Jideofor the latest project of Abuja-based musician, CEF packs sonics sourced from traditional Igbo instruments, with lyrics that are simultaneously light yet heavy on the mind.
The seven-track album heavily influenced by Ogene, Highlife, Afrobeat, Soul and Reggae and Jazz. Fans familiar with the artiste’s work will understand the progression and morphing of his musical style to what he terms Genti music.
Genti translates to ‘listen’ in Igbo language, and with this style of music, the artiste beckons listeners to listen past the choruses, to the simple yet intellectually driven lyrics and the pleasant reverberation of sounds crafted with the merging of modern western instruments (guitar, piano, percussions) and traditional instruments.
One song in the album that clearly expresses the aforementioned, is Ebelebe. Ebelebe is an eargasm of local Igbo instruments comprising the ogene, oja and ekwe, that is quite spiritual and a tad ethereal even as it declares it is time to rise/ it is time to move/it is time to fight for your rise/ Nzogbu Enyimba enyi.
Also set to be a favorite of listeners is Animal Farm, one of the album’s two tracks featuring CEF with other artistes. Inspired by George Orwell’s literary text of same title, Animal Farm compares present Nigerian society to farm of animals where the pigs get fat, and the dogs are the workhorse; both sides predator and prey to one another. And in case the listener missed it, seasoned performance poet, Dike Chukwumerije deconstructs the nuance at the song’s interval by speaking the lines All animals are equal/but the tragedy is in this place/ some are more equal than the others.
Piano and guitar are the dominant instruments on the love song Dikeke which holds the most flowery and airy lyrics, where the artiste reiterates to his lover that her love ‘de shaq me pass ikebe/your love de sweet me pass. While Jeje assures listeners to take life easy as hard times are not forever.
Other songs in the album include Ije Uwa and Ekwe Kuo featuring Nze Chidi Echefu and Odo Yewu.
Speaking to media men CEF commended his artiste collaborators and team who had made the challenging task less arduous.
“There was no one else who understood the idea of (Animal Farm) as Chukwumerije did. We were both coming to it from the perspective that we are a part of those animals, and we have a responsibility. Chukwumerije is self-reflecting, and looks deep within. So, when we had the opportunity to create this, he was the best person for it. We didn’t have to think much because it is our reality.
“I am very thankful for the creator, and the kind of people I have worked with on this project. I say we because there is no individualism here. I didn’t play all the instruments. Little contributions by everyone gave birth to this work. This is a community project. what made it less difficult is that a team of people who believe in the idea came together to achieve this.”
On future projects, the artiste is dedicated to getting deeper into his Igbo culture, exploring its traditional music instruments sounds beyond its present state, digging deeper into his culture in order to extend original and unadulterated into the world, drawing more ships to the high sea of Genti and other music forms.
With the added responsibility of family to this calling, it is a daily lesson on bucking up and introspection, with the knowledge that in shaping a better family one shapes a better society.
“Family teaches you so much. It teaches you wisdom. It is a yoke you can carry but not a burden. Family continues to teach me responsibility and how to be introspective.”
The artiste will kick-off Jideofor tour in late October starting with Abuja, Lagos and the rest of the world.
Runsewe Awarded Cultural Ambassador of the Decade
The director general of the National Council for Arts and Culture has been awarded the African Cultural Ambassador of the Decade.
The award conferred on him by Roost Foundation, the organizer of The African Non-Governmental Organizations and International Donor Organization Festival (ANGO) is in recognition of his philanthropic and humanitarian activities which has impacted many lives.
The award comes ahead of ANGO’s festival set for September 29, 2022 at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. The festival offers NGOs, donor groups and other relevant stakeholders an opportunity to tell their success stories, promote humanitarian services, dialogue on the need to impact lives and match organizations with potential donors.
Prior to his appointment as the head of the council, and president of the World Craft Council, African region, Runsewe has been dedicated to the mission of spurring socio-economic development via the arts and culture.
Receiving the award, the director general reaffirmed his passion for the Nigerian project and to contributing his quota for the nation’s development through culture. He also commended the organization on its quiet but positive impact on many Nigerian lives across various sectors.
“The time to celebrate and encourage NGOs and donor organizations has come. We should join hands with Roost Foundation to make history,” said Runsewe.
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