NYAFF 2016: Faaji Agba
/Friday, May 13th-Sunday, May 15th
The 2016 New York African Film Festival
Saturday, May 14th, 7:45pm
Faaji Agba
Remi Vaughan-Richards, Nigeria, 2015, 90 min
Faaji Agba is a six-year journey by film-maker Remi Vaughan. Richards following seven, 68-85 yr old Yoruba master musicians in Lagos, Nigeria. They were forgotten by society, until Kunle Tejuoso, owner of Jazzhole Records, follows a trail to rediscover them and the ‘Faaji Agba Collective’ is born. Kunle’s journey starts with Fatai Rolling Dollar, which leads him to others such as Alaba Pedro, SF Olowookere, Ayinde Bakare and more. Their musical styles range from highlife, juju to afrobeat. The story starts in 2009 and follows them on their journey to perform in New York in 2011 where tragedy strikes. A year later, undeterred by the setback they perform again in Lagos, ends up being their last. Faaji Agba interweaves the history, culture and music scene of Lagos, Nigeria from 1940’s to 2015 as their joys and tragedies unfold.