In
a country where various artistes tussle to establish their musical Uniqueness.
But very few emerge fully evolved, in full command of their craft, their
Identity and their Music. Oluwaseun Paul Ogundipe otherwise known as “Soul”
fits solidly in the latter category. His songs are compelling, proclaiming the
arrival of a gifted, creative and noteworthy new talent, one whose music feels
way familiar in the best possible, while striking out on its own territory.
Hails
from the western part of Nigeria precisely “Ogun State, Abeokuta”, grew up in
Lagos. Soul played the drums as a child, took music seriously like his whole
depended on it to breathe to live. His roots are equal parts traditional,
classical, jazz, folk, soul/rnb and christian music and he credits his infinite
love for dance and Euphonious pattern on these inventive eras. He explains, “I
started writing songs and composing melodies in my head, and it took my
interest in Music to another level. I had to pick d guitar up so I could cut
music to the ideas in my head. Then I started playing the piano,
attended Music schools (studying music theory and piano classical) Multi-media training institute studying ('Live sound, Recording, Mixing and Mastering and Digital Music) funded by My dearest friend, Pastor and mentor Gabriel Araba, to broaden my horizons even more”.
attended Music schools (studying music theory and piano classical) Multi-media training institute studying ('Live sound, Recording, Mixing and Mastering and Digital Music) funded by My dearest friend, Pastor and mentor Gabriel Araba, to broaden my horizons even more”.
Almost immediately he joined the music and dance team
of an interdenominational Christian fellowship and began playing and attending
mini-concerts and shows, played local gigs with some friends who played the
instruments, to also display his love for dance; he majored in contemporary ballet and
traditional”. I wasn’t interested in anything other than music and dance, and I
loved the wide-openness of my life”.
Recording
on his phone and playing the songs he was writing for his friends, Soul saw
their genuinely excited reaction. “A friend heard the songs, and even though we
were broke, he approached me and we pooled our resources and his borrowed money
to set up a recording studio (mark’s studios)”. Now recording in earnest, soul
was gathering skill as a song writer and producer, taking his influences from,
India Arie, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Bryan Adams, Tevin Campbell, Maxwell, Bob
Marley, Macy Gray, Naomi Campbell, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Tony
Bennet, Indian music, Marvin Gaye and Fleetwood Mac, and using them to shape
his own style. “I grew up with a lot of 70s and 80 blues, soul/RnB and church
music”.
Soul explains, “My uncle used to play Marvin Gaye and Whitney Houston
almost every time. I naturally gravitate to that kind of sound; there’s a
warmth and timelessness to it that I’ve always loved”.
As
his name grew in and around Lagos area, the pieces began to fall into place for
Soul. Joining Charis Family Int’l church in Opebi, Lagos, teaming up with his
Mentor and Pastor, Gabriel Araba; co-writing and recording theme songs,
soundtracks and jingles for some major brands in Nigeria
(www.primepathmedia.com), which earned him some much needed cash and the
notoriety to begin playing and singing in bigger concerts and shows, featuring
with main artistes, doing radio and music productions and Sound design for
films for an ever increasing local and international audience.
Recording
continuously, Soul and his newly formed crew of five professional musicians
(Clubartitude) and independent management outfit, at a live performance
recorded a cover of the song ‘storm is over’ originally recorded by R Kelly and
Bishop TD Jakes. The song sparked some major interest from several audiences so
at the end decided to package the live performance and release it to a larger
audience. “Working with Clubartitude has given me the freedom to be myself and
to make the music exactly the way I want make it,” he declares.
That
freedom allowed Soul to self-produce his songs, as well as the space to
experiment while making it. Also working as a producer/song writer for so many
top local Gospel and secular artists.
He reflects,”There was a lot of trial and
error that went into my single and upcoming album. The songwriting is far more
detailed, and that was reflected in the way I recorded. We’ve recorded a few
songs from my singles diary and also clubartitude’s album. I spent nights and
sleepless nights on certain songs, refining them until I thought they were just
right”.
With Soul on piano, guitar, drums and various percussion, Yemi Oladun
on bass, Daniel west ibit on drums, Tola ‘Tclef’ on piano, SheyhunDavid on
keyboards, also featuring celebrity musicians like T beiz, Damilola on guitar, Henry
Bass, and producers Okeysokey and Bishop beats, the sound they got is a
commanding and infectious one, modern in feel, while also hearkening back to
the70-90s jazz, soul, folk and pop that is embedded in his musical DNA. But as Soul says, “now I am more of a
believer than I was at the beginning”.
From
the opening notes of “There” his first official single, soon to be released by
December. One hears that combination of melodic irresistibility and lyrical
incisiveness that are becoming Soul’s hallmarks. “The song was inspired by God
in my heart, more like a letter to a friend in need” Soul notes.
Soul
is currently in the studio, recording and rehearsing for his regular live shows
“Club3”, playing both acoustic and with his crew. It’s gaining momentum, Soul
says, with the band and friends, we’re getting excited. Being on stage is
something I have always wanted.
Soul
is playing his songs precisely the way he’s always wanted, creating a fully
realized work that is the culmination of where he’s been and where he’s going
and one that is sure to win him the notoriety that is demanded by the depth and
quality of his songs.
"But
there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty God giveth them
understanding. JOB 32:8 He quotes.
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