RENOWNED as a music producer, song writer and multi-instrumentalist, Heavywind (Laitan Adeniji) has surprised many playing Fela in the musical, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens which ends its theatre run today at the TerraKulture Arena, Victoria Island.
The artist, who has been playing music for 20 years, has more than eight albums and dropped hit singles including ‘Ibadan’, ‘Ajantiele’, and Jomijo ’and ‘Popular Side’, has previously never ever acted. Surprisingly, he has distinguished himself in the production which opened on December 17. Not only has the saxophonist and lifelong Fela fan made himself a perfect fit for the role, he has also brought presence into it.
And though he has been receiving plaudits for his effort, Heavywind discloses that appearing in his first acting role has been as exciting as it has been challenging. “It’s a very surreal feeling, and an eye opener into the intensity that goes into theatre productions,” he begins.
“It is indeed an exciting experience working with creative teams, directors, musical directors and choreographers, as well as designers of sets, props, costumes, lighting and audio-visual media.
“The role has been very challenging, both physically and mentally. It is not easy to immerse yourself into the lifestyle of such an iconic character, seeing life through his lens, through his ideals, ideas and inspiration. It has been a learning curve for me though, seeing what made Fela who he was; was way more than just the music, it was his attitude, his mantra that helped formed a unique culture.
Did he have reservations about playing the maverick Fela in the production?
“I’ve always had an Afrobeat background. I grew up listening to Felafrom the age of five. My parents also had nearly all of his vinyl albumsand we often sang along to his songs as a family for many years. It’s always been a personal drive for me to showcase the legend of Fela to a new audience especially to the generation that never got to witness his greatness whilst he was alive,” he said.
Heavywind, who was also on the bill at the last Runway Jazz event in Lagos, sees similarities between himself and his idol whose story he is telling.
“I see similarities, particularly in music because he was always my role model. Felawas a prophet, visionary, leader. It always seemed as though he could teleport into the future to predict things to come. He stood for transparency, acted against injustice. I also very much believe in his ideologies, which does make us similar so many ways.”
The Afrobeat legend’s message, he notes, is still relevant in today’s Nigeria.“Everything he sang about is still very much relevant in today’s society. The issues that led to him composing songs about the government are still relevant. He was a man for the free folk, his message was for people to emancipate themselves from human and political slavery. The tenets on which Fela’s message stand are totally relevant, not only in the political space but in the private sector, public services and human relations.”
While Fela is his music idol, Heavywind looks up to a number of actors including the late Chief Hubert Ogunde, Denzel Washingtonand Idris Elba.“One thing they all have in common is their deep emotional life, one they all tap into for roles. They are fearless in their choices and fully committed to everything they decide to do. They all have a certain charisma that enhances their characters even in the dramatic roles,” he explains
Though happy with producer Bolanle Austen-Peter’s decision to narrate the story of Fela’s wives and highlight their contributions to the maestro’s struggles, Heavywind is happier with his idol’s continued relevance in Nigeria.
“Everything he spoke, sang, and wrote about is happening today. Corruption! Embezzlement! Misappropriation! He was the originator of his style of music, Afrobeat, which has taken over the world. I personally was actually a part of the Afrobeat revival movement in New York in the late 90s.
What does he love about playing Fela?
“It is an absolute honour to represent my musical godfather; I mean what more could be this gratifying. The story; it is Fela, the man, the legend!”
and then