TONY OKUYEME 
Europe-based Nigerian Jazz, Afrofunk/Afrobeat musician, Adedeji Adetayo, better known as Adedeji, talks about his current album, Yoruba Odyssey, spoke with TONY OKUYEME on his choice of an all-Nigerian band and his European tour and his thoughts about Afrobeat
You are a Europe-based Nigeria, so, who is Adedeji Adetayo?
Adedeji is a Lagos-born Nigerian musician/guitar- ist, originally from Ile -Ife. I studied music technology at The Polytechnic Ibadan and graduated at the Prins Claus Conservatory of Music, Hanze University, Netherlands, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in music.
I also have diploma and licentiate degree from London College of Music. Presently, I am based in Europe, and have been touring Europe, Africa and America in the last 15 years. I have three studio albums released and have collaborated with numerous artistes, both in Nigeria and around the world.
My choice of instrument is the voice and guitar and I dabble with some other instruments like the keyboard and different
You are currently in Nigeria, what is your mission her?
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. Presently, I am here to take my nine-piece band on a short European tour.
So, I am here to prepare the band to do the Yoruba Odyssey tour. The album has been receiving great reviews around the world, top of world on Songline magazine and number one in Japan music magazine and various other great reviews.
Any particular reason for choosing to perform with an all -Nigerian band on your forthcoming tour?
This particular 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 the musicians in Nigeria 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. Plus the fact that this has also been my dream from the first album.
Lucky enough, we found a label that shares the same view with me, the Oneworld Records and that made it possible.
When and where will you be performing when on tour?
The tour started on Monday June 19, at the Respect Festival in Prague, then to the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, Afrika Hertme in the Netherlands.
We’ve got concert in Germany and we will be playing in Sfinks Fesing for more confirmations. It’s a six-week tour.
Which other Nigerians bands or artistes are on such tours?
As far as I know, Seun and Femi Kuti are on tour. Roskilde will have Adekunle Gold and Burna Boy as well; and Yemi Alade will be at Sfinks, Etuk Ubong, Edaoto, Ade Bantu and some more. I have to say it’s a great time for Nigerian music.
What’s the impact of African music on the global music stage?
African music as always been on global stage but these last years there has been a new revitalisation of the continent, thanks to the new Afrobeat artistes’ entrepreneurial spirit.
African music has influenced some of the greatest music on the planet, so it is not a coincidence that there is this new hunger for fresh sounds coming from Africa.
What’s your position on the recently created African Music category at the Grammy’s?
It’s a great addition to the Academy. I only hope they’ll give opportunity to every African style and genre of African music. It’s well deserved.
What’s your advice for younger Nigerian artistes trying to break into the world touring scene?
Be unique, believe in yourself and be honest on why you are in the game. Learn and acknowledge the masters, take care of business.
