After spending weeks peeling yam, cooking it and engaging the pestle and mortar in the kitchen in the past weeks, Lagos-based cultural troupe, Adunni & Nefertiti, is set to serve the revered delicacy, probably with egusi soup. The food in question may, however, not be the type consumed through the mouth, but one meant to entertain and educate lovers of the theatre.
As part of the seventh anniversary of the group, it is staging a play titled Iyan lounje (Pounded Yam is the Real Thing), written by the late scholar, writer and actor, Femi Fatoba. The play is directed by Sunkanmi Adebayo and Wole Oguntokun and it features artistes from within and outside Nefertiti.
On how she has been able to manage the all-girl troupe so far, Adunni says focus, determination and God’s grace have been her pillars.
“There is also the need to be a good example to people you are leading,” she adds. “I have learnt to be whatever I want my band members to be. When I need to be firm, I am, and when I need to come down to their levels, I do so.”
Nefertiti is known for the moving voices that power the Yoruba cultural songs they sing on stage. While it straddles the stage with calculated movements, its girls do not engage in elaborate dancing – swinging their bum and chests the way many women do while dancing.
Adunni says what Nefertiti exhibits on stage is a matter of style. She believes that an artiste should have a clear focus and be convinced about what he or she offers the public.
“I don’t believe in trying to be everything. If you have a good voice and you want the people to enjoy and appreciate it, use the voice well. Use it to promote cultural values and things that inspire others in society,” she adds.
Two years ago, Nefertiti released its first album entitled, Ayeraye. Adunni says it has circulated within and outside the country but notes that the group has not shot the video of any of the tracks. She notes that she is still searching for a video producer/director who can really appreciate the depth of the meaning of the songs.
Iyan lounje will be staged today (Friday and tomorrow at Freedom Park Lagos).