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Ibejii shines a light on BLM, EndSARS & racial injustice with new single Gonto
The music is cross-cultural, cross-continental, & truly delights music lovers from diverse continents” TCN (The Culture Newspaper)
“His trademark storytelling, which is adored by fans, uses sweet melodies, captivating metaphor & traditional folklore” – The Guardian
Afro-retro singer and soulful storyteller Ibejii releases the track Gonto – a dramatic and expressive piece that touches on the emotional rollercoaster foisted on us all by CoviD19, Black Lives Matters, the EndSARS movement of young people and other recent events.
Gonto is rich in metaphor and hugely orchestral, taking the listener on a journey that captures the impunity of the ruling class but also the daring of a new generation whose defeat of fear made EndSARS inevitable. Sung in traditional Yorùbá language, on Gonto, Ibejii tells a story of defiance by the younger generation against rich and powerful oppressors while “leaning on the drive and aspirations of a new generation, determined to make its own unique path in the world”. Produced by DopeL at Natalio Studios in Lagos, Ibejii says of the release: “Gonto captures the casual insensitivity of the big and powerful masquerade (political leaders) and their failure to give voice and space, to the little masquerades (ordinary people). It’s the voice of a new generation who, having defeated fear, insist on being heard and seen”.
A twin by birth and alter ego by craft, British born Nigerian Ibejii wears his Yoruba ancestry, and the musical origins it represents, as a mark of authenticity. With a fine balance of retro-West African sounds mixed with contemporary Global elements, his music is truly Global Africa.
Citing Marvin Gay as a main inspiration, his palette has also been influenced by a wide range of musical genres and artists including opera singers Jessye Norman and Pavarotti, classical composers George Gershwin, Verdi, Vivaldi and Handel, soul and RnB artists Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye plus techno-rockers Daft Punk and more.
Having performed live at various halls in Lagos and London’s O2 Islington opening for jazz / afrobeat artist Brymo, Ibejii has also shared the stage with many notable artists including Celeste, Dwin and Johnny Drille.
With an EP that expands on Gonto’s EndSARS concept on the horizon and a film about the subject now in production, Ibejii is an artist with a bold vision to bring a better world into existence as we emerge from aloneness, social isolation and unimaginable loss into a post CoviD world. Be sure to keep your eyes on Ibejii’s journey over the coming months as his story unfolds. Listen on https://bit.ly/GontoDigital
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