Dede Mabiaku is a
versatile musician, who has come a long way in the Afrobeat, Highlife
and Jazz music genres. He has over the years proven himself a force to
reckon with in the Nigerian music scene, within and outside the shores
of the country. His display of stagecraft, showmanship and knack for
audience participation are in present day Nigeria, unequalled. A protégé
of the Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Dede indeed learnt at the
feet of the master himself. For more than 10 years, he was an integral
part of Fela's daily life and his band Egypt 80. Dede opened all Felas
local and international shows, performing on vocals and playing the
saxophone. Today, he remains unchallenged as the best Afrobeat artiste
ever. Dede, who recently featured in a movie, Render to Caesar, produced
by Desmond Ovbiagele believes that the Afrobeat king lives on. He
relives fond memories of his 10 years sojourn with him, his romance with
actress Bimbo Akintola and the women in his life.
Let's talk about 'Render To Caeser', a movie you featured in that will soon be released. How come you gambled into acting?
I didn't gamble into acting. I'm a Thespian by training. I went to the University of Jos and University of Benin to study Theater Arts. I was admitted into the university in 1968, so, I'm not a kid. And I happened to be the first actor to ever win an award in this country in 1987.
At Nigerian Festival of Films and Nigerian Television Productions, I won the Best Actor in this country. First of all, I am a Theater Artiste and it encompasses every unit of the arts, including music. That's why I've been into music.
But you are more popular in the music arena than in acting?
Music is theatre. What Fela did and which we all saw is referred to as Total Theater. So, I happen to be studying that realm. Fela also acted in the movie, "Black President". It was after his starring in that movie that the then, military regime went and set ablaze his Kalakuta residence. Fela studied music in the university. And I studied Theater Arts. So, my delving into acting is based on credibility.
You were like Fela's forerunner while he lived. Do you think his prophetic songs have found meaning in our present day Nigeria?
All the things Fela said back then are happening today.
Let's talk about 'Render To Caeser', a movie you featured in that will soon be released. How come you gambled into acting?
I didn't gamble into acting. I'm a Thespian by training. I went to the University of Jos and University of Benin to study Theater Arts. I was admitted into the university in 1968, so, I'm not a kid. And I happened to be the first actor to ever win an award in this country in 1987.
At Nigerian Festival of Films and Nigerian Television Productions, I won the Best Actor in this country. First of all, I am a Theater Artiste and it encompasses every unit of the arts, including music. That's why I've been into music.
But you are more popular in the music arena than in acting?
Music is theatre. What Fela did and which we all saw is referred to as Total Theater. So, I happen to be studying that realm. Fela also acted in the movie, "Black President". It was after his starring in that movie that the then, military regime went and set ablaze his Kalakuta residence. Fela studied music in the university. And I studied Theater Arts. So, my delving into acting is based on credibility.
You were like Fela's forerunner while he lived. Do you think his prophetic songs have found meaning in our present day Nigeria?
All the things Fela said back then are happening today.
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