By: Eben Enasco Kingsley (Benin)
Chief Nosakhare Isekhure is the Isekhure of Benin Kingdom who is recognized as the chief priest of the Kingdom. His love for music has not gone unnoticed among his heirs and his followers across the Bini race and the world. National Reformer’s Eben Enasco Kingsley was on point with the Bini High priest when he revealed why he is so much passionate about an organized pleasing sound (music).EXCERPT:
What is in it ODODO BAND?
Chief Isekhure music and performing act foundation is a child of necessity born out of passion I had for music and this stand for the platform.
ODODO BAND therefore, is a reflection of my early day’s passion for entertainment activities. At the age of seven, eight, nine, I started to play music. I imitated some notable musicians like, JT Mensah of Ghana, De layan, Eric Lawson, and lately, Sir Victor Uwaifo. I felt so attracted to music because the way they play the Guitar was admirable. Then I started practicing and play the Guitar. By the time I travelled out of the country in 1976, the first instrument I bought was the Guitar. Infact, I thought myself how to play guitar and then the whole thing was to be able to capture many of the music we use to listen to in those days whose lyrics even though not known to us was very
interesting.
Those of us that were young drew some inspiration from it. As at that time, when you seat down to listen to music by the way the rhythm goes, you will feel that you are on top of the world. So when I came back from the sojourn, I recorded my first album titled, “Erediauwa Nuya rhiovban”.
It was dedicated to Omo N’ Oba Nedo Uku Akpolokpolo, the Oba of Benin when he was enthroned. It was launched at the palace and it was a huge success.
Then, one day, the Oba called to ask if it was only one Album I could do or it was just a fluke? Then I responded to him, that I hadn’t time at that moment but promised to do another album and another one came for Oshiomhole which was distributed free of charge to contribute to his developmental stride.
What message does this concept Ododo Band send across to our cultural heritage and the society at large?
First of all, it is to use story line as instrument of educating our young generation. There are several things to do as a people. A young man shouldn’t fold his hands doing nothing. You can practice music in spite of whatever background you belong. Playing music doesn’t reduce your personality. It adds values to whomever. If by my position as the Chief Priest of Benin Kingdom can play music, socialize with young people in the studio and everywhere, they should be involved as well. The younger generations should think out of the Box. Talents should not be hidden. You should not forget your God giving talents because you occupy a high profile position.
What Musical Instrument can you actually play?
I play Guitar, Keyboard, flute and the drum. There is no instrument in the world I cannot play. Like you can see now, I Plock the guitar strings very well with a reasonable and pleasing sound. It is part of my natural gift which I believe I should nourish until the end of time. As long as am alive, I want people to know that music is a noble profession and our young boys and girls who have nothing should venture into it. They should embrace it, promote it, and live by it. Michael Jackson was very popular and famous musician because he was very passionate about it. James Brown, Jimmy Reeves, Dolly Parton, and many more are great singers who have touched and impacted lives with
their concepts. Those who are in sober mode, when they listen to their music, they are happy. We are also going into film making, and production. I have invested so much in musical instruments. I only ask for a bit of time to put
things in order and bring together a crew of artist. It will encompass musical films, cultural and all that. We have a building for all kinds of production activities. This will help fortify what we want to do because like I said before, I have invested so much money in acquiring musical gadgets. So in over all, we are ready and gearing to go. I have the best instrument you can think of in the world. My engineers are very adept to music and have been able to source for up to date instrument. I have just recorded a video CD on my music.
What actually gave you the inspiration to venture into music and the whole concept even though you are a high chief?
Well, it is spiritual. I started music very early in life and I see things in spiritual and inspirational forms. If things will happen two years from now, I see it even though I am not a prophet. So I try to drive the concept out. Like on of my song in Benin, “Wa-ghe-fu-rhe, meaning people should not rush to eat every thing that comes their way. The virtue of honesty pays rather than mere greed that comes to boomerang. If you take what doesn’t belong to you, it means you have succeeded in depriving them of their belonging. It is only God and the
people watching you that can make you a supper star. That is why in Benin people say Kola nuts are giving to those who know the value of it. That’s why people say honour begot honour as respect to respect.
How many album have you recorded so far?
Isekhure: Well I have about six albums so far and they are very competitive. I intend to do an album outside the country. I want to use that to eulogize them. I also felt the best arena is to perform on stage. We have several invitations from USA, England and in Europe. But the invitation to England will happen in 2016 and for the US we are gearing to go. We would go on a tour of six states in the USA because I have always been issued visa to the USA for the past 40
years.
