The power of storytelling and the control of an artist's narrative is the focus of our attention today, as we delve into the upcoming documentary, 'Too Much Music'. This film, a passion project for director Aseye Fiagbe, aims to shed light on the life and legacy of Ghanaian keyboardist Kiki Gyan, a musical genius whose story has been overshadowed by negative narratives.
The Power of Music and Memory
Music, as the old saying goes, is a universal language. It has the power to evoke emotions, transport us to different times and places, and leave a lasting impact on our lives. However, when an artist's story becomes reduced to a single, often negative, narrative, it raises important questions about the control and ownership of their legacy.
Aseye Fiagbe's Journey
Fiagbe's connection to Kiki Gyan's story is deeply personal. Growing up in Ghana, Osibisa's music, with Gyan's keyboard prowess at the forefront, was a constant in her life. Yet, the story she knew was a tragic one, focused solely on Gyan's addiction and demise. It was only later, as an adult, that Fiagbe discovered the vast body of work Gyan had created, and she realized the imbalance between his musical brilliance and the simplified narrative of his life.
"I realized how much music he had actually made and how little of it I knew. That bothered me, and the more I researched him, the more I saw the complexity and humanity in his story." - Aseye Fiagbe
Exploring Complexities
'Too Much Music' aims to explore the complexities of Gyan's life and the forces that shaped his journey. It delves into the tensions around credit and ownership, the vulnerability of artists, and the system's indifference to their struggles. Fiagbe wants to hold space for brilliance, failure, joy, and vulnerability, all within the same frame.
"I'm interested in complexity. It's about memory and erasure, and who gets remembered for their work and who is remembered only for their fall." - Aseye Fiagbe
A Universal Story
While Gyan's story is deeply rooted in Ghanaian and African music history, the themes explored in the film are universal. It raises questions about the impact of talent and success, the credit given to creative work, and the treatment of those who fall from grace. Fiagbe believes these questions resonate beyond the confines of Gyan's story and invite viewers to reflect on the broader implications.
"A whole person can become one mistake, one tragedy, one headline. We do this all the time, and it's important to question who gets to decide what remains of someone after they are gone." - Aseye Fiagbe
The Impact of Open Doors
The Open Doors program at the Locarno Film Festival has been a catalyst for 'Too Much Music'. Fiagbe and her team have gained valuable connections, conversations, and an award that will propel the project forward. The film is still in the development stage, with ongoing writing and research, particularly focused on Gyan's time in London, Lagos, and the U.S. Fiagbe is now seeking the right international co-production relationships, having gained a clearer vision of what those collaborations should entail.
'Too Much Music' promises to be a thought-provoking documentary, challenging us to consider the narratives we consume and the stories we tell about artists. It's a reminder that there is always more to the story, and sometimes, we need to look beyond the headlines to truly understand and appreciate an artist's legacy.
