Brace yourselves, music lovers. The hottest album of the year has just dropped, and trust us when we say, you do not want to sleep on this one. Sola Akingbola, the sickeningly talented percussionist and composer known for his work with Grammy-winning band Jamiroquai, has just released his new album ‘How Should I’ with his new band The Eegun Rhapsodies. And let us tell you, it’s a funky, soulful ride that will touch every inch of your being.
Sola’s music has been in households worldwide, even if his name hasn’t been on everyone’s lips. But with the release of ‘How Should I’ and its lead single ‘Touch My Soul’, that’s all about to change. Sola’s love for the Greek classics and the poetry and music of his Yoruba heritage come together in an electrifying way. This album is a celebration of cultural fusion and the power of music to transcend boundaries. The title track, originally written for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet, features the incredible vocals of Olivier-winning actress Sheila Atim (if you don’t know her, do yourself a favor and Google her right now).
But that’s just one of the eleven tracks that showcase Sola’s versatility as a composer and performer. From the upbeat and energetic ‘Olukumi’, with its infectious percussion, to the contemplative ‘My Brother’s Keeper’, each song tells a unique story of cultural identity and musical exploration.
The album will be released in two parts, with the first dropping this fall and the second in the spring of 2025. And let’s not forget the sickening music video for ‘Olukumi’, filmed at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. Sola Akingbola is no stranger to success, with his work on CBS sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola earning him the Best Film and TV Score BMI Award for two consecutive years. And with his impressive resume, it’s no surprise that he’s shared the stage with legends like Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, and the late David Bowie. Sola’s journey from the streets of Portobello Road to center stage has been nothing short of remarkable. And with ‘How Should I’, he invites us all to join him on a soulful exploration of identity through sound. So what are you waiting for? Head to all streaming platforms and give this masterpiece a listen. Thank us later.