WHEN Nigeria began grappling with the British overlords over the rights to control their own affairs, music was predominantly western influenced, courtesy of the several seafarers and returnees to the country. It was indeed a period of gestation of interest and generational education. Several decades after, the efforts and works of the likes of Ambrose Campbell, Bobby Benson, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Orlando Julius, Zeal Onyia and others began to manifest in the musical works of several new generation musicians such as Djinee, Darey, Mo Zart, Asa, Tuface, Seun Kuti and - wait for it- Nigerias acclaimed ace guitarist, Michael Osadolo. In his quest for musical excellence, he deviated from the norm, doing the popular hip-hop and rap stuff. Michael Osadolo was born into a musical family of seven boys, all multi-instrumentalists, and a father who is a professional musician with a thriving music band called Jedinorefen Dance Band. Not the least was his mum, an avid singer and pianist. Having started to learn how to play musical instruments, particularly, the guitar at the tender age of four, Michael Osadolo moved on to become a master of the strings. His mastery of the guitar has variously been likened to the acclaimed dexterity of Sir. Victor Uwaifo who also hails from Benin City, Edo State. In his interview with Weekend Beats, the dreadlocked guitarist with a vast musical experience that bellies his relative young age, explains why he chose to play more of guitar than singing, despite his melodious voice.Without doubt, I can sing very well because I am lucky to be born into a family of musicians, Michael begins. I play African jazz in the Nigerian way. But because of my experience of western jazz and skills, some critics want me to do strictly western jazz, but they seem to forget the African factor. I believe you cant do western music better than the actual originators. So, Im concentrating on doing contemporary jazz with African roots. Some people who talk about my chords dont know where I was coming from because Ive actually done a lot of that in the past. In view of the stereotyped nature of Nigerian music, a few of the new and in fact, thoroughbred musicians have begun to be different. Just like Yemi Sax, Olu jazz and Kunle Ajayi, Michael Osadolo has decided to play on with his key strength, the guitar. And after five years of planning and trying his hands on rehash of some classic songs, and in his own unique way, the lot fortunately fell on that classic communal song, Eddy kwansah. The song made popular as the sound track of the good old television drama series New Masquerade, was reproduced, repackaged and given an incredible touch of genius. He explained the reason behind his choice. You see, the song, Eddy kwansah, was a kind of song that rallies neighbours, friends and families to news of good tidings. And that was what I amply portrayed in the video of the song. In the video, you would see several scenes depicting the meaning of the song, and with traditional Benin kingdom scenes. You know, first and foremost, Im a Benin man and secondly, a proud African. And so, I try as much as possible to put on display the African tradition in my music. The big-budget musical video shot on different locations in Lagos, featured several top entertainment personalities and was produced by the renowned movie producer-director, Achor Atta of Moran Entertainment Company. Apart from the classic song Eddy kwansa other songs include Life, Dancing time, Mowa Dupe temi, a remix of Eldees Bosi Gbangba kajo, J-Martins Yori-Yori and other. Save for the choruses, the songs are predominantly a display of guitar fireworks that brings to the fore his long-held contemporary jazz format with a smooth root of African groove fusion with rhythm and blues. I know this is a kind of revolution, Michael offers. But I believe that the Nigerian music public is mature and ready for this new thang. You would be hearing the guitar actually playing the voice. The focus is mainly the guitar because Im Nigerias No1 guitarist, he said. Considering Michaels good looks and imposing figure, not a few would have raised eyebrows if he had gone for a career in acting or modelling. And of course, he could have also become a black sheep within the family and not when he has a father with the intimating profile of having played with the likes of Bongos Ikwe, the late Sunny Okosun and other highlife greats. Michael Osadolos fast-rising fame as the nations topmost guitarist has not come for nothing. Between 2004 and 2010, he played with one of Africas fast-emerging greats, Lagbaja. He has also performed at various music concerts and festivals both home and abroad. In his enviable credit pouch are performances at the naming ceremony of the ship, Armada Perdana, 2009 in Singapore, World Music Day, Lagos; 1st Lagos International Jazz festival; Joy of Jazz festival, Lagos; Africa/American Festival, Venezuela; African Football Award (Nigeria-Ghana); COJA All-African Games and several others. His works buoys his musical experiences with several musicians, producers on the local and international circuits. And among them are Cobham Asuquo, Wole Oni, Lagbaja, King Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu, Asa, Timaya, Mike Aremu, Durella, Omawunmi, TY Bello, 2face, Faze, kween, Weird MC, Folake Umosen, Sunny Nneji, MI, Tosin Martins, Kush, Jazzman Olofin, Djinee, T-Mac, Shina Peters, Daddy Showkey and many others. And in the contemporary jazz world, he has various worked with the likes of Kunle Ayo, Earl Klugh, Hugh Masekela, Majic Malik, Ara, Iyere Okojie, Ben Okafor, Joe, ESpice Libre-Quatet, from France, Lara George, Dede Mabiaku, Muma Gee, Majek Fashek Panam Percy Paul, Kayode Olajide of the Weavers Band, Jimmy Dludlu, Shack-Shack, Ego, Temitayo George and Jonathan Butter. Michael was quick to respond to remarks about the possibilities of his moving to another country, in pursue of greener pastures. Music critics enthused that Michaels kind of music would do him and his career a world of good if he were based in maybe the UK, Canada, France or even South Africa. His words; Ive travelled practically to all parts of the world and Ive seen, know and in fact, in a better position to know that Nigeria is a hugely untapped market for all kinds of music. The music internship in Nigeria is getting more and more sophisticated. I also know that many of our foreign-based artistes would gladly love to come back home and practice their stuffs. Thats one big advantage people like us have. We know and understand the environment and the workings. For every genre of music, I believe theres a ready-made market. And all you need to do is to discover your strengths and strongly capitalise upon it. You also need to properly package yourself as a serious brand and I can assure you, it would be smooth sailing, Michael sermonized with great enthusiasm. He went ahead to admonish other upcoming artistes to up their arts, by learning to play one or more musical instruments. He further advised that they should remain steadfast and focus in whatever they are doing. Life struggles are not a 100 metres dash, but a marathon. Importantly, too no matter whatever youre doing always put God first, Michael said.
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