RedazioneSola Akingbola’s latest album, How Should I, is a stunning exploration of cultural fusion, rhythmic innovation, and deeply personal storytelling. Known for his long-standing role as the percussionist in the Grammy Award-winning band Jamiroquai and his work as a composer for the hit CBS show Bob Hearts Abishola, Akingbola has already made a name for himself as a versatile musician. However, How Should I marks his emergence as a solo artist of significant depth and creativity, with the project fully displaying his prowess not just as a percussionist, but as a composer and visionary.
From the opening moments of the album, the rhythm section stands out as a driving force. Akingbola, with his deep-rooted expertise in percussion, masterfully crafts rhythms that weave between the worlds of funk, Afrobeat, and alternative pop. Tracks like “Touch My Soul” and “Olukumi” pulse with energy, their grooves drawing you in immediately. The interplay between the drums and bassline, in particular, is a highlight across the record, as the bass grounds the tracks with rich, textured layers, while Akingbola’s percussion brings a dynamic, almost conversational energy. “Olukumi,” with its upbeat, percussion-driven tempo, is a prime example of this rhythm-forward approach, evoking the vibrant, kinetic energy of Yoruba music while incorporating the pulse of contemporary funk.
The title track, “How Should I,” offers a more laid-back groove, featuring the tender vocals of Olivier Award-winning actor Sheila Atim. Originally composed for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet, this song has a cinematic feel. Akingbola’s use of a minimal, jazz-lounge style bassline complements the atmospheric synths, creating a lush backdrop that allows the percussion and vocals to shine. This track in particular speaks to Akingbola’s ability to balance delicate, introspective moments with rhythmic complexity, a duality that runs throughout the album.
The album also delves into deep emotional and cultural terrain, blending Akingbola’s Nigerian heritage with his British upbringing. Songs like “My Brother’s Keeper” reflect on identity and cultural roots, while the soundscapes evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The atmospheric synths and layered percussion on this track create a reflective mood, as though inviting listeners to explore their own connections to place and memory. There is an undeniable spiritual quality to the music, with echoes of Yoruba chants and poetry subtly woven through the fabric of the sound.
What makes How Should I truly stand out is its ability to transcend genre boundaries. While there are clear influences of funk and alternative pop, Akingbola’s compositional style is fluid, drawing from jazz, world music, and even elements of classical composition. The basslines, rich and resonant, carry the weight of funk while remaining understated enough to allow the intricate percussion to take the lead. Meanwhile, the synths create an otherworldly atmosphere that enhances the fusion of old and new, tradition and innovation. This is particularly evident on tracks like “Judas Kiss,” where Akingbola blends electronic elements with organic percussion, producing a sound that feels both futuristic and grounded in ancient rhythms.
Overall, How Should I is a remarkable album that captures the essence of cultural fusion through music. Akingbola’s ability to craft intricate rhythmic patterns, paired with his skillful use of basslines and atmospheric synths, results in a sound that is both grounded in tradition and refreshingly contemporary. This album is not only a celebration of Akingbola’s personal journey but also a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect people across cultures. We are thrilled to feature How Should I on our platform and highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the intersection of funk, alternative pop, and global sounds.
