Sola Akingbola is a vibrant and pioneering figure in the world of music, a talent whose influence has resonated across international stages yet remained somewhat hidden behind the scenes. As a core percussionist and long time member for the Grammy-winning band Jamiroquai, Sola has enriched countless hits with his distinctive, rhythmic expertise, and for years, his compositions have enlivened audiences worldwide. His work is heard across mediums, including as the composer behind CBS’s beloved sitcom ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’, which has brought his sound into millions of homes. Despite these high-profile roles, Sola has remained an unsung hero, deeply dedicated to his craft but rarely in the limelight. Now, with “How Should I”, he is ready to step into his own well-deserved spotlight.
Sola’s life is a fascinating journey marked by a unique blend of cultural influences. Born in Yorubaland, Nigeria, he moved to London at a young age, where he was immersed in a lively and eclectic mix of British and Nigerian traditions. This upbringing gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to explore the depths of his heritage while adopting the free-spirited diversity of London’s music scene. His sound draws from the rich poetry and music of the Yoruba people, coupled with a lifelong passion for the Greek classics, creating an extraordinary blend of Afrobeat, jazz, and the avant-garde. Sola’s dynamic career has seen him perform alongside music legends like Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie, while his recent BMI award for best Film and TV Score for the second time in a row reflects his versatility as a composer. In “How Should I”, Sola draws on his Nigerian roots and his British upbringing, crafting music that not only showcases his heritage but also invites listeners to reflect on their own identities.
Released on September 25th, 2024, “How Should I” by Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies is a powerful debut that places cultural fusion and self-discovery at its heart. With this album, Sola Akingbola, whose music you might already know from his role in Jamiroquai and the hit show ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’, takes center stage to deliver his most personal and introspective work yet. “How Should I” is a celebration of the meeting of worlds, a mesmerizing journey that draws on Yoruba cultural poetry, classical themes, and the lively influence of London’s eclectic music scene. The title track, originally created for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘Hamlet’, features a stunning collaboration with acclaimed actor Sheila Atim, blending haunting vocals and cinematic grooves. Every track on this eleven-song album is a testament to the unifying power of music, exploring identity, belonging, and the beauty of merging traditions. With an innovative sound that will resonate with fans of Jamiroquai, Angelique Kidjo, and Labi Sifre, “How Should I” is not only a musical experience but a reflection on the fluidity of cultural identity in our interconnected world.
How Should I Album Track List:
Intro (Igi Nla):
The opening track, “Intro (Igi Nla),” from “How Should I” by Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies, serves as an immersive entrance into a world of cultural richness and sonic allure. This acapella piece, sung entirely in Yoruba, is as haunting as it is mesmerizing, capturing the listener with a deeply resonant vocal arrangement. There is a hypnotic quality to the track’s simplicity, allowing each note to resonate with a sense of purpose and spirituality. The male vocalists carry a majestic, thick texture, invoking a traditional Yoruba soundscape with perfect tone and balance. Every harmony is crafted with a reverence that feels both grounded in cultural heritage and transcendent, inviting listeners to fully embrace the nuances of Yoruba musical tradition.
As the track unfolds, backup vocals weave in toward the end, enhancing the texture and bringing a sense of completeness to the piece. This gradual layering of voices is like a musical gathering, adding richness and fullness that feels almost ceremonial. There is a profound sense of unity within the harmonies, grounding the track in a shared, collective experience that reflects the communal essence of Yoruba culture. “Intro (Igi Nla)” is a striking prelude that sets the tone for the album, inviting listeners to journey through an innovative fusion of tradition and modernity. In its simplicity, it encapsulates the essence of the album’s exploration of identity, belonging, and the unifying power of music.
Touch My Soul:
“Touch My Soul,” a standout track from “How Should I” by Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies, is an intricate blend of rhythm and soul that captivates with its rich cultural fusion and sonic complexity. From the very first note, the song establishes a lush and inviting atmosphere, immersing the listener in a world where Afrobeat grooves intertwine seamlessly with jazz, funk, and a touch of soul. The track opens with a soft vocal melody that feels as delicate as it is entrancing, setting a gentle yet alluring tone. The lead vocalist’s voice, warm and rich, flows with a mesmerizing softness, carrying the lyrics with grace and inviting the listener into a deeply emotive space. Subtle guitar strings add a bright texture that contrasts beautifully with the grounded hand-drum percussion, building a rich layer of sound that hints at the intricate tapestry about to unfold.
As the track progresses, the buildup of sound introduces a dynamic orchestration, leading to a seamless fusion of instruments and genres. The transition is marked by a steady yet vibrant drum rhythm paired with funky basslines, creating an irresistible groove that’s both uplifting and meditative. Synth melodies and samples lend a cozy, almost dream-like quality to the track, as the harmonies from the backup vocals amplify the soulful atmosphere. Together, these elements create a hypnotic flow, accentuating the lead singer’s flawless delivery with a depth and warmth that feel otherworldly. The song’s balance of mellow synths, steady percussion, and textured strings creates a captivating soundscape that feels alive and pulsating, keeping the listener engaged in every moment.
One of the most enchanting qualities of “Touch My Soul” lies in its unpredictable progression, which takes the listener on a journey through diverse musical landscapes. The song effortlessly shifts from introspective to lively, its rhythmic patterns and melodic variations moving with fluidity and purpose. This progression reflects the essence of cultural fusion that defines Akingbola’s work, inviting the listener into a space where traditional African sounds meld seamlessly with contemporary jazz and funk influences. The balance between lead and backup vocals, along with the complex layers of instrumentation, highlights Akingbola’s skill as a composer and his ability to transcend musical boundaries. Every element is intricately woven, forming a tapestry of sound that feels both natural and sophisticated, like a masterclass in the art of musical fusion.
In “Touch My Soul,” Sola Akingbola achieves a transcendent musical experience that resonates with listeners on multiple levels. The song’s rich, layered soundscapes and unpredictable rhythms create a unique listening journey, while its soulful depth and cultural resonance touch something universal within the listener. Through this track, Akingbola not only showcases his immense versatility as an artist but also offers a glimpse into the beauty of cultural fusion, inviting listeners to celebrate both the diversity and unity of music. “Touch My Soul” is an extraordinary example of how rhythm, harmony, and emotion can come together to create a song that truly lives up to its title, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who listens.
How Should I:
“How Should I,” the title track from Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies’ album “How Should I”, is a mesmerizing composition that explores vulnerability, love, and emotional resonance through a rich, layered soundscape. Right from the opening notes, the listener is drawn into a world where every note feels like a heartbeat, pulsating with raw emotion. The track begins with a resonant, string-like melody that carries a hypnotic depth, setting a deeply introspective tone that feels like an invitation into the inner world of the artist. This reverberating melody is soon joined by culturally rich percussion that feels both grounded and mystical, creating a captivating rhythm that feels timeless. The string arrangement, with its haunting yet soothing quality, adds an eerie elegance, elevating the composition to something transcendental as it melds with the steady bass and subtle drums.
The vocal entry of the lead singer is nothing short of magical, her voice gliding over the arrangement with an almost ethereal quality. Her tone, emotive and pure, carries an understated power that resonates with the listener on a deeply personal level. As she sings, the instrumentation shifts subtly, allowing her voice to become the focal point, supported by gentle piano touches, echoing bass, and a soft, stripped-back drum pattern. This backdrop enhances the intimacy of the lyrics, allowing her expressive delivery to shine through in every word. Her voice seems to carry the weight of the song’s themes, moving with a tender grace that feels simultaneously fragile and resilient, capturing the essence of introspection and love.
As the song progresses, the arrangement reveals a delicate interplay between melody and rhythm, with each instrumental element flowing seamlessly to enhance the lead vocals. The string section stands out, weaving through the piece like waves, adding a soft yet persistent ebb and flow that amplifies the song’s emotional impact. This subtle jazz undertone adds a sophistication to the downtempo rhythm, blending genres in a way that feels organic and unforced. The track’s structure is thoughtfully arranged, with a gentle rise and fall that keeps the listener engaged, creating a meditative, almost therapeutic experience. The strings, in particular, seem to dance around the vocal lines, creating moments of beauty that feel both delicate and powerful.
The emotional climax arrives around the 3:40 mark, where the track’s intensity builds into a transcendent crescendo. The string melody transforms, growing in texture and complexity, creating an atmosphere that feels grand and sweeping, as if lifting the listener into another dimension. This progression, paired with the singer’s emotive voice, becomes a powerful catharsis, leaving a lasting impression that is both awe-inspiring and deeply moving. “How Should I” isn’t just a song; it’s an immersive experience that pulls the listener into a world of sound and feeling, a space where music becomes a reflection of the soul.
My Brother’s Keeper:
“My Brother’s Keeper” from “How Should I” by Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies radiates beauty in its simplicity, drawing listeners into a serene soundscape that resonates with warmth and humanity. Opening with delicate piano melodies, the track immediately establishes a celestial ambiance, a kind of musical quietude that feels both reflective and deeply calming. The lead singer’s voice enhances this atmosphere, bringing a resonant, rich texture that is simultaneously gentle and powerful. His voice has a calming presence, a subtle intensity that is felt in every note, creating a delicate duet with the piano that feels almost sacred. The slow tempo flows seamlessly, with a hypnotic quality that invites listeners to pause and sink into its serene movements. It’s as though the song creates a sonic cocoon, enveloping listeners in layers of tranquil sound.
As the song unfolds, it gains depth and dimension through the addition of bass and strings, enriching the melody with a warmth that feels timeless. These elements weave together harmoniously, forming a textured backdrop that allows the lead vocals to soar with a quiet grace. The double-tracking of the lead singer’s voice at key moments enhances the emotional depth of the track, adding a fullness that resonates beautifully with the subtle instrumental shifts. The consistency in the song’s flow, combined with the graceful movements of each instrument, creates an atmosphere that feels both meditative and expansive. “My Brother’s Keeper” is truly an emotive piece, a song that captures the essence of togetherness and reflection, making it a standout track that’s both comforting and profoundly moving.
“How Should I” by Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies is a masterfully crafted album that combines profound cultural elements with modern musicality, delivering an experience that’s both captivating and introspective. Each track invites listeners on a journey that touches on themes of identity, connection, and emotional depth, woven together with intricate rhythms, soulful vocals, and mesmerizing instrumentals. This album isn’t just a listening experience, it’s an invitation to immerse oneself in sounds that challenge, soothe, and inspire. I highly recommend “How Should I” to anyone seeking music that transcends the ordinary, providing a rare blend of cultural richness and sonic elegance. This is an album to savor, one that will stay with you long after the last note fades.
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