Fellowships for Writers, Poets Kicks off this May
e is a cocktail of jazz and Jesus. Ayoola Shadare is an unapologetic lover of jazz music, having been weaned on a rich variety of jazz music from his father’s collection. With about 30 years in the sphere of media and entertainment marketing, he bears a magic touch to both indoor and outdoor events. ‘No one does the sound better than Inspiro,’ says his friend and associate, Nseobong OkonEkong with whom the idea of LIJF was conceived. Even at that, he keeps his faith in God at a high voltage. This is why his 50-year journey so far had been exciting, though eventful.
“I know that my best is still yet to come so we will do more. Like I said, we are not retiring. The idea for LIJF was brought up in 2005 and it has always been traditionally held in April which is Jazz Appreciation month climaxing international Jazz day which is April 30. We couldn’t organize it in 2020; it was meant to happen. Cape Town was chosen as jazz capital for 2020 but the pandemic had them cancel it but we don’t want to allow another year to go by without holding ours,’’ he said.
Over the years, Shadare had replicated the LIJF experience in other parts of Nigeria pioneering jazz concerts including the Bayelsa International Jazz Festival. With Naijazz, he hoped to promote the Nigerian brand of jazz music and attract even popular music artists to the jazz stage.
Due to the global experience that the festival personifies, Shadare has already been thinking of how to reach global audience long before the pandemic struck. But the continuous ban on large gatherings had propelled that plan into action with a 2-day pre-recorded jazz festival that kicks off today and ends tomorrow, May 15.
“Virtual show is what we had even been planning to do long before the pandemic. But the pandemic moved a lot of people online. We are also adapting to that. That does not mean that in years to come, it won’t still happen as a live event. It will happen as a hybrid event which gives it more opportunities and possibilities,’’ he said.
The headliners this year include The Afro-indie band Afrosonics, Roforofo jazz (from Paris) and Afrojazz band, Mike Aremu (UK), Nthabiseng Motaung, Phebean, Bright Gain, Tosin Alao, New Revelations, Ekundayo Dbass, DJ Jimbo, Kwitee, Adeh, and more. No fewer than 20 acts slated to perform and out of these are four DJs.
“This year, the pre-recordings went
Yinka Olatunbosun
Bada Murya, a six-month digital fellowship for writers and poets from the Northern region is set to connect Northern conversations to a global audience in a way that challenges stereotypes and empowers a new generation of storytellers. The quite smoothly,’’ Shadare said, whilst reflecting on the challenges of the 2021 LIJF festival. “We had booked venues and studios, scheduled time for the acts to perform. Except for hitches with the timing and finance, things have been so far so good. And I want to point out that even the support for the LIJF has been good. We are backed by a committee of friends who support us and make this happen by their contributions in one way or another to allow this virtual edition to happen. I am also using this medium to thank Shaddie at 50 Committee of Friends who we requested that they show support for the virtual edition of the festival.”
Apart from jazz music, Shadare is also very passionate about Nigeria and her untapped resources in the creative industry. At 50, the kind of Nigeria that he desires is one where the citizens can reach their full potential.
“Nigeria is always on my mind. The older I get, the more I worry about Nigeria meeting its potential. I dream for a Nigeria that works. One that cares for its citizens, harnesses the potentials- both natural and human resources and realise its full potential. I want to see a Nigeria where the citizens fear God and operate justice and equity. The creative and cultural industries and all the allied industries are big businesses are abroad and things are beginning to open up. There are royalties. One of the biggest challenges in our entertainment industry is that there is no structure. There is copyright issue, piracy. We don’t know the amount of billions if not trillions of naira that is being lost. Government should try and understand how the industry works put in policies and invest in same,’’ fellowship which begins on May 18 is created to invoke the power of storytelling to shift perceptions and preach accountability. A total of 15 fellows had been selected from 438 entries. The class will be facilitated by the award-winning writer and journalist, Abubakar Adamu Ibrahim. Other facilitators include Wana Udobang, Aisha Osori, Dike Chukwumerije, he said.
In his view, the jazz scene in Nigeria has developed rapidly in the last two decades although, there is still room for improvement. Shadare also thinks that concerts will not be the same. “I think what we will have will be a combination both hybrid and live for obvious reasons. That is the new norm,’’ he added.
The LIJF physical stages were often named after music legends. And if he was to bring any artists to the stage, he has at least three favourites namely Dr. Victor Olaiya—the ‘evil’ genius of highlife, Bob Marley and Hugh Masekela.
Right from his childhood, he has been an optimist. He is always willing to take chances and risks while maintaining a good attitude despite any setback. When asked what he would miss about childhood, he simply answered, ‘The simplicity of things.’
“Modern life is so complex now and energy sapping but life is to be much simpler, easier if there is more co-operation. But right now, it seems like everything is competition and daggers drawn but life goes on.’’
Shadare remains charming at 50 and yes, still very single. He revealed the secret behind being happily single.
“If you are not happy being single and you go into marriage looking for happiness, then it is going to be problematic. I am happily single. I am fulfilled. But I look forward to falling in love with someone, getting married and sharing my life. I believe in traditional family values but I think you need to be happy before going into the marriage, have a purpose, drive, know the reason why you are doing what you are doing.’’
Efe Paul Azino and Sadiq Dzukogi.
The Creative Director for Creative Africa, Efe Paul Azino observed: “There is a strong tradition of literary, cultural and artistic production from the North and we are happy to contribute to it,’’ he said. The participants will produce an anthology and be given a special showcase at the Lagos International Poetry Festival.
The maiden edition of the National Arts in Health Conference is set to hold in Lagos from May 24 till May 30. Convened by Kunle Adewale, the founder of Arts in Medicine Projects in Nigeria, the conference will be held in partnership with health and art institutions as well as faith-based organizations.
Created to strengthen institutional ties and bridge the gap between the arts and health sector, the conference will feature 21 events including paper presentations, talk sessions, master classes, short film screenings, community project presentations, art exhibitions and the commissioning of the first Arts and Health innovation hub in Africa.
“It is going to be a gathering of students, professionals, cultural organizations, healthcare institutions, community members and stakeholders in the health and community wellbeing,’’