Interview

French President’s visit to Fela’s shrine is world breaking  —Abbey, live band maestro

Afolaranmi Abiodun, professionally known as Abbey, is the Executive Producer and Convener of the Afrocentric Rhythm Concert and the Chief Executive Officer of The Closette Media and Communications LTD. Born in the 80s, Abbey obtained music certificate from MUSON and Peter King College of Music. The trombonist who formed his band, The Abinibi Groovy five years ago, told Newton-Ray Ukwuoma in a chat that he started the Afrocentric Rhythms Concert to bring back the good old days of a live band playing good music from all genres. He also spoke about the visit of the President of France to Fela’s Shrine in Lagos Nigeria. Excerpts:

Can you briefly introduce yourself? 

My name is Afolaranmi Abiodun Olaoluwa a.k.a Abbey born in early 80s, precisely December 23. I am a graduate of Management Information Systems- B. Sc (USAM, Benin Republic) and obtained music certificates from MUSON and Peter King College of Music. I’m the Convener and Executive Producer of Afrocentric Rhythms Concert and CEO of The Closette Media and Communications Ltd.

 

What do you seek to achieve with Afrocentric Rhythms Concert?

First, I appreciate the works artistes of African descent have been doing over the years as well as the  promoters who organise concerts.  ARConcert intends to show that African rhythm has commercial values and reflects how we can easily express ourselves with lyrics and sound.

 

Do you think African artistes do not emphasise the essence of African rhythms well enough?

Sincerely, every music artiste is really trying because it is not just easy to record music and hit it off. It takes what the society wants to listen to. But as time goes on, balance will be made on it.

 

What makes your AR Concerts different from others?

It’s different because it’s a platform to revive old musicians and to showcase talented musicians weaved around live music with live band.

 

For how long have you been a performing artiste and how is the experience?

I’ve been a performing and recording artiste for over five years now which has brought about lot of experiences.

 

Some live performing artistes like you don’t major in releasing albums or songs, is it deliberate or a function of years of experience?

I really don’t put my efforts in releasing albums or songs but to make sure live music with live band in African style is promoted locally and globally. It isn’t a function of years of experience.

 

What led you to become a performing artiste and any regrets?

I actually don’t want to see my own performance as important as promoting African rhythms in its originality and alternatives on live stage performance. When I am on stage, I try  to show audiences  that I am not just a promoter but also a performer. I do not regret any of my performances.

 

Do you think live performance is lucrative? 

Live stage performance just has little ground in our society. But this generation is transforming and giving live stage performances more grounds which I believe in a few years from now would be more appreciated than it was some years back. Few of us seriously can’t stop promoting live music with live band because we believe it will have its place in our society and with that it becomes more lucrative.

 

What is your plan for  this year AR concert 4th Edition? 

Afrocentric Rhythms Concert 4.0 is coming up on Friday August 17th, 2018 at Freedom Park Lagos Island in the evening and it’s the first anniversary of the concert. It’s really going to be a total package live music concert in grand style and nonstop groove with mega and superstars musicians of different genres of music in live music performance with live band. It will be nice to witness it.

 

What is the significance of the French President’s visit to Afrika Shrine?

My take on French President’s visit to Afrika Shrine on Tuesday was a hat trick visit and world-breaking records for our nation. The president didn’t just visit our president or governor but also visited the place of afrobeat origination called Afrika shrine with some cultural exhibitions from all arts. I feel so happy for such achievement to our nation.

 

How was it like performing at Felabration 2017 and do you think the purpose is achieved? 

Felabration purpose is 100 per cent achieved though I missed last year felabration but I really commended the efforts  of the organisers for doing wonderfully well.

ALSO READ: Buhari signs Executive Order to freeze suspicious assets

Who is Abbey and the Abinibi groovy band?

Abbey and the Abinibi Groovy Band is the stage name I used for myself and the live band. Abbey is a jolly fellow that loves life and wants to make people happy.

 

Your take on the music scene in Nigeria and potential for improvement? 

The music industry is forging ahead and can only be as good as we invest in it. I and, the media are talking about it and the issues that will move it forward and the government making relevant policies that will promote music and tourism.

 

How do you relax outside music?

Outside music, I go on social media to see updates, especially in some social media group to join discussions like football, and general issues.

David Olagunju

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