Elijah Adebero
Acclaimed performance poet, Akeem Lasisi, has said that his interaction with some Nigerian actors has helped the growth of his creative career.
Lasisi has featured some top actors and actresses in some of his poetry videos, saying they have all been great even as he particularly recalls that the artistry of maverick Thespians, Ropo Ewenla and Oyin Elebuibon, particularly haunts him always.
In ‘Eleleture’, for instance, he features Lagos-based actress, Bukola Awoyemi, aka Arugba.
In ‘Ekun Iyawo’, he features stage and screen stars that include Kabirah Kafidipe (Araparegangan), Feyikemi Bodunrin-Olayinka (Asake) and Allwell Ademola, a producer and actress.
Also in ‘The Three Wise Men’, thoroughbred actors, Pa James and Ewenla are in action.
According to him, he also has a yet-to-be premiered poetry video titled ‘Eyin Eniyan’, where he features popular comedian, Okele.
Speaking on the making of ‘Asabi Alakara’, Lasisi says the combination of Ewenla and Oyin Elebuibon – daughter of Ifa priest and poet, Yemi Elebuibon – gave him more than he desired.
He notes that the duo were able to translate the poems and songs in Asabi inspiringly, given it a life almost larger than it, adding that the singers too – Edaoto and Funmi Phumzee – are also excellent.
“Ropo and Oyin were with us in Ikire where we shot the video. Their coming together was and remains marvelous based on what they imbued the video with. In a way, they match each other with inspiring artistry, which shows how talented and seasoned both are. I am ever grateful to them, he says.
‘Asabi Alakara’ was shot by Sanjo, the same erson who shot Lasisi’s ‘Udeme’.
Also a journalist, publisher and educator, Lasisi is the author of IREMOJE: Ritual Poetry for Ken Saro-Wiwa; Night of my Flight (both winners of the Association of Nigerian Authors Poetry Prize), among other publications.
Watch ‘Asabi Alakara’ below.
