Nigerian Afrobeat conjurers discuss their motivation and their joyous, unifying sound
Nigeria is a hub for artistic culture from every medium, especially for the Afrobeat genre. From its fashion, fine arts and of course its musical sounds, there is no limit to the creativity that grows from that nation.
The Voice of Lajorun, (TVL) hailing from Lagos, pushes forward this praise with their Afrobeat-centric tunes that reach across the borders of listenership. With the release of the band’s latest single “Omo Aye”, produced by Justin Prizant, global fans will rejoice and join in on this ambitious musical endeavor.
Percussion and horns announce the arrival of “Omo Aye.” Jazzy Afrobeat wah-wahs bounce in with a joyous urge to dance. This is body-moving music rendered into the ultimate workout. Soul-infused vocals beckon the listener in even more as the horns support with powerful bursts of energy. Each bit of this track lands with jubilation. These musicians share this feeling and harness the comfort that the world brings. Listeners will be eager to hear more for TVL down the line – if only to keep the body in a constant state of excellent funk.
Members, Ta’ye Adefemi and Kester Elkanemi went into more detail on their inspiration and passion via TVL.
Why do you make music, what drives you?
Ta’ye: Music is a calling, I am simply answering my calling. Inspiration comes from what I hear, see and [feel within] spirituality. It goes on and on.
You have quite the writing team at your disposal, how has that relationship developed for you all?
Kester: It has helped to bring out the very best from TVL, strength for strength. Basically, Ta’ye and I have been writing songs from way back and we actually understand how to pass the message to the audience. We are a great team indeed.
Are there dream producers you hope to work with in the future, and why?
Ta’ye: Eddie Roberts of Color Red is one great producer that TVL dreams to work with in the future because of his broad musical music touch on the funk genre, mixing it with TVL’s [sound] would be paradise. I really enjoy the Afrobeat band ATOMGA, and I believe so much that the producers/arrangers of ATOMGA [could] make TVL sound more advanced in the Afrobeat [sphere]. Finally, Leon ‘Kaleta’ Logan-Majek is another Afrobeat producer TVL would like to [create] music with. He has got the west African groove.
What is your hope for music as a whole for the world?
Kester: Music is as old as life itself, it has been used as a force for unity, revolution, protest, etc…As long as human existence continues, so shall music live on. As long as music connects people, it will never stop taking the center stage in human endeavour.
What advice would you give new musicians in your space?
Kester: They should do their best and always remember that music must continue, for they are privileged to partake in one of the greatest and oldest professions.
Ta’ye: They must never let themselves down. They should believe in their dreams.
