Nigerian-born and Canadian-based artist ADEOLUWA is steadily crafting a memorable music career. Following the release of his EP “King of Detours” in January 2024, he embarked on a successful Canadian tour and released a brilliant Afropop EP called “For The Fourth” coinciding with the first tour day.
“Under The Moonlight” is a part of this scenic EP, blending hypnotic indie pop melodies with the best of Afrobeats in this single. The artist shares that the recording of the track was a truly intimate experience, infusing Afropop sounds with modern pop elements in a fresh and authentic way. Indeed, the song has the power of creating a psych-like soundscape, mixing captivating synth harmonies and traditional African rhythms in a clever way.
The unique fusion of the sound and the lyrics create a space for reflection. This, according to the artist, was what he experienced sitting under the moonlight and feeling the weight of his emotions whilst looking at the vast night sky. He adds: “The night sky has always been a source of inspiration for me. There’s something about the moonlight that makes emotions feel more intense and real.”
The essence of the song lies in its ability to make the listeners feel the rawness of love – the need, the desire, and the vulnerability that comes with it. This idea is manifested in the chorus, poetically enriched by the addition of nature elements:
“Under this moonlight, I need your warm sun,
I can’t keep floating in these wild oceans,
Sinking and falling, I’ll just keep praying
You reach for me, please reach for me.”
Slowly but steadily, the song builds an ethereal atmosphere that explodes when the minute two arrives. Energetic pop drums and a more up-tempo rhythm open up the bridge, along with harmonious chorus voices that complement ADEOLUWA’s rich and deep tone. All of these elements create an epic feel, magnifying the celebration of love in its most vulnerable form: “It’s about letting someone see your true self and hoping they embrace it.”
The artist’s impressive highlights include headlining the SaskMusic Winter Showcase, where he earned five nominations from the SaskMusic Awards, including a nomination for the inaugural “AfroBeats Artist of the Year” category. As one of 2024’s must-listen up-and-coming acts, he has been airplayed on numerous radio stations and featured on Spotify official editorial playlists such as New Music Friday.
While the Afrobeats genre has conquered global top charts in the past years, some of ADEOLUWA’s music referents include Nigerian international acts such as Adekunle Gold. In fact, Nigeria has become a significant hub for artists whose music transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Next up is ADEOLUWA, who has become known for his experimental style, innovative music and mesmerizing live performances.
