In the heart of Lagos, a musical prodigy was born on the 13th of October – Koroma Tosin Richard, better known as Mr Soul or Shiiro. Hailing from Sierra Leone, Mr Soul has made an indelible mark in the Nigerian music scene as a versatile Music Producer, Singer, Music Director, and Songwriter.
The Early Years
From an early age, Mr Soul showed an exceptional inclination toward music. His natural talent and passion for melodies and rhythms were evident even as a child. Growing up in Lagos, a city renowned for its vibrant music culture, undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his musical journey.
A Multi-Instrumentalist Extraordinaire
One of Mr Soul’s remarkable traits is his proficiency as a multi-instrumentalist. He has mastered various instruments, including the Drums, Piano, and Talking Drum, among others. This impressive array of musical skills allows him to create diverse and dynamic sounds in his productions and performances.
The Founding of Bandhitz
In 2020, Mr. Soul took a giant leap in his career by founding “Bandhitz,” one of the most popular live bands in Nigeria. Bandhitz quickly became a sought-after ensemble, mesmerizing audiences with their electrifying performances and unparalleled musical prowess. The band’s fusion of different genres and unique sound has garnered them a massive following and cemented their position in the Nigerian music industry.
Collaborations and Notable Works
Mr Soul’s exceptional talent as a Music Producer and Music Director has led him to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian music industry. From A-list artists like Davido, Falz, Kizz Daniel, Cobhams, Waje, Timi Dakolo, and Omawunmi to rising stars like Raybekah, Boy Spyce, and Laycon, Mr Soul has contributed his magic touch to numerous hit songs.
Mr Soul takes production credits for Spyro ft Tiwa Savage’s bop titled Who’s your guy?. Other jams like Adulthood Anthem, Lade, Billing, and Feran Mi, anchovy and my g are some of the songs that bear the stamp of Mr Soul’s musical genius. Additionally, his collaboration with the artists on these songs further showcased his ability to create catchy and memorable tunes. Furthermore, his remarkable collaboration with the legendary Congolese musician, Awilo, demonstrated his versatility as a producer capable of bridging different musical cultures and styles.
Beyond the Studio
While Mr Soul’s work in the studio has been awe-inspiring, his live performances with Bandhitz have taken his artistry to new heights. Whether it’s an intimate acoustic set or an energetic stadium show, Mr Soul and Bandhitz have the uncanny ability to captivate their audience and leave them craving for more. Mr Soul’s boundless creativity and unwavering dedication to his craft have allowed him to seamlessly transition into these diverse roles. His passion for music and the entertainment industry has driven him to explore new avenues, leaving an indelible mark wherever he ventures.
As Musical Director of the popular LOUD URBAN CHOIR, Mr Soul brings his musical brilliance to new heights, leading the ensemble to deliver mesmerizing performances that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. In addition to his musical contributions to the world of contemporary music, Mr Soul has ventured into the realm of cinema, creating soul-stirring film scores and captivating montages.
A Visionary and Trendsetter
Mr Soul’s artistic vision extends beyond his own music. As a trendsetter and visionary, he has been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian music landscape by introducing fresh sounds and innovative production techniques.
The Road Ahead
With numerous accomplishments under his belt and a thriving live band, Mr Soul’s journey is far from over. As he continues to push boundaries and explore new avenues in the world of music, there’s no doubt that he will leave an even more significant impact on the industry in the years to come.
