Yinka Olatunbosun
The Nigerian-born British musician and producer, Femi Sofela is set for another homecoming to record his new album in Lagos and hit the stage at Nigeria’s longest music festival, Felabration 2021. The multi-instrumentalist with a special affinity for bass guitar is the in-house music director for Joyful Noise Productions and had produced two albums. In 2012, he formed his band ‘Femi and the Inrhythms’ which is an afro-funk embellished with African traditional jazz.
Sofela had his first homecoming recently in April when he returned to Nigeria for the international Afro-fusion night alongside friends and other music contemporaries. The show which was performed at the Freedom Park in Lagos was an introduction of the familiar yet new music to the Nigerian audience who were witnessing his first tour in the country
“The problem with touring is the cost,’’ he said in a short televised interview. “You have to make sure that you recoup the money. Festivals usually cost a lot of money. It takes a lot of planning.’’
His taste in music is widely accepted in the western world especially in the Europe. After a successful outing in Europe, he decided to bring the music flavour back to its roots.
“My music is a combination of Yoruba and English language so that everyone can flow with it,’’ he said. Produced by Joyful Noise Records, the international Afro-fusion night also featured Ace Trombonist Femi Slide, Adunni Nefertiti & DJ Raymond Brown.
Though he is master guitarist, he started out with drums. As early as age 16, he had his first band. In his later years, he explored funk, jazz, fusion and afro-beat. His music stature had since burgeoned into a great music export from Nigeria.
