AYEKOOTO THE POPULAR EWÌ ORÍKÌ Music Exponent!

By Sam Ajide NTA

Ayekooto whose real name is Adekunle Adeoriyomi Adepoju  is the Projenitor of Ewi Oriki Orile Ede and was born on JANUARY 1st, 1978. He started praise singing at the tender age of 7 an act which he said he inherited.

In the Yoruba traditional setting Ewi Oriki is a praise poetry which is often used to arouse people and connect them to their root. 

It can take the form of local chant consisting of praise songs that identify a family or individual.

Ayekooto who recounted his growing up days at Aare Alasa compound in Ibadan said he was always in the company of his father (Olanrewaju Adepoju) who was the MD Olanrewaju Records, that had young Ayekooto as the youngest member in the company together with three other members.

 They played for prominent people then in their home town who got so fond of his performances and his prowess in the Oriki panegyric.

Ayekooto became very famous during the popular Yoruba Tv series GOROSO which ran for several years on NTA in the late 90's. He has also featured in other popular programs like Fokomoyo, Ajaka Oko, Oduduwa, etc

He has done praise singing for Oba's , prominent socialites, etc in Nigeria. He recalls that one of his most memorable experiences was when he sang for the former head of state of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo whom he said cried and hugged him when he witnessed the experience of eulogy of his roots. His late wife Stella was at this particular event he said. 

He has also done praises of popular politicians like President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Aregbesola Governor Rotimi Akeredolu,Acting Governor of Ondo State HE Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa Governor Ayodele Fayose, Governor Raji Fashola, Governor Seyi Makinde, Governor Segun Mimiko, Ondo State SSG Hon Barr Oladunni Odu, Distinguished Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Tokunbo Abiru Senator Ayo Adeseun Dr Soji Ehinlanwo, Hon Barr Tokunbo Wahab,  late Governor Alao Akala and others

And prominent kings like Oba Riliwan Akiolu, Ooni Sijuade, Oba Ogunwusi Ojaja 11, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, Oba Deji of Akure, Oba Soun of Ogbomoso, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Timi of Ede, Oba Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Onikate of Ikate Surulere, Ayangburen Of Ikorodu, Olu Of Igodan Lisa, Alayandelu Of Odo Ayandelu even in Kwara where many believe Yoruba poetry won't be appreciated Oba Zulu Gambari ( Oni WA Tutu), 

Oba Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Oloffa of Offa, Oba Olomu of Omu, etc and other prominent diginitaries like Chief Subomi Balogun, Chief Mike Adenuga, Barr Morayo Lebi, Femi Falana SAN Barr Taiwo Shote PEPE, Chief Wale Akinterinwa, Mama Diaspora  Alh Ayinde Akinsanya MC OLUOMO Chief Eniku Omotayo, Chief Of Staff of Ondo State Hon Chief Gbenga Ale,  Hon Tunji Fabiyi, Hon Abike Dabiri  Hon Festus Adefiranye, etc.

Ewì Oríkì is a craft that relies greatly on the power of the Dùndún and Bàtà Drums. Many people have been able the trace their ancestral roots with the Oríkì panegyric. 

From the chants one can witness historical background of one's lineage, warriors, food, customs, etc Oríkì is one of the pride of the Yorùbá society as it is the believe that one without Oríkì can easily be likened to one without a root.

Ayekooto has transversed many western States and he has over 300 albums to his credit ie Oríkì Orilẹ Wà, AṢA Ìgbéyàwó, Paṣan Ọrọ, Binti L'aiye, Ikú Lópin, Ìjọba Niger, Orí Ẹni, Ọrọ Èpo Yorùbá Ronú etc..