Oluchi Odii’s Music meets literature - 'A Things Fall Apart' book adaptation
At an event dubbed Music Meets Literature, some chapters of Chinua Achebe’s novel, ‘Things Fall Apart’, was adapted in a musical, storytelling style performance by a range of artistes.
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Held at the Library of Arts and the African Diaspora (LOATAD), Adenta, Accra, last week, the organisers said the idea was to offer a fresh, innovative and exciting way to enjoy literary books.
In an interview, head organiser, Nigerian singer and actor Oluchi Odii said this was also to bring Ghanaian and Nigerian industry experts and art lovers together.
According to the ex-project fame star, this event was the first of its kind with plans to hold subsequent ones in the months ahead.
Event organisers and performers in a group picture
She expressed gratitude to the team that supported the project, mentioning creative director and performer, Mojisola Kadiri, co-executive producer, Osinachi Unegbu, actor and singers Zela, Tosin Adeyemi and manager of LOATAD, Seth Avusuglo.
"My only challenge was funding and so I would entreat industry lovers and the general public for assistance and partnerships. Our social media handles, Nii dromo and @Oluchi Odii on Instagram is the best place to reach us,” she said.
Songs on the album which featured excerpts from the book included; Unoko, I don’t want to fail, survivor, Trouble Maker, Get Well Ezinma, I don’t care, Where We Belong and She no dey play.
According to music director and composer of Listen Africa, Nii Dromo Yartey, who was also part of the organisers, all the songs were his original work.
When asked what drove his inspiration, he said the book spoke well to his identity as an African, his values and character as a person.
At the events were a blend of Nigerians, Ghanaians and foreigners who shared a common interest in craft.
Oluchi who is also known for ‘Riona’ a television series on the streaming platform Showmax performed most of the songs with Nii Dromo.
The audience were also treated to the song Unoka performed by singer, Esther Narh. Zela also thrilled with a performance of musician, Nina Simone's How it feels to be free track. Mojisola also performed, musician, Asa's Jailor track.
Other artistic presentations included a spoken word performance by Tosin Adeyemi, titled Bingo and A Love Letter to the Departed.
“Bingo is an emotional yet firm caution to some men who prey on young women and children. There is no excuse for rape!” Tosin said in an interview.
Miss Ingrid Glanowski, one of the guests said, “The music and the voices of the artistes were out of this world and I would pay a lot of money to see them again. I was invited by the manager of the art gallery, and I didn’t regret coming”.
Miss Stephanie Dei-Tutu shared that her only regret was not coming early because the last 15 minutes she experienced was amazing.
