portfolio
SOLO
Alugbirin - Flute
"Alugbirin," part of the "Yorùbá Folk Song Series," is a captivating piece for solo flute and piano that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Yorùbá people. Inspired by a traditional tale about Ìjàpà, the tortoise, and his wife, Yánníbo, the story imparts lessons on gluttony and self-discipline. The composition features a call-and-response structure and a pentatonic scale, with the piano accompaniment providing rhythmic and percussive elements, incorporating jazz harmonization, atonality, and moments of improvisation, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary musical expressions.
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Olúrónbí - Violin
“Olúrónbí” for solo violin and piano is a compelling piece from the “Yorùbá Folk Song Series,” designed to reimagine traditional Yorùbá melodies for modern audiences. This composition showcases expressive violin melodies and a supportive yet haunting piano accompaniment, creating an emotional and captivating musical experience. Perfect for performances that highlight cultural heritage and storytelling through music, “Olúrónbí” brings ancient folklore to life with themes of promise, loss, and redemption.
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Làbàlàbà - Bass Clarinet“🛒 ▶️
Wẹ́rẹ́ ló bámiṣé - Piano
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Ihunanya N'egwu - French Horn
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MIXED CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Ìyá Alákàrà - Flute, Clarinet, Piano and Doublebass
Premiered at Àkójọpọ̀'s Orin Tuntun concert in 2022, where it won the Dr. Daniel Olukoya Audience Choice Award and the Late Professor Kolawole Soniake Best Indigenous/Native Composition, "Iyá Àlàkàrà" is a Yorùbá folk song performed by Akara (baked beans) hawkers and their customers. Reflecting the traditional "call and response" format, where the Akara seller (Ìyá Àlàkàrà) calls and the people respond, this piece is arranged for a mixed chamber ensemble of flute, clarinet, piano, and double bass. In this arrangement, the role of Ìyá Àlàkàrà is shared among the instruments, creating a rich, collaborative musical experience that honors the folk roots while showcasing each instrument's unique voice.
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Atótó Arére - Soprano and chamber Orchestra
"Atótó Arére" for soprano and chamber orchestra, commissioned and premiered by Àkójọpọ̀ for their 2023 African Art Music Commissioning Project, is a vibrant celebration of Yorùbá musical traditions. This work, inspired by the Yorùbá folksong tradition and the Nigerian percussionist Abiké Ìlù, features enchanting melodies and intricate rhythmic textures. Utilizing a pentatonic scale and the "Orin Osun" style, the composition integrates elements such as piano imitating the clave, violins mimicking the omelé batá drum patterns, and winds adding colorful improvisations. The soprano's expressive performance is complemented by the orchestral ensemble, capturing the essence of traditional Yorùbá music through a contemporary lens.
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Kòsólóko Lóko - Baritone, Flute, and Doublebass
Kòsólóko Lóko is an addition to the Yorùbá folklore series by Gabriel Adedeji inspired by the famous Nigerian talking drummer, Abike Ilu. Rooted in the tale of a farm owner and a bird, it was performed by Daniel Kumapayi, Kolade Kenneth, Owele Segun, and Chiemerie Obianom.With a compact instrumentation, the double bass assumes a dual role as both bass and percussion, utilizing the board for rhythmic accents. The baritone singer, in addition to vocal duties, occasionally takes up the clave, enhancing the rhythmic pulse and adding depth to the sonic palette.The flute melodies, using mostly the minor pentatonic scale, serve as dynamic responses to the baritone’s call. Through improvisational passages and harmonies in thirds and fourths, the flute adds layers of texture and color to the narrative.Kòsólóko Lóko serves as a cultural ambassador, offering a window into the rich tapestry of Yorùbá culture through music.
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Tsawatarwa - Flute, Violin, and Piano
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Bánúsọ - Flute, Violin, Cello and Piano
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ORCHESTRA
Mọ̀jàmọ̀sá
Lábẹ́ Igi Òrońbó
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Ọba Ìgbàlà - Soprano and OrchestraThe piece is inspired by the Nigerian gospel music legend, Funmi Aragbaiye, on her song “A gbe o ga”. 🛒 ▶️
vocals
Ọmọ ta báwí - Soprano
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Hunger - SopranoThis is a 2 part piece about a person who is famished but only wants to eat swallow, the first part them begging for swallow and the other part is showing off strength after downing a bowl of swallow.🛒 ▶️
Ọba Ìgbàlà - Choir and OrchestraThe piece is inspired by the Nigerian gospel music legend, Funmi Aragbaiye, on her song “A gbe o ga”. 🛒 ▶️