Nigerian filmmaker Abba T. Makama is set to release a documentary exploring the history and global influence of Yoruba music and Afrobeats. Co-produced by Nigerian music superstar Adekunle Gold, the documentary seeks to trace the evolution of Yoruba music from traditional genres to its influence on contemporary Afrobeats.
Titled The Odyssey, the documentary is executive produced by Bobo Omotayo and also features producers Tosin Ashafa and Papa Omotayo, as well as a visual exhibition by Nigerian photographer Andrew Esiebo, which will debut alongside the film.
The documentary brings together a range of voices, including Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Juju music icon Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, and celebrated music historian Benson Idonije, grandfather of popstar Burna Boy.
Makama, known for his work on Green White Green and The Lost Okoroshi says, “We’ve already captured some incredibly fascinating interviews. Having Adekunle Gold on board brings a contemporary touch that connects this story to a global audience.”
Adekunle Gold, whose involvement in the project appears to have come after the initial announcement by Makama on social media, says The Odyssey “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”.
According to executive producer Bobo Omotayo, authenticity was paramount in telling the story of Yoruba music. “Our goal from the start has been to make a documentary that gives justice to Yoruba music by showcasing its essence. With Adekunle Gold’s involvement, we’re adding a modern perspective to an already rich story.”
Abba Makama’s filmography has garnered significant international recognition. His 2014 documentary about Nollywood, Nollywood: Something From Nothing premiered on Al Jazeera in 2015 and earned a nomination at the African Movie Academy Awards. His subsequent films Green White Green and The Lost Okoroshi both screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. The Lost Okoroshi was later featured at the 2019 BFI London Film Festival and the 2020 Berlin Critics Week.
Makama is one of the three directors who make up the group Surreal 16. Their anthology work, Juju Stories, debuted at the 2021 Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.
