first major album.
The title of his maiden album is very suggestive: Executive
Gangsters. Whoever is familiar with how shamelessly corrupt
many Nigerian political office holders – and their allies and
cousins in other sectors – are can guess what the content of
the title song will be.
Well, such a person can be somehow right, because Executive
Gangsters is a response to the social malady that is holding
the country down. Many listeners will even consider the song
'timely' based on the scandal currently rocking the aviation
ministry, where the minister and agency officials are
voraciously buying armoured vehicles with hundreds of
millions of Naira.
But a pleasant surprise yet awaits the listener. Although the
artiste is very critical in the song and a few others in the
album, he does so with so much creativity that even the
'accused' will enjoy the flow. It is such creative pomp that
defines the music of Olatunde Obajeun, who, despite being
around for years, has just stepped out with the new album.
Roving between afro, jazz and blues, Obajeun, who is also,
folk a music and video producer, explores different subjects
that include politics, love and care for the oppressed. In tracks
such as Executive Gangsters and Busy President, he waxes
political and throws jabs at those he believes are misruling
Nigeria.
In Morenitimofe and Mobolanle, however, the artiste becomes
one hungry lover on the trail of the hearts of some tender
birds. The interplay of English and Yoruba chants in
Morenitimofe – and some other songs in the album – also
makes the music interesting.
But if music is a vehicle for invoking emotions, it is in Ta lo
Naya Sade that Obajeun strikes the loudest chord. Here, he
makes a case for a widow who faces further assaults from
people who are supposed to show her the kindness.
"Mama Sade is a very deep song," Obajeun notes. "It's
actually a true life story of injustice. So, I relate it with what
is happening in my country today. You will agree with me
that there is too much oppression, lies greed and hatred going
on – even around the world."
When he will be presenting Executive Gangstaers in Lagos on
November 10 – he says he produced an album he never shared
with the public 13 years ago – he will be harvesting a creative
and professional investment that has endured for years. His
journey into the studio began when he was a member of the
choir of the First African church St James Parish, Abule
Egba, Lagos. The Kogi-born singer says that was where his
talent was discovered, a revelation that buttresses the fact that
the church has been a key factor in the growth of many
Nigerian artistes.
On how he is able to push both production and performance to
the level they are now, he says he always likes to express
himself in many ways.
"I never want to be lazy in any way. I believe in
professionalism and the importance of growing a brand to the
highest form" Obajeun explains, adding that all the songs in
Executive Gangsters were originally created by him though
some young producers – Password, Mario, Mene, Jimoh Kuti,
Toy, Ebenezer Oke. – worked with him.
He notes on his influences, "I have special love for all the
musicians that inspired me. But I can't really say this is my
role model. All the genres of music I have listened to affected
the style I developed. These include folk, jazz, soul, afro,
highlife, hip hop, rap song, fuji, and lots more. But I will still
mention a few of the musicians that inspired me. These
include Fela, Fatoumata Diawara, George Benson, Asa,
Nneka, Femi Kuti, Beautiful Nubia, Jah Baba, Ebenezer
Obey, KSA, Michael Jackson and Tuface. I have had a
wonderful experience working with a lot of musicians both in
Nigeria and abroad, both in the studios and on stages."
The album will be presented at Silverbird Galleria, Victoria
Island, where Obajeun also performs regularly.
Via: Punch
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