ShareOlusesan Aboderin is an highlife juju musician and the leader of Dr Sessy Gee Abod & his African Kenneries. In this interview with GBENGA OLUMIDE, he speaks about his sojourn in the entertainment industry, why he chose  late Orlando Owoh’s type of music, among others. Excerpts:

how long have you been in the music industry?
It’s over 25 years.

How has it been since then?
It’s not been easy. Honestly, the journey has been tough, bumpy, harrowing, but very interesting. By and large, I give glory to God who has been there for us till today. According to an adage, tough times never last, but tough people do.

Is there any particular experience you would like to share with us?
There are many experiences I have had in the course of performing as a highlife juju crooner. But the most harrowing was when at an occasion, a fight broke out and there was pandemonium; the second day, I was arrested by the security agents and locked up. That was now a thing of the past.

What type of highlife Juju do you play?
It’s Orlando Owoh’s type.

Why did you choose Orlando Owoh’s style?
Well, from my youthful age, I’ve been a lover and ardent fan of Orlando Owoh and his music. In fact, if I was sent on an errand and heard Orlando Owoh’s music, I would stop to listen and would dance to it before delivering the message. My love for Orlando Owoh’s music from my younger days, no doubt, had a big influence on me till today. I didn’t learn the music from anybody, it’s God’s gift.

Did you have the opportunity to meet Orlando Owoh before he died?
Yes, I did at some different times meet him during his lifetime and he, indeed, showered his blessings on me.

But some people say Orlando Owoh didn’t like those who play his type of music. What is your view about this?
Oh no, that’s not true. Orlando Owoh loved those of us who delved into his type of Kennery music. Those who had no opportunity to meet him are saying such. During his life time, Orlando Owoh was an enigma who used his music to preach against immorality in our society. He loved everybody and was also loved by all and even now. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Have you released any album?
Way back in the 80s, I made efforts to release an album, but was not successful. I tried again in 2000, also no luck. But to God be the glory, I have just released my first album in March.

What is the title of the album?
It’s Gborimi Soke (Lift My Head Up). It is a four-track album that is loaded with articulated rhythm and soul inspiring lyrics.

On which record label?
Gborimi Soke was released on the record label of the Ibadan-based Square Waves Production, a  studio owned by an  electronics engineer and Jazz musician, Anjola Aboderin. Honestly, the veteran jazzist puts his experience in the album which makes it a must for every home.

What informs the title?
Everybody needs prayer in life and the only thing that could solve all problems is prayer. When God lifts you up, you feel no pain and your life will be meaningful.

What are the tracks in Gborimi Soke
Like I said, the album contains melodious tracks which include the star track, Gborimi Soke, Egbe Leisorland Ibadan, Alanu and Ori mi tie ni ma se.

What is your view about  the Nigerian entertainment industry?
The country’s entertainment industry, music in particularly, is improving, but there are still grey areas that should be looked into. These areas include the issue of piracy, which is drastically killing the industry. Also, some musicians are very lazy; they don’t produce songs that preach morality in our society. The industry also lacks support from corporate bodies to help talents that abound in the industry.

But some corporate bodies now sponsor talents in the music industry, have you been contacted?
It is true, but they only assist the Naija hip- hop musicians and few fuji crooners. They don’t help people like us that play highlife and juju music. That is not to say that we have lost hope, I want to use this medium to appeal to MTN, Glo, Zain, NBL and others to come to the aid of the contemporary highlife juju musicians, obviously to enhance our performances.

Any regret for being a musician?
Yeah, there was a time when things got tough, and I decided to call it quits with music. But, with the grace of God and the support of my ardent fans, the idea was shelved.

Have you taken your music outside Nigeria ?                             
No, we have not. But we look forward to meeting responsible and God-fearing promoters who will take us to the US and Europe immediately we release Gbori mi Soke because people have been calling us from UK , Germany , Italy and USA as they appreciate our effort and requesting for our live performance in those countries.

What’s your target on the music scene?
I wish to take my highlife juju music to the nooks and crannies of the world, just like King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer, Obey, Orlando Owoh, Orlando Julius etc. I also wish to be a successful musician to help the up-coming musicians. Also, I wish to have my own studios and a record label.Share