Bubbling under Nigerian-born, Montreal, QC-grown and Regina, Saskatchewan-based 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 on the way, ADEOLUWA is ready to catapult 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.”
“4, 5,6” is out January 12th and will be available wherever you stream music. “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.