Star poet, Akeem Lasisi has introduced a brand new talent to lovers of music and performance poetry as he releases his new album, Orere.
The fresh talent is Ibadan, Oyo State-based Olamide, whom he features in two tracks, Ile oko ya (wedding belle) and E wa wo wa.
Olamide, who shares name with the iconic rapper, Olamide Badoo, is the chanter of the bridal poetry – Yoruba’s Ekun Iyawo, delivered on a modernist beat in the two tracks.
This recalls how Lasisi earlier reintroduced the once-very-popular oral form in his earlier albums titled, Ekun Iyawo.
In the older work, Ayisat Kafidipe, sister of popular actress Khabirat Kafidipe (Araparegangan), chanted the traditional poetry in the studio, while Khabirah performed the role in the video.
On her experience in the course of production, Olamide says it was great, though very challenging.
She explains: “It was a good experience. But I must confess that it was through Mr. Lasisi I got to know much about Ekun Iyawo. I watched his videos and he also gave me the book he published on it. I liked the tone and the stories the bride tells in the art. He then challenged and mentored me on how to chant it.
“I took up the challenge and my passion for it grew. We even performed it at a wedding bash in Lagos and I played the lead role. The audience loved what we did and this strengthened my interest in Ekun Iyawo. So, when we eventually had to be in the studio to release the two tracks that are part of ORERE, it was a dream come true”.
Lasisi explains he is happy that Olamide delivered the job well. According to him, he sees it as an achievement each time young women develop interest in Ekun Iyawo, through his inspiration and encouragement.
“Olamide is just one of the many ladies who have developed interest in and have learnt how to chant Ekun Iyawo through me. This, as far as I am concerned, is symbolic. It means the effort to recreate the form is yielding, just as we keep the people entertained with it”.
Being Lasisi’s seventh album, Orere is a 10-track project that pollinates tender poetry with hip hop, apala and other modern as well as traditional musical forms. In the work, Lasisi features afro artiste, Edaoto; sweet-singing Phumzee Sings; and Kolawole Oduremi, who produced the tracks.
