Abiodun (musician)
| Abiodun | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Abiodun Odukoya |
| Also known as | Don Abi |
| Born |
December 23, 1972 London, England |
| Origin | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Genres | Afrosofunk |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Labels | Ajazco Records |
| Website | abiodun-music.com |
Abiodun Odukoya (born 23. 12. 1972) better known as Abiodun is a Nigerian-German singer, songwriter, producer and music arranger. Abiodun’s name is of Yoruba origin. It means he who is born on a day of festivity. He is better known as the co founder of the Afro German music collective Brothers Keepers and as one of the pioneers of the German reggae, afro and soul music scene.
Abiodun was born in London. He is the son of a German mother and a Nigerian father. Abiodun grew up in Lagos, Nigeria where he was exposed to music through his parents vast and eclectic collection which ranged from reggae to juju, afrobeat, pop, funk and hiphop. After the death of his father in 1986 his family relocated to Cologne, Germany. Abiodun is the younger brother of musician and activist Ade Bantu.
Abiodun started his recording career under the moniker DON ABI In 1993 when he released his first single “Criminality” with Vibe Tribe Soundsystem. A year later he was invited by pioneering German Hip-hop producer Future Rock (LSD) to work on American Funk saxophonist Maceo Parker’s single “Keep your Soul together”. In 1995 Abiodun was featured on Germany’s first Reggae Dancehall Sampler “Dancehall Power Vol.1“ this led to tours with his High Voltage Band and extensive collaborations with the Hamburger Dub Reggae collective “Di Iries”.
In 1998 he founded the musical project BANTU with his brother Ade Bantu, Patrice and Amaechi this gave him the opportunity to rekindle the musical connection with his African heritage. Bantu's debut album "Fufu" was released in 2000 and it became an instant success in Nigeria with two hit radio singles "Nzogbu" & "Fire Inna Dancehall".
Abiodun collaborated with Patrice Bart-Williams on his debut Album “Ancient Spirit“ writing and producing the Song “Life Hard”. In 2001 he co founded the Afro-German musical collective Brothers Keepers. Their song "Adriano (die letzte Warnung)" (Adriano the final warning) was released. It became an anti racism anthem selling well over 220,000 copies and making it to the Top 5 of the German pop charts.
In 2003 he was signed to V2 Records where he released “Act of Love“ a mini LP, which was well received by music critics and fans around Europe. He was highly active on the live Circuit with his Band Okada Supersound touring and headlining show such as Rottweil Jazz Festival, Reggae Summer Jam, Bochum Total, Chiemsee Reggae Summer, Rototom Sunsplash Italy, Wiesen Sunsplash Austria and Womex 2004. He also toured with and supported Brothers Keepers, Bantu, Angelique Kidjo, Keziah Jones and many others. In 2003 Abiodun was featured on British reggae band UB40’s single "Rudie (Hold It Down)" alongside Adé Bantu and German reggae singer Gentleman. The song gave him the opportunity to work with the legendary Jamaican singer Gregory Isaacs on “Reason for Love“ a tune produced by Neil Perch of Zion Train. The song was based on the Rudie Riddim. In 2005 he was featured on Brothers Keepers sophomore Album "Am I My Brothers Keeper" and Bantu’s "Fuji Satisfaction" an album that won critical acclaim and the Kora Awards as "Best Group West Africa" and "Best Group Africa" in 2005.
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