KAYODE OLAJIDE: IBA

Kayode Olajide

IBA

© 2005 Olukayode Olajide (691045843525)

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New Age Afrocentric Jazz

notes

Kayode Olajide fondly known as KAY is a Nigeria-born music composer,arranger,producer and multi-instrumentalist who at the on-set established a unique and fresh fusion between authentic deep rooted African rhythms (extracted from his Yoruba music culture) and western forms,majorly jazz.The result is a powerful sound showcasing African polyrhythms and strong,lovely melodies.

His deep,intense,calm but lively personality often reflects in his compositions.Kay was raised in a culture (Yoruba,Nigeria) where traditional drums are a part of daily live and heard everywhere,all occasions.He grew into an effective school forum percussionist,then into a college jazz band trap drummer.He then learnt to play the flute and saxophones,influenced at that time by the likes of Hubert Laws,Dave Valentine,Grover Washington jnr.,and later by the music of Sonny Rollins,John Coltrane,Ben Webster,Randy Weston,Miles,Yusef Lateef and Charlie Parker.His strongest motivation would however come from the drums and rhythms of Africa as showcased by traditional African musicians.Kay's musical focus was helped when he met the legendary be-bop tenor sax player,James Moody on a Dizzy Gillespie tour of Nigeria in the early 90's

He played with leading bands in his country from 1985 to 1992 and toured Europe until he founded The Weavers band in 1993.A band well known for it's originality,focus,artistic sincerity and quality.

In 1998,his debut album 'Once Upon A time' was released (Jazzhole Label) to a welcoming African audience.The album was widely reviewed and critically acclaimed by Nigerian and African press.BBC Network Africa Service accorded the album lots of airplay and personal interviews in recognition of creative accomplishments.

'IBA' his second album further establish his creativity,originality and his highly disciplined,exiting sound.The music draws largely from his African cultural background,fresh and contemporary with proven international appeal,blended in a seamless fashion with jazz forms.This album takes off with "Towards The Sublime" introduced by his alto sax and percussions (reminding you of Pharoah Sanders or Coltrane),then ushering in a spiritual motiff and groove over which kayode improvises freely and profusely.The groove breaks into an African vocal/percussion section and finished off by piano and sax improvisations."Eastbound" is in the realm of Joe Zawinul's Weather Report with catchy melodies and tight arrangement.The sharp conga intro and the hip-hop-like beat on "My Favorite Things" completely re-directs this popular piece,very original."Iba" the title track is an intense,melody-filled,awesome piece.Showcasing web-like arrangement of intrumentation,vocals/chants and traditional drumming.This track highlights the reverential awe with which most African communities approach their Creator,God. "Shepherd Song" and "Alaro Meta" are highly upbeat tracks with strong melodies accompanied by heavy African style drumming,led by the 'gangan'drum (a drum with established melo-rhythmic capabilities). The album closes with "James",a tightly arranged body and soul stirring dance-floor track featuring a unique and virtuoso djembe solo as well as Kayode's personalized style of weaving saxophone into African grooves.

Kay's music pioneered and set the pace for what can be called 'Nigerian Jazz' being the most dorminant act in it's genre. "IBA is a classic album reinvigorating jazz with it's African perspective,virtuoso playing,and some great compositions"...(Straight No Chaser,UK). Kayode performed with his band within and outside Africa including festivals in Normandy,France and Jordan,Middle East.

This music would seem to have provided a matching West African flavor to jazz from Africa,and he believes "The beauty of a people is rooted in their striving to fully utilize cultural elements within their sub-region as basis for their expression,especially in artforms"

reviews

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  • IBA
    author: Tony Obaye

    This is African beauty in jazz form. Another compilation that continues the upward trajectory of fine music that is increasingly irresistible.

  • IBA

    This is African beauty in jazz form. Another compilation that continues the upward trajectory of fine music that is increasingly irresistible.

  • Iba is simply Fantastic! Iba as the name suggests means respect.Respect in every
    author: Kayode Adekunle

    IBA means Respect and this is what I call respect.Respect for everything for culture, people( young or old),way of life etc.If you know the true meaning of Iba there will be no wars no fighting and there will be PEACE!IBA, that is it.

  • Simply Outstanding !
    author: Koko

    A refreshing compilation of songs mixing african-carribean jazz rhythms with worldbeat music immersed in uplifting culture. It is simply an outstanding work of art.

  • AWESOME

    Your music is awesome, like a breath of fresh air, I appreciate good music, and yours is certainly top of the line.

  • For lovers of great jazz, World and Afro beat
    author: A.L.

    IBA ia a really special record all-around. Some tracks you feel like you are listening to Coltrane on a soprano, while others give a definite Fela vibe, with solid melody and groove, and superior musicianship. Olajide should be a star here in jazz circles before long now.

  • Outstanding musicianship - very avant-garde!
    author: Ekong, Samuel Akpan

    Simply superb! The rythms have a language all by themselves and the music entices you to listen deeper till you feel it's essence. Each time you listen to the music on this album you notice something new that you missed the first time around - almost like finding buried treasure. Something new every time.

  • The Voice of a People
    author: Dotun

    Like its predecessor, Once Upon a Time, Iba delves into the percussive sounds that define African music and deliver them in a bold, fresh and modern jazz sound. In the masterful arrangement of instruments, a people's voice is embodied. Simply put, this is Modern African Music.

  • Great Work
    author: bishop@bishopentcafe.com

    This is a great work and a MUST buy and listen to, for all lovers of Jazz and good music. This music cut the edge blending carefully the rich african rhythm in a contemporary manner for a cosmopolitan setting. ..Can't wait to listen over and over again. Congrat to Kayode Olajide!!!

  • Iba is a spiritual journey into the soul of Africa as the origin of Jazz.
    author: Yinka Ogunsakin

    Iba is not a fusion of African music and jazz, but a proof that Africa is the root of jazz.Nothing proves this more than his version of 'My favourite thing'. 'Iba'is a compulsory collection for lovers of Jazz.

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