By Rita Okoye
A special kind of magic happens when heartfelt music is played in a historical setting, where history breathes through every brick and view.
Let’s call it the marriage of music and history.
Sporting a bespoke suit while performing his renditions of well-loved classics in the majestic King William Court at the University of Greenwich, Okeowo Francis, better known by his stage name FranSax, transforms the atmosphere into a paradise of love.
FranSax’s take on Elvis Presley’s classic, “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, is enchanting. With heartfelt emotion, his saxophone delivers a tender ballad about the inevitability of love. Its warm, rich tones bring a new dimension of romance to the already timeless song.
His soulful performance is beyond a mere auditory experience. Its emotional importance echoes through the storied architecture and expansive surroundings of Maritime Greenwich, harmoniously blending with the locale’s unique ambience. This performance, captured on video, has been shared across the web, allowing fans to experience the charm of the University of Greenwich through FranSax’s music.
But that’s not all about FranSax and this picturesque venue.
In another video, FranSax performs his rendition of another classic: “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, a song that reflects the themes of love and eternity.
This particular video adds visual storytelling to the mix. A tender scene of a man and woman showing affection, their love story unfolding against the backdrop of FranSax’s melodious tune and the university’s timeless beauty. The video not only highlights FranSax’s musical talent but also captures the essence of love amidst one of London’s most scenic spots.
The University of Greenwich plays a dual role in these music videos. It acts as a venue as well as a character in the narratives. The sprawling campus, with its architecture that spans centuries, provides a perfect stage where each note seems to have its own history. FranSax’s performances here are not mere efforts to replicate classic love songs, they’re events where the audience can feel the depth of each tune, amplified by the setting’s rich heritage.
These videos have become a sort of love letter to music enthusiasts and lovebirds. They serve as telltales of how the fusion of music, serene location, and love can create something truly special. FranSax, with his saxophone, attracts fans into this beautiful world, where each performance feels like a private concert within the regal King William Court.
This Review is written by Michael Kolawole, a screenwriter, poet and cultural journalist, who explores the intersection of music, culture and history in his work.