AFỌWỌ́SLIDE Abínibí Groovy Band

BIO

About Afọwọ́slide Afolaranmi Olaoluwa Abiodun, popularly known as Afọwọ́slide (Abbey Trombone) a multi talented musician, is a seasoned Nigerian musicologist, Afrocentric Trombonist, Producer, songwriter, and a leading figure in the modern Nigerian music scene. His innovative musical concept gave birth to an Afrocentric style that blends the richness of African traditions with contemporary sounds. With his soulful tone on the trombone and the vibrant energy of his Abínibí Groovy Band, Afowoslide continues to showcase African music to global audiences, embodying both artistry and cultural pride. Background Information •Birth Name: Afolaranmi Olaoluwa Abiodun •Date of Birth: 23rd December, 1983 •Primary Instruments: Vocals, Trombone, Trumpet, Acoustic Guitar, Drums Early Life and Career Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Afọwọ́slide began his musical journey at an early age. By age 11, he was already displaying extraordinary talent on drums in his local church. His passion eventually gravitated toward the trombone in 2005, which soon became his signature instrument. Afọwọ́slide's distinctive and expressive tone on the trombone, combined with the dynamism of his Abínibí Groovy Band, has set him apart in the Nigerian and African music landscape. His music is not just entertainment; it serves as an educative and socially reformative tool, weaving African heritage into the global music dialogue. Over the years, Afọwọ́slide has performed at major international and national events, recorded, and shared stages with numerous renowned artists including Tiwa Savage, Praiz, Patoranking, Lekan Babalola (twice Grammy Award winner), Ade Bantu, Charly Boy, Kola Ogunkoya, Jesse King (Buga) and at events featuring HRM Prof. Laz Ekwueme. Major Performances and Highlights • Afrocentric Rhythms Concert – Annual appearances since inception in 2017 • Felabration at Freedom Park, Lagos Island (2018) • Felabration at Afrika Shrine & Freedom Park (2019) • Felabration at Afrika Shrine, Bature Brewery VI, and Freedom Park (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) • CAP Plc End of Year Party (2019) • Lagos Theatre Festival (2018) • Lagos Fringe Festival (2019) • Afọwọ́slide + Abínibí Groovy Band Live Concert at Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre (2021) • Afọwọ́slide + Abínibí Groovy Band Live Concert and Album Listening Party at Alliance Française de Lagos/Mike Adenuga Centre (2022) • Performance at Nigerian-German Center for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration, Ikoyi (2021) • Numerous private performances for birthdays, alumni reunions, and funerals since 2017 and still active. • Orupeza Freedom Party Week at Freedom Park, Lagos (2024) • "Islander Faaji Evening," an all-inclusive cultural event at Freedom Park, Lagos (2024) Afọwọ́slide’s performances are celebrated for their originality, energy, and ability to connect deeply with audiences across diverse backgrounds. Undoubtedly, his kind of Music is educative and didactic in nature leading to social integration and reform, bringing African Music to the fora and a point of influence to the global world. Musical Projects In July 2020, Afọwọ́slide released his debut single, "Omo Eiipe Dagba", which translates from Yoruba to "A Child Grows in the Blink of an Eye." This track highlights his lyrical storytelling and cultural depth. He released his 7-track debut album titled "ARA" in 2022 and 2 singles in 2023 and 2025 showcasing a fusion of indigenous African sounds and modern influences, with plans to release more singles in the coming years. • Released the debut single "Omo Eiipe Dagba" (2020) • Released multiple singles, including "Laipe" and "Ṣe Jẹ́jẹ́" (2023 - 2024) • Released debut album "ARA" (2022), a 7-track project celebrating African spirit and resilience • Composer and producer of the soundtrack for "The Man Died," a film adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir (2024) by Prof. Awam Amkpa. • Creator of the theme song and music score for the "Abẹ́òkúta Documentary" • Founder of the Ojúmọ́ Ire Campus Tour for higher institutions (in planning) • Lead organizer of "Afrocentric Rhythms Concert 2025" (in planning) About Abinibi Groovy Band Afọwọ́slide is the founder of the Abinibi Groovy Band, a 13-piece ensemble established in 2017 to serve as the official band for the Afrocentric Rhythms Concert. The band is known for its electrifying performances, versatility, and commitment to authentic African music. The lineup features some of Nigeria’s finest professional singers and instrumentalists, offering a unique, groovy, and rhythmic experience. The Abinibi Groovy Band has performed at several prestigious events and continues to back invited artists at Afrocentric Rhythms Concerts and other major events. Media Features Afọwọ́slide and the Abinibi Groovy Band have been prominently featured in leading Nigerian newspapers and media outlets, including: • Leadership Newspaper, Sat. March 13, 2021 – Page 22 • The Nation, Friday February 21, 2020 – Page 27 • Leadership Newspaper, Wednesday February 19, 2020 – Page 24 • Tribune, Saturday July 13, 2019 – Front Page, Pages 2 & 15 • Leadership Newspaper, Wednesday March 21, 2018 – Page 24 • Tribune, Saturday July 7, 2018 – Page 14 • Leadership Newspaper, Sunday August 12, 2018 – Page 69 • Tribune, Sunday September 2, 2018 – Page 17 • Leadership Newspaper, Sunday October 10, 2017 – Page 58 • Tribune, Sunday October 15, 2017 – Page 17 • The Punch, Friday November 10, 2017 – Page 40 • Daily Sun, Friday November 10, 2017 – Page 25 • Vanguard, Saturday November 11, 2017 – Page 29 • Leadership Newspaper, Sunday November 26, 2017 – Page 58 • The Nation, Thursday December 14, 2017 – Page 45 Instagram: @trombonistabbey | @arconcert Facebook - @trombonist afowoslide abbey, @afowoslide + abinibi groovy, @arconcert Twitter - @trombonistabbey, @arconcertm YouTube – Trombonist Afowoslide Abbey, Afrocentric Rhythms E-mail [email protected], [email protected] Mobile – 07030061407, 08025728821