Visual Collaborative has released an archival interview featuring UK vocalist Tony Momrelle in conversation with Executive Director and Founder Ade Olufeko. The interview was recorded in early 2021 and is part of a series of previously unreleased long-form discussions.
Focus on Creative Industries
According to Visual Collaborative, the series focuses on conversations with contributors across different areas of the creative industries. The platform states that the material is being released to provide extended, interview-based documentation of artistic perspectives over time.
Tony Momrelle's Career
Momrelle has performed internationally and is known for his work with the band Incognito, as well as collaborations with Sade Adu and her band. In the interview, he discusses aspects of maintaining a long-term music career, including public visibility, touring, and recording. He also references his “Lockdown Acoustic Sessions” EP, which was released during the period of restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional topics include his international performance experience, musical influences such as Donnie Hathaway, and professional encounters, including meeting Gloria Estefan. During the conversation, Momrelle also shares a lighter moment, recalling how he once requested chocolate and tea in a relaxed exchange before joining Sade Adu’s band before the Lovers Live tour.
Banter and Cultural Exchange
He also engages in friendly banter with Olufeko, joking about the strong admiration many Nigerian men have for Sade, which Olufeko acknowledges in stride. Olufeko’s role in the conversation reflects his continued involvement in Visual Collaborative’s publishing activities following changes to its festival operations in the United States.
Ade Olufeko's Broader Contributions
Outside the platform, Olufeko has held positions within Nigeria’s private creative sector, including a leadership role at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Victoria Island. He has also been associated with the launch of the Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) Foundation Lagos, described as an initiative focused on discipline and mental toughness training through martial arts.
Ongoing Archival Releases
Visual Collaborative presents the release as part of an ongoing effort to make archival interviews publicly available. The interview can be viewed on YouTube.
