Prolific singer and songwriter, Adekunle Kosoko, better known as Adekunle Gold and White House Productions are set to jointly produce a documentary spanning the last century of Yoruba music.
The documentary, titled, The Odyssey, will trace the history and evolution of different subcultures within Yoruba music, including Were, Sakara, Apala, Juju, AfroJuju and Fuji, among others. The documentary’s stellar cast of producers, headed by executive producer, Bobo Omotayo, is already garnering attention within the music industry.
The Odyssey, which is now in production, promises to be a revelatory investigation of the Yoruba people’s cultural legacy and musical tradition. The documentary, directed by award-winning filmmaker, Abba T. Makama and produced by 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.
Adekunle Gold will serve as a producer alongside Tosin Ashafa, Papa Omotayo and Makama, 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.
The Odyssey will feature 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.
Speaking with The Guardian, Makama 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.”
On his part, Bobo Omotayo, said their 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.”
Adekunle Gold said the documentary is more than simply another project but 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,” he said.
Omotayo said they are inviting potential partners to explore opportunities for innovative and brand collaborations, such as their collaboration with award-winning photographer, Andrew Esiebo. He said Andrew has become a part of the crew, capturing unique and intimate moments with the documentary’s subjects, 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. 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 Odyssey‘s release date will be announced soon,” he said.
