iREP ends on jazzy notes

The just-concluded four-day iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Forum (iREP) hosted a jazz showcase on the final day.

The fourth edition of the film fest with the theme, ‘Rhythms of Identity – Africa in self-conversation’, took place at Freedom Park, Lagos, which has become its home from March 20 to 23 ending with a NAIJAZZ show produced by Inspiro Productions.

Among the performers for the night were Adeh, an up-and-coming Afro Jazz guitarist who played cover songs from classic and contemporary Nigerian musicians. Then the big names like: Eko Brass Band, Bright Gain, Femi Leye and Segun Awe.

The 12-piece Eko Brass Band put together by the award-winning master percussionist, Lekan Babalola, energised the crowd on a day that was also Theo Lawson’s birthday. Lawson it was who dreamed the concept that became the former colonial prison turned theme park. The crowd danced to the band’s agidigbo, fanti style and Afrobeat tunes originally by Fela.

The energy continued with Bright Gain, who runs the SPAN Academy of Jazz and Contemporary Music and has over 100 compositions to his credit. He shared the stage with some of his students to the delight of the jazz lovers.

It was the same template of energy that the other jazz musicians adopted through the night.

But before the music, there was a presentation by iREP organisers of Femi Odugbemi, Makin Soyinka and Jahman Anikulapo.

iREP celebrates documentary films. The forum invites talents from across the globe to share ideas on trends and technological advancements in the format. Since 2011, iREP has hosted over 3,000 participants. The four days this year featured free documentary screenings, papers, panels and music.