06/05/2025
Something beautiful is happening in the Isese music scene.
A quiet revolution—rooted in tradition, blossoming with creativity. We're not just preserving our sound anymore—we're evolving it. A new genre is emerging, one that carries the heartbeat of our culture. Call it AfroTrad—a fusion of Afrobeats with indigenous chants, rhythms, and spiritual depth.
Though not every track fits neatly into the label, AfroTrad has undeniably amplified the visibility of Isese in today’s music landscape. It’s fresh, vibrant, and full of potential. I genuinely hope more artists continue to explore it.
Oluwasunshine Owomiloke emerged as one of the pioneering voices in Nigeria's AfroTrad music movement. His breakout single, "Isese," which gained widespread attention in 2015/16, dominated radio airwaves and media platforms for months. Though the artist has remained out of the spotlight in recent years, anticipation remains high for a potential return to the music scene.
Gone are the days when Isese music was dismissed as “local.” We now have artists who understand the fundamentals of music leading the charge—and doing so with excellence.
Special commendation to the creatives making this happen:
Hondread, Edaoto, Owomide Popoola, Damidrizzy, Teledalase, Bennylee, Lek Bubbly, among others.
Hondread’s Ifamurewa album is pure gold. The way he blends Ifa chants with melodic harmonies is deeply moving—you can’t listen without being touched.
Edaoto’s rendition of the Osun song is easily one of the best I’ve heard in recent times. His vocal control in the Ifa track shows real mastery. These aren’t new songs in our culture, but his interpretation elevates them. His voice is divine and gives Isese music a refined sound that commands respect.
Owomide Popoola is another pillar in this space. He’s done a fantastic job gathering and performing Orisa songs with passion and precision. Ifa Ero is one of his standout tracks. Owomide is truly an enigma in the Isese community—we’re looking forward to even more from him.
Even though Damidrizzy is rooted in Afrobeats, he has brought Isese into the spotlight with his viral hit Ifa Wa Kayejo and his album Isese. He’s bridging the gap between the mainstream and tradition.
Teledalase caught attention with tracks like Oyeku and Odun Nba Ku, which were featured in Kunle Afolayan’s Aníkúlápó. These songs trended for months and made people take a second look at Isese music. Her recent track The Bad Wife praises Esu Laroye while using metaphors to explore both the good and bad sides of Esu. While some question her spiritual alignment, one thing is clear—she has deep respect for Ifa and our culture, and sometimes, that’s enough.
Lek Bubbly deserves flowers for merging rap with traditional Isese music—his style is bold and innovative.
And then there’s Bennylee, a viral sensation whose singles Isese and Ifa Modupe are beloved in the community. He masterfully blends highlife and Afrobeats, producing songs that feel both timeless and new.
Special recognition to other incredible voices keeping the tradition alive:
Agbeke Ela, Agbojulefa, Babalawo Ifadayo, Ifabewaji, Adebukola Edu, Olaifa Atunfagbon, Ayo Ewebiyi, Iyanifa Egbetola, Mama Olayera, Ose Awoko, Ayilara, Chief Lanre Okemuyiwa etc. Your work is appreciated.
Let’s also honor our music ancestors—Baba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Asabi Oje, and others—who preserved our sacred sounds long before it became trendy. Their legacy continues to inspire today’s generation.
Music is a universal language—and it’s one of the most effective ways to spread the gospel of Ifa. Who would have imagined a time when Christians and Muslims would comfortably sing “Oyeku mo bá ẹ múlè” or “Mo fọjú bodu, mo rí ire”? That’s the power of music. If it connects, it clicks—regardless of belief.
We need more daring artists in the Isese community—people ready to experiment and elevate our sound. Yes, the market may seem uncertain, but the potential is massive. Seeing an Isese act headline the O2 Arena or sell out global concerts isn't a fantasy—it’s a goal worth chasing.
Dear Isese brethren, let’s keep creating, streaming, and supporting our own. The future we crave is much closer than we think.
Ire o.
© Afomo Isese
