Bridging Cultures Through Jazz: Sola Akingbola’s New Album ‘How Should I’ Celebrates Musical Fusion

He may not have a household name, but Sola Akingbola is a trailblazing artist that is soon to take the world by storm. As a percussionist and integral member of the globally renowned band Jamiroquai, Sola has been making music that has touched the souls of millions for decades. 

Now, he is set to release his highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘How Should I’ on 25/10/2024, with the lead single ‘Touch My Soul’ dropping on 04/10/2024. Sola’s music is a beautiful fusion of cultural influences, drawing from his Nigerian heritage and his upbringing in the eclectic and diverse city of London. His upcoming album showcases his versatility as a composer and performer, with each track telling a unique story of cultural identity and musical exploration. One of the standout tracks from the album is the title track, ‘How Should I’, originally written for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2016 production of Hamlet. The soulful vocals of Olivier-winning actor Sheila Atim add a tender touch to this cinematic piece, which brilliantly blends groovy beats with a jazz-lounge style. Other tracks to look out for include the energetic and percussion-driven ‘Olukumi’, which has a music video filmed at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, and the introspective ‘My Brother’s Keeper’. 

Sola’s music is a celebration of cultural fusion and the power of music to transcend boundaries, making it a must-listen for any lover of the arts. But Sola’s talent doesn’t stop at music – he also recently received the Best Film and TV Score BMI Award for the second year in a row for his work on the hit TV series ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’. He has also composed scores for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, further showcasing his artistic prowess. Growing up in Portobello Road, Sola could have never imagined the impact his music would have on the world. From performing at major festivals alongside music legends like Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones, to writing scores for renowned theater productions, Sola has truly made his mark in the arts world. And with the upcoming release of ‘How Should I’, all eyes and ears will be on this talented artist, ready to be enthralled by his unique sound and captivating storytelling. Don’t miss out on experiencing the magic of Sola Akingbola – tune in and listen to ‘How Should I’ when it drops on all platforms on 25/10/2024.