University News Last updated 27 November
Composition alumnus Segun Akinola has further advanced his career in TV music composition with his recent score for the new David Attenborough documentary, Kingdom.
The show follows four rival families of leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and lions fighting to stake a claim for their home in Zambia. The series was filmed over five years in a remote corner of South Luangwa National Park, with the film crew spending more time in one location than ever before for a single BBC Studios National History series.
Segun is well-versed in composing for TV, having previously served as the Music Director and Composer for Doctor Who for four years. He also scored David Olusoga’s documentary, Black and British.
For this series, Segun spent a week in Zambia, recording with traditional Zambian instruments.
Segun commented: “I felt it was vital to go to Zambia and record with Zambian artists who would give this score an authentic connection to the location.
“Not only did I have the joy of bringing this Zambian trip to life, but I also worked with many wonderful musicians in various locations around the world, including a lot of time spent in Cardiff with the brilliant BBC Now. All of which you can hear whilst being guided through the onscreen drama – and there is a lot of drama! – by the reassuring tones of David Attenborough.”