In the expansive universe of music, some artists manage to significantly impact our auditory experiences, often without the widespread recognition they truly deserve. Sola Akingbola, the master percussionist behind the Grammy Award-winning band Jamiroquai and the evocative composer for the CBS sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, is one such artist.
The walls of homes from Santiago to Shanghai now echo with his creative essence, building anticipation for the grand reveal of his most magnificent brainchild to date. On September 4, 2024, Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies are set to release their new album, How Should I, a vibrant exploration of cultural intersections.
As you listen to this album, you’re not just absorbing a collection of songs – you’re entering a dynamic conversation between Sola’s Yoruba identity and his love for Greek antiquity, with every note and lyric flowing from this cross-cultural dialogue. As the UK’s Afrobeat rhythmists tap into Yoruba’s storied heritage, the result is a hybrid sound that injects the rich, soulful vocals of Africa with the eclectic flair of British musicians, minting a sound that defies borders.
The title track, How Should I, initially penned for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2016 rendition of Hamlet, features the soul-stirring vocals of Olivier-winning actor Sheila Atim. Atim and Sola’s collaboration is a match made in heaven – their combined talents create a track that’s equal parts auditory masterpiece and thought-provoking exploration of identity, heritage, and cultural fusion.
With each of the album’s eleven tracks, Sola further establishes herself as a brilliant percussionist and composer, coaxing melodies that layer and swirl together to form aural narratives that linger long after the music ends. Each track tells a story—whether it’s the emotionally charged single Touch My Soul, the energetic Olukumi, or the introspective My Brother’s Keeper. As artists ventured into the hallowed halls of Abbey Road Studios and other legendary recording spaces, a tapestry of cultural self-discovery and melodic innovation began to unfold.
How Should I represents Sola’s most personal work to date, a heartfelt ode to his dual heritage. From the rhythmic pulses of Yorubaland to the eclectic beats of London, Sola’s life has dance(d) to the rhythms of music, using it as a bridge to span cultural divides.
This album is a bridge between my Nigerian heritage and my British upbringing. It’s a celebration of cultural fusion and the power of music to transcend boundaries
His recent accolades, including back-to-back BMI Awards for Best Film and TV Score for his work on Bob Hearts Abishola, affirm his prowess in blending musical styles to great effect. Sola Akingbola extends his musical prowess beyond TV and film, contributing as a distinguished composer to productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre.
From Portobello Road to global stages with legends like Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones, Sola’s eclectic journey shapes his music. With How Should I, he unveils his most personal compositions, inviting the world to experience his unique musical narrative.