Awilo
The fact that music is a universal language has proven to be true time and again regardless which language or instrument used in rendering it. Senegalese music superstar, Salif Keita’s all time hit, ‘Africa’ became popular all over Africa and beyond inspite of the fact that his medium of communication was French. The song appealed not only to English speaking Africans but Europeans and others who neither understand French or English language. So it was with Funmi Adams, ‘Yaro,’ sung in Hausa but embraced by all Nigerians. It was a song done in late 80’s. When Evi-Edna Ogholi Ogosi had a show in Ghana, it was her native language song, ‘Obaro’ that appealed to the Ghanian crowd and they sang each line to the astonishment of the musician. Stories abound of such act in other parts of the world. So it was in the beginning of the millennia when a rather unknown Congolese musician known as Awilo Logomba won the hearts of music lovers the world over especially in Nigeria with his monotonous but creative songs and sexy dancers. It was the beginning a new romance with Nigeria and Makossa musicians and songs. After Awilo’s hit songs in his Coupe Bilamba album, a lot of other French singing Africans began to outwit each other in releasing songs which then had a large market in Nigeria. Its influence grew to the extent that comic actor Julius Agwu made a comic remix of Awilo’s songs and made a massive impact. It was a huge success. Most musicians including gospel artistes made their own versions and also began to play that brand of music though it has waned at the moment. It was another experience when Awilo himself stormed Nigeria for a concert. It was unprecedented in the history of shows in the country. What probably could equate the crowd that attended the epoch making music show is the Paul Adefarasin’s Experience, where Christians of all denomination gather at the Tafawa Balewa Square for a once in a year live concert featuring both foreign and local acts. However shortly after Logomba’s reign, nothing was heard from him for years. Even the subsequent album after his hit song did not make much impact. It now came as a surprise when Nigerians saw him in a music video of a wavemaking Nigerian artiste, Praize. And also saw him in a couple of events in Nigeria. Asst. Editor, Sam Anokam caught up with him at the album launch of Tuface Idibia’s latest effort, ‘Ascension’ on the Island and the following conversation ensued.
Why are you here?
Today’s event is mad. It was wonderful. First of all, I love everybody especially Tuface of Nigeria. Tuface is the best. I am here to honour him because of the launch of his latest album, Ascension which is now in the market. After listening to all of his songs, it was very difficult for me to separate one from the other because they are all good. It was indeed a difficult choice to make. Tuface is good.
Why are you in Nigeria?
I was actually invited by the organizers of the popular Project Fame show to perform and after that I was almost on my way back to London because I now live in London but I decided to stay back to honour Tuface because he is a legend. I love Nigeria and all English speaking countries. I relocated to London because I was on contract there and also to help improve my English.
After your massive hit, Awilo, we didn’t hear anything from you again, are no longer singing?
I think it is a promotion issue. I disappeared from this part because I was in other places. I have been travelling round the world plying my trade. I honestly think you should ask the DJs but I now have a new song in the market currently making waves in Brazil and other parts of the world. Let me add that I am also here to promote my single, Bundele, it is the best song in the world as at today.
What is your impression about the Nigerian music?
I love Nigerian music. The Afro beat legend, Fela Kuti inspired my going into music. Fela kuti to me is the biggest musician Nigeria has produced and he made the Nigerian music popular the world over. As a kid, I enjoyed one of his songs, ‘Shakara’. That song inspired one of my hit songs which you all know and sing. Afro beat is the best music in the world.
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