By Tosin Ajirire
Afro-fusion musician, Adedeji Adetayo recently flew into Lagos from Greece in preparation for his six weeks tour of Europe.
Unlike some foreign-based Nigerian artistes who would rather go for a white only band, Adedeji had come to Lagos to assemble eight home-based musicians that will accompany him on the tour.
Starting on June 19 at Respect Festival in Prague, the tour continues as the band heads to the biggest music festival in Europe, Roskilde in Copenhagen, Denmark. Adedeji will be flying the Nigerian flag on the same stage that will feature the likes of Grammy winner, Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, Busta Rhymes, and Kendrick Lamar etc.
The musical onslaught will not spare anyone or anything, as Netherlands (Afrika Festival Hertme) and Germany (Sounds of Bridges) will also get the full dose of the organic broth in early and mid-July respectively.
The trail continues at the Belgian municipal of Boechout, Antwerp for Sfinks Mixed Festival where Adedeji will represent the African continent alongside Salif Keita and Afrobeats diva, Yemi Alade.
In this rare interview, Adedeji opened up on his preference for Nigerian musicians for the Europe tour. Here are excerpts.
Tell us briefly about yourself?
Adedeji Adetayo is a Lagos-born musician cum guitarist, who originally hailed from Ile-Ife, Osun State. I studied Music Technology at The Polytechnic Ibadan and later attended at Prins Claus Conservatory of Music, Hanze University, Netherlands where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in music. Also, I have Diploma and Licentiate degree from London College of Music. I am currently based in Greece and I have been touring Europe, Africa and the Americas in the last 15 years. I have released three studio albums and collaborated with numerous artistes both in Nigeria and around the world. My choice of instrument is the voice and guitar. However, I play other instruments like keyboard and percussions.
You are based in Europe but what brought you to Nigeria?
Yes, I have been based in Europe for over 15 years, but I have always kept in touch with home, which means creating a band here and frequently stopping by for concerts and festivals when available or invited. I am here to take my 9-piece band on a short European tour. So, I am here to prepare the band for the Yoruba Odyssey tour! My Yoruba Odyssey album has been receiving great reviews around the world. Already, it’s top on Songline magazine and No. 1 in Japan music magazine.
Do you have any particular reason for choosing to tour with an all-Nigerian band?
The Yoruba Odyssey album was deliberately made to focus on exploring the root sounds of Nigeria, while expanding its possibility. So, after recording the album, it became imminent that the touring band needs to be Nigerians. Also, I believe there’s great potential in Nigerian musicians who lack opportunities and platforms to showcase what they can do. Since my music is a fusion of Yoruba funk with a twist of everything, it was a no brainer. Also, it has always been my dream to tour with Nigerian musicians from the release of my first album. And luckily enough, we found a label, Oneworld Records, that shares the same view with me, and that made it possible.
When and where will you be performing when on tour?
The tour starts on June 19 at Respect Festival in Prague. Then, we’ll proceed to Roskilde Festival in Denmark, followed by Afrika Hertme in The Netherlands. We’ve got concert in Germany and we will be playing Sfinks Festival in Belgium while waiting for more confirmation. The tour will last for six weeks.
Aside you, which other Nigerian bands or artistes are on the same tour?
As far as I know, Seun and Femi Kuti are billed for some of the tours. While Roskilde will have Adekunle Gold and Burna Boy, Yemi Alade will be at Sfinks, with Etuk Ubong, Eda Oto, Ade Bantu and others. It’s indeed a great time for Nigerian music.
What in your opinion is the impact of African music on the global music stage?
African music has always been on global stage but this last years, there’s been a new revitalization of the continent – thanks to the new Afrobeats artistes’ entrepreneurial spirit. African music has influenced some of the greatest music on the planet, so it’s not a coincidence that there’s this new hunger for fresh sounds coming from Africa.
What’s your take on the recently created African Music category at the Grammys?
It’s a great addition to the Academy, I only hope they’ll give opportunities to every style and genre of African music. The category is well deserved!
What’s your advice for the younger Nigerian artistes trying to break into the global touring scene?
Be unique, believe in yourself and be honest on why you are in the game. Learn and acknowledge the masters, and take good care of business.