• Beginnings, and the new A&R business of Music.
• Artistry.
• Inspiration.
• Inspiration.
• Execution.
• Ascension.

The new prince of Afrobeat, Tonade Oladapo Adetunji, aka Oladapo, is firmly swept up with the zeitgeist. For the new vanguard of African music, there is a lurking immediacy to the industry. Beyond seizing the day, one is more driven to not missing your moment. And so, between a frenetic sense of timing and the torturous global shut down of the pandemic, a new distinctive voice rose. Music Giant SONY promptly locked down this fledgling talent (clearly aware of something special, never mind the bare scraps of a discography). He was shortlisted by Complex UK as one of ten Nigerian Artistes tipped for greatness in 2020, alongside global breakout stars Tems, Fireboy, DML and Oxlade as peers. And the arrival of a debut EP sparkling with musical dexterity, freshness, and wit, was enough to stir the interest of the WIRE. Above all these things, it’s his sweet voice that has us vibing hard and declaring make way, there’s a new prince coming.

Beginnings, and the new A&R business of Music.

As the world tilts into a new paradigm of “thinking and doing”, Oladapo also became part of the new A&R business of Music. He is another artist to have been discovered via short freestyles posted on Instagram in 2018. Digital fame would surge. In 2019, he made it to the shortlist of the inaugural class of the Mr Eazi-powered music incubator program, Empawa Africa (partnered with YouTube). Mr Eazi. Nigeria’s Musical Svengali has a keen nose for talent and the next big thing. A year after his participation, he was cited by the influential Complex as one of ten Nigerian artists to watch. Empawa would provide the perfect launch pad for his first song, “Mango”, as would BBC 1 Xtra.

Artistry.

His musical style, which he characterizes as Afro-fusion, is a blend of highlife sounds with unique modern components, delicately adorned with his local inspirations, which include Yoruba, his mother tongue, and Nigerian Pidgin. His touch for genius is massive, but delicate and sensitive. The rhythmic interactions between heritage Yoruba, street vernacular Pidgin and globalized Anglo, is a dialectic delight for African audiences and the diaspora. As a composer it demonstrates thoughtfulness and flexibility between homage and cultural reach.

Inspiration.

Oladapo says: “I want my music to be empathetic and compassionate, bridging the gap between me the artist, the music, and the people that listen to it and creating a genuine bond.” He credits Afrobeat legend, Lagbaja, as his major influence. There does indeed exist a similar audacious spirit to Oladapo’s compositions. Where Lagbaja is known for his groovy fusion of Afro jazz, Highlife, Afrobeat, and Afropop, Oladapo in turn shows innovation as he elevates Highlife sonics in a modern production, tempered with just the right alchemical mix of Afrobeat rhythms and arrangements.

Execution.

The E.P project “Blind” shows a propensity and an articulate showcase of Oladapo’s command of the fusion genre, whilst allowing for the skilful dynamism of P.Priime and Semzi (who produced the musical content on “Blind”) to be appreciated.

Thematically the artist describes the songs on the album as a tussle between a naïve (blind) Oladapo and a better enlightened Oladapo; a conundrum he expresses further as “one version of me who’s blind to the intricacies of love and another who’s been hurt and battered by it.”

Ascension

From the once shy kid to the articulate interviewee and outstanding performer, its easy to forget the young man has just begun to flex his prodigious talent. 2022 proved a fertile and imaginative year with a feature on the hit single “E No Fit Be Me” and the album “Ejoya class of ’22”. Expect soon more features, collaborations, and a full album. And if all goes to plan, a royal legacy of great music befitting someday-a-King. The Wire will keep you posted.