Fuji, responsible for this successful today internationally known Afrobeats genre.

Directed by renowned filmmaker Abba T. Makama and spearheaded by executive producer Bobo Omotayo, The Odyssey promises to offer an immersive journey through the cultural, social, and historical significance of Yoruba music. Adekunle Gold joins an impressive production team that includes Tosin Ashafa and Papa Omotayo, bringing his industry expertise and deep connection to Yoruba heritage to the table.

This documentary is more than just another project, Adekunle Gold shared. It’s an opportunity to honour the history of a sound that has shaped music culture worldwide. I’m thrilled to work with such a talented team to bring this story to life with authenticity and energy.

White House Productions has assembled a stellar cast of contributors for the documentary: celebrated music historians, academics, chart-topping artists, legendary producers, and music journalists will share insight and stories that outline the depth of Yoruba music’s legacy.

Director Abba T. Makama praised the synergy among the team:

Collaborating with these producers, each bringing their unique perspectives, has made the creative process dynamic and inspiring. We’ve already captured some truly fascinating interviews, and Adekunle Gold’s involvement has added a fresh layer of depth to our storytelling.

Bobo Omotayo, the executive producer, added,

Our aim has always been to showcase the essence of Yoruba music and do justice to its legacy. Adekunle Gold’s passion and understanding of the genre make him an invaluable part of this project.

The Odyssey will accompany a photography exhibition that is part of the documentary, captured by award-winning photographer Andrew Esiebo. The intimate and powerful images will document behind-the-scenes moments, private interactions, and onstage performances of the documentary’s subjects. It will premiere along with the film, giving the audience a multisensory celebration of Yoruba music and its cultural resonance.

The producers also invite potential collaborators to join the project, promising innovative partnerships to amplify the documentary’s impact.

Whether you’re familiar with the Yoruba music legends of past generations or curious about the roots of Afrobeats, The Odyssey offers a rich exploration of the sounds that have defined and shaped Nigerian and African music over the last century. With its in-depth storytelling, expert commentary, and vibrant visuals, the documentary aims to entertain, educate, and inspire.

According to Adekunle Gold, The Odyssey is more than a documentary; it’s a tribute to the music and culture that continues to shape the global soundscape.

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Ikenna Churchill

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