Tosin Ashafa Set To Co Produce Documentary, The Odyssey.
The Odyssey is an ambitious documentary that journeys through a century of Yoruba music and its diverse genres, including Were, Sakara, Apala, Ajiwere, Fuji, Juju, AfroJuju, and Highlife. The film examines how religious, colonial, and cultural influences shaped these musical traditions, and traces their profound impact on modern-day Afrobeats.
Produced by White House Productions, the documentary boasts a stellar creative team. On board as executive producer is Bobo Omotayo, the creator of Fuji: An Opera, which works to preserve Yoruba music through curated concerts and exhibitions. Omotayo describes himself as a "cultural custodian" and has previously curated fuji exhibitions in London and Lagos. Papa Omotayo, Tosin Ashafa, and Ife Koleowo are credited as producers, with Nigerian superstar Adekunle Gold serving as co-producer.
Adekunle Gold, whose genre-defying style blends Afropop, Fuji, Juju, R&B, and Amapiano, was brought on after an extensive interview with the filmmakers. The singer brings both contemporary perspective and industry connections to the project. "This documentary is more than simply another project; it's an opportunity to highlight the history of a sound that has shaped and will continue to shape music culture around the world," Gold stated.
Directed by Abba T. Makama, known for acclaimed films like Green White Green, The Lost Okoroshi, and Juju Stories, the documentary has screened at prestigious venues including Toronto International Film Festival, BlackStar Film Festival, and BFI London. "We've already captured some incredibly fascinating interviews," Makama noted, emphasizing that Gold's involvement adds a contemporary dimension connecting the story to global audiences.
The documentary features an impressive lineup of interviewees, including Seun Kuti (youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, who leads the legendary band Egypt 80), Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey (a Juju music icon), Benson Idonije (celebrated music historian and Burna Boy's grandfather), Ayinla Kollington, Odion Iruoje (a record producer who worked with Fela), and Kunle Tejuosho (owner of Nigerian record store, Jazzhole).
Upon its release, the film will be accompanied by a groundbreaking visual exhibition curated by award-winning photographer Andrew Esiebo. Esiebo's collection will capture intimate moments with the documentary subjects both in private settings and onstage, creating a multi-dimensional experience that honors Yoruba music's vibrancy through both visual and auditory elements. The exhibition will open alongside the documentary's premiere.
Executive producer Bobo Omotayo emphasized the importance of authentic storytelling: "Our goal from the start has been to make a documentary that gives justice to Yoruba music by showcasing its essence", noting that Gold's involvement adds a modern perspective to an already rich narrative. As Afrobeats continues to dominate global stages, The Odyssey aims to position Yoruba music not just as a regional phenomenon but as a pivotal force in the evolution of global music.
The documentary is currently in production, with a release date to be announced soon. The team is inviting potential partners to explore opportunities for innovative brand collaborations
