Multi-Instrumentalist NIJI to Release New Album “Oríkì” on Feb. 28th, 2025 | LISTEN!
NIJI
SHARES A RICH STORY THROUGH SOUND AND SOUL ON NEW ALBUM
“ORÍKÌ”
February 28, 2025 – After months of building momentum with standout singles and glowing responses, Oríkì, the much-anticipated album from East London’s celebrated multi-instrumentalist, NIJI has arrived. Rooted in his Nigerian heritage, NIJI’s Oríkì is a celebration of heritage, identity, and resilience, told through a rich fusion of afrobeats, jazz, and funk. The album narrates the remarkable story of his great-grandmother, a pioneering creative who defied the odds in an era when opportunities for women were scarce, making Oríkì a powerful sonic tribute that offers an interpretation of NIJI’s identity.
Six years in the making, this album is bursting with life and soul, blending NIJI’s deep musicality with a narrative that’s both personal and powerful. Well known for his work with artists like Harry Styles, Gregory Porter, and Stormzy, NIJI steps into his own with a solo project that’s been turning heads since the album campaign launched last summer.
Drawing from a vast spectrum of influences – legends like Ebo Taylor to modern icons like Skepta – NIJI weaves together every musical and cultural area of his life in this project. His East London upbringing, his jazz and afrobeat roots, and his love for bold, dynamic instrumentation all come through. With rich layers of brass, percussion, and piano, the album is a vibrant exploration of sound, one that feels as raw as it is refined.
In the lead up to the album release, NIJI has shared standout singles A13 FUJI, Jayé (Dance Dance Dance), Mo ti délé and most recently Sounds Of The City. Each release has been met with a warm embrace from listeners and critics alike, and steadily built anticipation for the full body of work.
Track List:
1. Àdùnní
2. Sounds Of The City
3. Jayé (Dance Dance Dance)
4. Mo ti délé
5. A13 FUJI
6. Oba (Drum break)
7. Mata
8. Oríkì
9. Joshua’s Legacy
With Oríkì set to make waves in the contemporary music scene, it promises to immerse listeners in a dynamic palette of sound and emotion, offering an intimate journey through NIJI’s life.
Wonderland – “Mo ti délé”, is a jubilant and dynamic composition, showcasing his ability to unite celebratory and soulful tones with effortless sophistication.”
The Culture Crypt – “Mo Ti Dele” offers a glimpse into what’s to come on his upcoming album ORÍKÌ, a musical tale of his Great-Grandmother’s resilience. With each release, NIJI reinforces his position as a prominent figure in modern jazz.”
House of Solo – “Fans are treated to intricate instrumentation that combines the expressive power of jazz with the infectious rhythms of funk and Afrobeats, making it a must-listen for followers of Ezra Collective and other modern jazz-funk pioneers.”
More on NIJI…
East London-born NIJI (FKA Niji Adeleye) is a multi-creative force who has been playing piano all his life, turning professional at just 14 after being discovered at a local community music service. Embracing classical and jazz training, he quickly became immersed in local music scenes, playing in big bands and at church every week. His early talent was recognised in 2009 when he won Barking and Dagenham’s Rising Star Award, launching his career.
NIJI’s music blends his Nigerian roots with jazz, hip-hop, gospel, and Afrobeat influences, creating a rich and colorful sonic tapestry. Splitting his time between the UK and NYC, he has held the esteemed position of resident organist at Madison Square Garden for the NY Knicks while actively engaging with New York’s thriving jazz scene.
His debut album ‘Better Days Ahead’ (2015) charted at No. 3 on the iTunes Jazz Charts, followed by the successful ‘Late Nights, Early Mornings’ (2017), which received praise and led to a sold-out launch at Oslo, Hackney, and a tour that concluded with a prestigious performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall Elgar Room.
After a brief hiatus, NIJI returned in 2023 with his EP ‘Somewhere in the Middle’, drawing influence from a variety of genres and receiving strong acclaim. Beyond his solo work, NIJI has toured with renowned artists such as Harry Styles, Charlie Puth, Stormzy, and Michelle Williams, and collaborated with Gregory Porter, Moses Boyd, and Alex Isley. These experiences have expanded his reach, growing his fan base globally.
Now, NIJI is preparing for his biggest project yet. His latest track ‘A13 Fuji’ offers a bold taste of what’s to come, reflecting his unique fusion of styles and showcasing the depth of his instrumental artistry. With years of experience across multiple genres, NIJI is set to make an even bigger mark on the music world.
Keep up to date with NIJI on Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
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