Nigerian saxophonist and recording artiste, Shola Emmanuel has released a single, experimental Afrobeats track titled Soprano Saxophone.
A medley, ‘Soprano Saxophone’ meshes Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s ‘Beast Of No Nation’, Maroon 5’s ‘Memories’, and Bruno Mars’ ‘Leave The Door Open’ into one jazzy Afrobeats delight. Fela’s ‘Beast of No Nation’ is the main key and used as bridges to the pop songs. The vocal chorus is indicative of the succeeding song in the medley, whilst the key changes from high to low and vice versa, ensures smooth transition. (See song at sholaemmanuel.com).
Speaking of the song, the music arranger and orchestrator said he was inspired to merge three of his favourite songs, which he revisits twice a month in his playlist. The initial arrangement of the song was created by heart, whilst practicing with his saxophone. He later on refined the song, reharmonizing it to create one cohesive sound, and infused it with the Afrobeats genre.
“I thought the bridge should be a chorus that ties the three songs together. So, I made a chorus combining the three tracks. The commercial aspect came when I decided to play it in the Afrobeat style. To introduce Afrobeats, I used Fela’s ‘Beast Of No Nation’ as the main theme. More than just commercial music, it is very experimental. It is up to people to like it.”
Indeed, at first listen, the transitions between songs may seem jarring, but on further listening, one begins to appreciate the smoothness and technical skills applied in the track.
Speaking on the global rise of Afrobeats, Emmanuel said many non-mainstream artistes as himself have contributed immensely to the growth of the genre, though their efforts are often unnoticed.
Emmanuel whose music tours have taken him to 76 countries across the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, often performs for audiences with little or no knowledge of African music. He deliberately includes Highlife and Afrobeats music to his performances, which often receives two types of reactions: new listeners express appreciation and inquire about the songs at which, prompting him to educate them on the genres; or they record the songs and return the next day requesting a replay.
“I have received more replay requests for Davido’s song ‘Fall’ and my original Afro Jazz. Whether I’m sailing across Europe on the Jet Blue or performing in the US on celebrity ships, people request for Afrobeat. These are the ways we contribute to the genre, which the artistes or promoters may not know or care about.”
On the possibility of collaborating with Afrobeats artistes, he admitted, “I have thought about rearranging songs by TuFace, Tiwa Savage, Asake, Yemi Alade and Simi. I have listened to them enough to know I could contribute better to the arrangements and orchestrations. But I don’t know if those opportunities are there. These guys are big and seem to stay within a circle.”
Although not popular as Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage, Emmanuel has made a name for himself within his music network.
After earning a master’s degree in Music Arrangement and Music Orchestration at the Paris Conservatoire, he worked with a French recording studio and company, contributing as a music arranger, orchestrator and music publisher to the works of artistes such as Alicia Keys, Mary J Blige, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones among others.
In 2015, he relocated to the US for an offer with another record label but ended up going solo. Among his many studio recordings are his first album was ‘Nine Lessons’. These were followed by ‘Yoruba Project’, Unreleased ‘Kind of Highlife’ (a collection of Nigerian classic cover songs he recorded years ago) and ‘Kind Of Music’ – which he said represents something he stands for.
Post ‘Kind Of Music’, the artiste is leaning toward commercial music. “I am trying to appeal to a broader audience. With ‘Soprano Saxophone’ I had Fela, Maroon 5 and Bruno Mars in one song. Now, I do shows and play Afrobeat cover songs. I still tweak things here and there. I am starting to appeal to more Africans, catering to what they like or want to hear, without losing my professional abilities.”
Meanwhile, his musical style is evolving along with his instruments (from the trumpet to the saxophone) and his ‘other’ career.
“Since coming to the US, I’ve become a tech guru, offering coaching and mentorship in areas like data science and database administration. I am also a digital marketing manager of a notable establishment.
“I have never done music full time. Even while making music in Nigeria, I had worked for the government for 14 years before resigning.”
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