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On October 25, 2024, Sola Akingbola, best known as the percussionist for Grammy-winning Jamiroquai and the composer behind the hit CBS sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, stepped into the spotlight with his deeply personal album How Should I. Released alongside The Eegun Rhapsodies on Hipsync Records Ltd, this vibrant collection showcases Akingbola’s unique ability to bridge cultural identities and redefine modern Afro-fusion.
With its lead single, “Touch My Soul,” released earlier on October 4, Akingbola offers a tour de force of rhythm and melody. The track captures the album’s essence: a celebration of Yoruba traditions and UK cultural influences. This duality defines How Should I, blending Sola’s Nigerian heritage with the eclectic sounds of his London upbringing. Tracks like the energetic “Olukumi,” with its Abbey Road-filmed music video, and the reflective “My Brother’s Keeper” highlight his ability to seamlessly fuse traditional percussion with contemporary musical storytelling.
The title track, “How Should I,” originally written for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet in 2016, adds cinematic depth to the album. Featuring Olivier-winning actor Sheila Atim’s tender vocals, the song creates a hauntingly beautiful jazz-lounge atmosphere. Across the album’s eleven tracks, Akingbola delves into themes of cultural identity, heritage, and self-reflection, presenting an immersive sonic experience.
Sola describes How Should I as “a bridge between my Nigerian heritage and my British upbringing.” This sentiment resonates throughout the record, where Yoruba poetry meets funk, jazz, and Afrobeat in a bold exploration of sound and identity. His ability to transcend boundaries is further reflected in his award-winning work, having recently claimed the BMI Best Film and TV Score Award for his Bob Hearts Abishola compositions.
How Should I also serves as a precursor to more. With the album released as part one of a double-vinyl collection, listeners can anticipate part two in Spring 2025. From performing with Stevie Wonder to composing for the National Theatre, Sola Akingbola’s artistry knows no bounds. Now, with this album, he takes center stage, inviting audiences to explore the rich tapestry of his journey through sound.
Stream How Should I on all platforms and join Akingbola as he redefines cultural fusion through music.
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