Adeoluwa is a Nigerian, Afro-fusion artist based in Toronto, Canada, popularly tagged as the “Nigerian on Canadian route” for the nature of his music which has the perfect Nigerian-Canadian blend. According to Adeoluwa, this is an intentional strategy, aimed at establishing an identity for the vast population of binational people. “Final Midnight Cry” was his debut single, which launched him into the industry, followed by his debut album “After Bells and Whistles.”
He describes his growth afterwards as astronomical, as well as paramount to his pace-setter journey and self discovery. Fans, friends and wellwishers of the phenomenal Adeoluwa anticipate the release of his next project in great hopes and keen excitement. Judging by his previous moves in the music industry, it is expected to hold much promise.
49th Street: Adeoluwa seems pretty straight forward for a stage name, why did you settle for this?
Adeoluwa: Adeoluwa is actually my legal middle name given to me by my grandparents. It is a name I love so much and I most identify with. It carries my heritage, which is at the core who I am.
49th Street: You have been singing for a while, what does music mean to you and how do you relate to it?
Adeoluwa: Music to me means expression. Music has always been a way for me to share my experiences with the world and to also unravel the complex workings of my mind. I relate to my music in a way that is extrinsically essential to my humanity. Music also serves the purpose of a time capsule for me. I am able to come back to songs I’ve made and relive very specific events in my life. That to me, is magic.
49th Street: The idea of music serving as a time capsule is fascinating. It portrays much relevance to music and gives it a super power factor. From your first single “Let Me In” to the most recent song “Escape”, how has the journey been for you?
Adeoluwa: “Let Me In” was not my first single, but it was the lead single for my debut album, “After Bells and Whistles.” My debut single was “Final Midnight Cry” and it was released seven years ago when I went by “Ade”. The growth since then has been astronomical. I have learned so much about myself as an artist and how to build my personal brand. I have become more aware of the reason for my artistry and what the best methods for execution are. I know I still have a ways to go but I am grateful for the journey so far.
49th Street: You have 1 album out, “After Bells and whistles.” What experiences did you get from creating that project and how did the name come about?
Adeoluwa: I experienced a great number of things since I released the album last year. The greatest part of the experience, however, is learning to trust me. Artists go through so much self-doubt when the truth is that the answer lies in the middle of all those insecurities. After Bells and Whistles was a project with which I used to reflect on my relationship at the time and how it ended.
The bells represent the good part of the relationship, the “honeymoon phase”, while the “whistles” represent the end of the relationship. Bells remind me of lovely nostalgic sounds (school bells, wedding bells and church bells) while whistles remind me of halts and stops (traffic warden whistles and referee whistles). The album starts off with bells, transitions to whistles and ends with a reflection of how I felt after everything.
49th Street: You are known for calling yourself “Yoruba Bopstar”, what genre would you classify your music under?
Adeoluwa: My music is very experimental but I try to keep my essential Yoruba identity present in everything I make. I would classify my music under Afro-fusion and pop.
49th Street: Tell us a bit about your creative process, how do you make such beautiful sounds?
Adeoluwa: It is a different experience every single time. Most times I write a song first and then find a producer with whom I work to build the song. After weeks and months of tweaking and editing, I finally get to a place where I am confident enough to share the song with the world.
49th Street: Congratulations on your latest extended playlist “While We Wait.” Can you take us through the process and each collaborator?
Adeoluwa: Thank you! It was the same process with all the collaborators. I made a list of all the people I wanted to work with and asked them which songs from my debut album they would like to feature on. After they decided, I sent them the track and they sent me back their verse. It was a long journey because we all live in different parts of the world but I am so proud of what we were able to create.
49th Street: What impact are you hoping to make with “While We Wait” ?
Adeoluwa: I want this project to show people how different and eclectic my sound is. I am also transitioning to a new era of my artistry and this project is a bridge between now and there.
49th Street: You are building a solid community for yourself in Canada, how has the reception to your music been over there?
Adeoluwa: It has been great! I have gotten radio listens, performed live and my streaming numbers are steadily rising. I am super grateful for the reception I am getting here.
49th Street: You have a great band, and the band performed recently. What’s this idea behind this beautiful innovation? What does the band hope to bring to the entertainment scene in Canada?
Adeoluwa: My band is called “People of the Sun” and we came together under the direction of the band leader, Erik Mehlsen. We just wanted to create music that would help us escape the world that we live in today. It has been such a therapeutic experience. We hope to bring a fresh sound and vibe to the music roaster in Canada.
49th Street: What kind of impact would you like to have in the industry when it comes to the end?
Adeoluwa: I would like to change the face of male, live performers. I have so many great ideas and I cannot wait to share them with the world.
49th Street: Who do you hope to work with soon?
Adeoluwa: Adekunle Gold.
49th Street: That’s an impressive choice. What else do you have passion for besides music?
Adeoluwa: I love writing, reading, dancing, presenting and eating. Especially eating.
49th Street: What advice will you have someone trying to follow in your footsteps?
Adeoluwa: Don’t! Just be you and I’ll be me.