Afrobeat star reveals how Fela, Orlando Owoh shaped his sound
A Nigerian Afrobeat singer has credited music legends Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Orlando Owoh as major influences on his sound and approach to music. He explained that Fela’s socially conscious lyrics, powerful stage performances and use of music to challenge injustice inspired him to see Afrobeat as a tool for storytelling and activism, not just entertainment. The artiste also said Orlando Owoh’s unique blend of highlife, Yoruba rhythms and deep vocals helped shape his interest in live band music and rich, traditional instrumentation. According to him, listening to both icons while growing up taught him to value originality, meaningful lyrics and strong band arrangements, which now guide how he writes, records and performs his own songs. He added that his goal is to keep evolving the Afrobeat sound for a new generation while still paying respect to the pioneers whose […]