Afrobeats sensation ADEOLUWA was born in Nigeria and is now based in Saskatchewan, SK. The skilled artist now shares a new Afropop banger called “Fe Mi”, which translated from Yoruba to English means “Love Me”. In addition, this song is part of the artist’s most recent EP “For The Fourth”, that has taken the artist to new heights as he has presented it live in his recent Canadian tour.
If one could explain this song in one sentence, it essentially reflects the need to reconnect with African roots and culture. As ADEOLUWA puts it: “I wanted to create a song that resonated with the timeless rhythms and melodies of classic Afrobeats, a nod to the pioneers who laid the foundation. It’s a love letter to the sounds that shaped my musical identity”.
A hopeful but nostalgic melody set the start of this track, which aims to capture love in its purest form through the lyrics in the chorus, sang in Yoruba:
Ma se e dada (I’ll cherish you)
To ba fe mi (If you love me)
For ADEOLUWA, creating “Fe Mi” was not only an inner journey into his heart, mind and emotions, but also a reflection of what Afrobeats means to him: “It’s more than a genre; it’s a cultural heartbeat.”
Yoruba is one of the three main languages of West Africa, specifically Nigeria. In the present day, there are approximately 50 million people in the world who speak it, making it one of the most widely spoken African languages outside of the continent. Crafting some of the song’s lyrics in one of his native languages definitely reinforces the cultural element.
Like a painting, each element of the song – the piano, synths, afro drums and vocals – add an organic and genuine feel to it, staying true to the genre’s essence. As the track evolves second by second, the key changes and the chorus voices towards the end of the song create diverse sound dimensions, giving it a Gospel feel.
Listen on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2ve2ejQjzql1KkL2jbfKdU?si=753e1de157d44824&nd=1&dlsi=d9ef86f9413e426b
As an up-and-coming Afropop star, ADEOLUWA’s career continues to grow unceasingly. Some of the top milestones of his music journey include earning five nominations from the SaskMusic Awards, as well as attracting the attention of media outlets like CBC, Pulse Music Journal, Range Magazine and The Native Mag, among others. Digital music platforms have also recognized the artist’s talent, featuring him in official Spotify editorial playlists.
There is something truly magical and captivating about his project, where the blend of lyrics, melody and atmosphere generate a good-vibe romantic mood in those who listen. Not to mention, it is a tribute to African culture, as the artist states: “I wanted ‘Fe Mi’ to feel timeless, like a song that could have been played decades ago but still feels relevant today. It’s about capturing that enduring quality of true Afrobeats.”
“Fe Mi”, and the full EP “For The Fourth”, are now available on all streaming services.