Saskatchewan’s Own Afropop Sensation ADEOLUWA Unveils Cinematic New Single “4,5,6”
Bubbling under Nigerian-born, Regina, Saskatchewan-grown Afropop singer ADEOLUWA returns with cinematic new single “4,5,6.” Defined by a sleek guitar riff and heartfelt lyricism, “4,5,6” is an ultrasmooth ballad in the same irresistible love-struck vein of early 2000s R&B.
Influenced by a wide variety of artists ranging from Tina Turner to Adekunle Gold to Stevie Wonder, ADEOLUWA refers to his unique, genre-bending sound as experimental Afro-fusion. The result is a musical style that transcends borders and a deeply personal, high energy stage presence that’s earned him the nickname “The Greatest Showman” within the DIY Saskatchewan scene.
2019 saw the artist release his vibrant debut LP, After Bells and Whistles alongside a captivating docuseries #DiscoverTheABAWAlbum, where he chronicled the making of the project. That same year, ADEOLUWA’s electric single “Escape” served as the opening act at the Saskatchewan Music Awards, catching the attention of numerous radio stations in and around the area. Since then, he’s continued to build on that momentum, releasing 3 EPs, a live album, and a string of collaborations with fellow Canadian acts, as well as a stint as a vocalist for local Regina band People of the Sun.
These efforts have elevated his status as a rising star to watch, and his work has recently been hailed by the likes of CBC, Range Magazine, Pulse Music Journal, The Native Mag, and 49th Street. An impressive resume of live performances already under his belt, including a headlining set at the SaskMusic Winter Showcase (he has 5 nominations from the SaskMusic Awards, including a nomination for the very first AfroBeats Award Artist of the year category) and an appearance at Breakout West 2023, the artist is making waves as one of 2024’s must-listen up-and-coming acts, recognized by getting added on Spotify’s official New Music Friday playlist.
Now, with EP The King of Detours, ADEOLUWA catapults his career to new heights. Born from the trials and tribulations that plagued what he says was one of the hardest periods of his life, the singer turned inward and leaned on his faith to cope with the immigration difficulties, career struggles, and personal heartbreak that he was going through at the time. “4, 5, 6,” an emotional track about love and loss, is one of the EP’s standouts — and a great teaser for what listeners can expect to hear on the rest of the project.
“The EP is called The King of Detours because last year was not what I planned, and I made many detours on my way and ended up with this beautiful record,” the artist explains. “‘4, 5,6’ is the perfect introduction to the project because it begins in the middle of a time of confusion and directionless transition.”
“I hope this story resonates with everyone who listens, and they listen to every word,” ADEOLUWA says.
With a song that puts the artist’s magnetic storytelling abilities, silky vocals, and keen talent for addictive choruses on full display — it’s hard to do anything but.
Care to introduce yourself?
My name is ADEOLUWA and I am the King of Detours. I am an Afrobeats/Afrofusion artiste who loves to perform and create wondrous experiences for anyone who attends my live shows. I was born in Oyo, Nigeria but Regina, Saskatchewan has been my home for the last couple of years.
Tell us about the process of recording “4,5,6”?
4,5,6, is the opening song of my latest E.P., “King Of Detours.” When I was recording it, I wasn’t planning on making an E.P. but I had a sense that it would be the opener for one when I finally got around to it. This sensing inspired me to record the vocal layers the way I did and craft it to be a big opening moment.
I recorded it at Blue Door Recording in Regina with the amazing Walter Ernest, who also mixed and mastered the track. I wanted to record it with Walter because I trust his direction and ear for songs that have a lot of vocal layers. More importantly, I love recording with Walter because he makes a safe space for me to create, make mistakes, and fine-tune the song till it’s what I want it to be.
We recorded the song almost two years ago and we’ve been tweaking and prodding at it since then. I’m really proud of the final product because it is honest to the emotions of the song but still grand and cinematic in its ability to carry the ethos of the “King Of Detours” EP.
What’s it like being a musician in Regina?
Being a musician from Regina is such a blessing. There are so many amazing creatives charting their own way there and building skyscrapers out of legos. What I mean by that is everyone is really hungry to put out amazing work even if they might not have all the resources and recognition that creatives in other parts of the nation may have.
To constantly be around an atmosphere of such hardworking and resourceful spirits is a great gift. It inspires me to be better and not make excuses. Musicians in Regina are also very community focused so we share information with each other and root aggressively for each other’s wins. It really is one big happy prairie family!
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
The first Canadian artist to blow me away was someone that I didn’t even know was Canadian at the time when I discovered her music and that’s Chantal Kreviazuk. Her rendition of “Leaving On A Jet Plane” was the soundtrack to my angsty teenage years and as I discovered more of her music, I became a fan of her vocal delivery and consistency in writing remarkable tunes not just for herself, but also for other artists. The most recent Canadian artist to blow me away is definitely Téa G. I met her at Breakout West last year where we both showcased during the festival in Kelowna, BC. Her performance was an absolute masterclass of expertise and grace.
From her vocal delivery to her stunning stage presence and her show-stopping outfit, I could tell that she put a lot of thought and work into every single part of the performance. That is something I respect so much as a live performer myself so since then I have become a huge fan of her work and her person.
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
You won’t make your best work if you don’t make your next work. I think a lot of musicians when they are first starting out are so precious about the work they’ve just made and they spend so much time overthinking it and hoarding it that it gets in the way of them making something better. I completely understand it because I used to be the same way. However, one thing I have learned is to find the balance between staying in the moment and enjoying what I’ve just made, as well as freeing myself up creatively to make the next best thing. Right now for me, that is the “King Of Detours” EP and I cannot wait for everyone to check it out.
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