Adedeji

ADÉDÈJÌ

The Nigerian singer and guitarist Adédèjì Adetayo started singing in a Church Choir in Lagos at the age of 6. By the age of 10, the talented singer became the leader of the choir. From 13 years old, Adédèjì was already a highly sought studio singer and recorded and performed with local Nigerian stars like Imoleayo, Pasunma, Obesere, Gbenga Adewusi, Sound Sultan, Sammy Okposo. At 15 he picked up the guitar and three years later he was also working as a professional guitarist. 18 years of age he took a music theory exam at Muson College and then went to The Polytechnic of Ibadan to study Music Technology and finally continued to study music at The University of Lagos. It became a short visit as he was too busy with his professional career. Later on he graduated from London College of Music with a licentiate in guitar performance and further specialised at The Prins Claus Music Conservatory in The Netherlands with a bachelor in Jazz Music. Since then the gifted musician has recorded and shared stages with Tony Allen, Lionel Loueke, Gene Jackson, Lagbaja, Ayo Bankole, Paco Sery, Keziah Jones, Fred Wesley and Fra Fra Sound and he opened concerts for Manu Dibango and Kenny Garret. Adedeji ’s first album, “Ajo”, featuring Lionel Loueke, gifted him with 'The North Netherlands Young Talent Award’ in 2012. His second album “Afreekanism” featuring Orlando Julius, won him the 'LBM Awards - Best Afro Fusion Artist’ in Nigeria in 2017.
’Yoruba Odyssey’, Adédèjì’s latest album, is a project that goes back to the core of his very roots. The result is a progressive Jazz-Funk record, influenced with vintage Afrobeat and Yoruba eclectic sounds, that greatly reflects Adedeji’s up-growing in the metropolitan city of Lagos. A 10 track educating, entertaining, feel good, funky album, that chronicles his interpretation of the music and artists that has influenced Adédèjì. From Soul, to Jazz, to Blues, to Funk, to the Traditional Yoruba music he grew up with. ’Yoruba Odyssey’ was recorded during 3 days in Lagos, Nigeria, at the legendary Afrodisia/Decca Studio, that has housed giants like Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and many more. The album presents authentic and personal ideas with tremendous harmonies and tight arrangements.The nine man band includes some of Nigeria’s best studio musicians, the grooviest rhythm section and a splendid horn section add to the Afro Beat influenced sound together with the beautiful male and female backing vocals, that clearly has references to Adédèjì’s Gospel upbringing.

‘Yoruba Odyssey’ was released by the multi awarded One World Records in August 2022.