93 DAYS.

93 DAYS is a 2016 Nigerian produced thriller/drama directed by filmmaker Steve Gukas, the movie tackles the difficult and also heroic events that surrounded the EBOLA epidemic in Nigeria and surrounding areas. The film which is dedicated to the Nigerian born physician Amevo Adadevoh who played a crucial and important part in the eradication of the deadly virus in his homeland and western Africa tells of the horror and heartbreak of the EBOLA virus and how it affects the lives of many and not just the people who have contracted it and their families. The movie stars Bimbo Akintola, Danny Glover and Bimbo Manuel.

“93 days the movie celebrates the act of doing what is right, selfless service and making a difference in the world.” Steve Gukas Director.

The musical score is the work of composer George Kallis who is known for his inventive and haunting music to films such as GAGARIN-FIRST IN SPACE and TV series such as HIGHLANDER, THE SOURCE and HEARTLESS. The score for 93 DAYS is a fusion of both symphonic and synthetic with the symphonic elements definitely having the Lion’s share of the work. Released on the ever industrious MOVIE SCORE MEDIA label 93 DAYS was recorded by a 65-piece orchestra, the style employed by composer Kallis ranges from a celestial almost serene sound to tense and apprehensive atmospheres which underline the drama and desperation of certain situations within the storyline. It also reflects the dedication and selflessness of the team of Doctors that acted quickly and without thought for themselves in a bid to stem the spread of the deadly Ebola virus within the Nigerian Capital Lagos. Kallis utilizes the string section to great effect and bolsters enhances and punctuates this with the use of subdued brass, woodwind, piano and percussive elements. The compact disc opens with SPEECH OF REMEMBERANCE which is the longest cue on the release running for just over six minutes, this is a emotive and somewhat proud piece but at the same time is filled with an air of melancholy, it has an almost opulent and lush aura about it which as the opening piece purveys a sense of hope, in many ways the style and sound we hear is not many miles away from the style of the late James Horner, strings combining with faraway sounding horns and choir at certain points, giving the composition a mood that is lonely but determined. Track number 2, THIS IS MY CITY, is a mix of electronic and symphonic where the composer puts to effective use percussion that acts as a background to layered and melodic strings which themselves are supporting and enhancing a wordless vocal performance by Nigerian born singer Onyi who is now based in The United States, although short lived the cue for me personally is one of the most affecting and memorable cues within the score as it seems to set the scene for all of what is to follow.
Track number 4, INTERNATIONAL REPORTS is a more intense and taught sounding piece, with strings again being the mainstay of the proceedings, acting as both background and central instrumentation to percussion, brass, woodwind and female voice. Track number 6, THE DISEASE IS SPREADING is a particularly poignant and haunting track, with female voice being underlined by emotive sounding strings and further embellished by subtle brass, percussion again is brought into the equation adding weight to both strings and brass elements, which continue to give support to the vocal performance. Track number 16, THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, for me is one of the score’s highlights is effectively a combination of the scores central or core thematic material, performed by the string section with light touches from piano and woods that introduce choir which although is just a fleeting appearance is wonderfully atmospheric. The final cue EVELYN is a beautiful and mesmerizing piece, with strings and choral elements being given a more emotive and affecting aura by the use of piano and finally by percussion which acts as an introduction and a background to a short but stunning. This is a score that should be savoured by any discerning soundtrack enthusiast.

1.
Speech of Remembrance
6:13
2.
This Is My City
2:07
3.
The Beautiful Man
2:42
4.
International Reports
2:09
5.
Liberian Threats
2:33
6.
The Disease Is Spreading
2:42
7.
Evelyn’s Story
1:54
8.
Blood Everywhere
1:48
9.
Mr. Sawyer
2:16
10.
U.S. Presentation
1:49
11.
Miscarriage
2:06
12.
Dr. Abaniwo
2:10
13.
Happy Birthday
2:01
14.
It Started
2:11
15.
Taken to the Ward
3:33
16.
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
2:02
17.
Evelyn
3:49
 
Total Album Time:
44:05