Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies: A Sonic Odyssey Bridging Cultures Through Alternative Pop Mastery

Unravelling the Rich Tapestry of Sound in ‘How Should I’: A Musical Journey from Nigeria to London

Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies have crafted a mesmerising alternative pop album that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. ‘How Should I’ is a testament to Akingbola’s exceptional ability to blend diverse musical influences, creating a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

As a percussionist and long-term member of the Grammy Award-winning band Jamiroquai, Akingbola brings a wealth of experience to his solo project. His unique background, born in Yorubaland, Southwestern Nigeria, and raised in London, infuses his music with a rich cultural fusion.

Sola Akingbola and The Eegun Rhapsodies releasing How Should I

This album serves as a bridge between his Nigerian heritage and British upbringing, showcasing a remarkable fusion of funk, world music, and soul. You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artist’s music style, and know more about the artist’s work by scrolling down the page.

Sola Akingbola and The Eegun Rhapsodies - How Should I - Cover Artwork — Sola Akingbola and The Eegun Rhapsodies – How Should I – Cover Artwork

The title track ‘How Should I’ exemplifies Akingbola’s versatility as a composer. Originally written for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2016 production of Hamlet, it features the tender vocals of Olivier-winning actor Sheila Atim. The result is a cinematic piece with a quietly impressive laid-back groove and jazz-lounge style that captivates listeners from the first note.

“Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies have created a masterpiece that defies categorisation. ‘How Should I’ is a sonic journey that seamlessly blends alternative pop with elements of funk, world music, and soul, resulting in a truly unique and captivating listening experience,” praises the PopHits.Co curation team.

Throughout the eleven tracks on the album, Akingbola demonstrates his prowess as both a composer and performer. From the tour de force single ‘Touch My Soul’ to the upbeat percussion-driven ‘Olukumi’, each song tells a story of cultural identity and musical exploration. The energy and passion infused in these tracks are reminiscent of alt rock pop icons like David Byrne, while maintaining a distinct sound that is entirely Akingbola’s own.

Akingbola’s talent extends beyond this album, as evidenced by his recent accolades. He has received the Best Film and TV Score BMI Award for two consecutive years for his work on the CBS hit sitcom ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’. Additionally, he has composed for prestigious theatre productions, including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre’s production of Othello in 2023. These accomplishments solidify his position as a versatile artist in the realm of commercial pop and beyond.

To fully appreciate the artistry of Sola Akingbola & The Eegun Rhapsodies, we encourage you to explore their music across various platforms. Check out their official Website, stream their tracks on Spotify, and connect with them on Instagram. Don’t forget to like, listen to, and share our curated playlist featuring this exceptional artist and other gems from the world of alternative pop and singer-songwriter bands.