Omileeyan Channels Barrister, Fela, and Orlando Owoh in Afro-Root Revival Movement
Dynamic Afrobeat musician and creative visionary, Anthony Babajide Omileyan Ojomo, popularly known as Omileeyan, has traced the roots of his sound to three iconic Nigerian music legends — Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Orlando Owoh, and Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
Speaking in a recent interview, the Ondo-born, Lagos-raised artist described the trio as towering figures who used music as a tool for activism, discipline, and cultural consciousness.
“Fela taught fearlessness, ideology, and political consciousness; Orlando Owoh showed discipline, authenticity, and cultural elegance, while Ayinde Barrister demonstrated innovation, creativity, and social responsibility. From all three, I learned lifestyle discipline, belief systems, African cultural mindset, and strong spiritual identity,” he said.
Inspired by their legacy, Omileeyan has incorporated traditional Yoruba instruments such as omele, gangan, and bata into his Afrobeat compositions — a deliberate move to carve out a distinct identity within the genre.
He explained that his artistic direction goes beyond mainstream appeal, embracing Afrobeat, folklore, and bush-centric jazz to craft a soundscape that celebrates African spirituality, unity, and cultural pride on a global stage.
“My Yoruba ancestry profoundly shapes my music and storytelling through rhythmic complexity, tonal language, and oral traditions. It serves as a living archive that bridges the past and the present,” he noted.
Omileeyan described his music as an Afro-root revival movement — a conscious effort to awaken what he calls the “lost beats and voices” of African heritage. Unlike many contemporary Afrobeat acts focused on short commercial hits, he prioritises long-form, spiritually driven compositions layered with political and cultural depth.
“My music entertains, but it also preserves culture and serves as a tool for African pride,” he said.
Though born and raised in Lagos, the singer revealed that living among the Awori people significantly shaped his creative outlook, exposing him to diverse rhythms, street consciousness, and cultural fusion.
The artist recently dropped two new tracks, All We Wait For and Sisi Pelebe, reaffirming his commitment to blending traditional elements with contemporary sounds without diluting authenticity.
Omileeyan has previously collaborated with Yinka Davies and is looking forward to working with notable acts including Asa, Burna Boy, Terry Apala, Lagbaja, TeeMac, Alikiba, Harmonize, Rayvanny, and Tracy Chapman.
With a philosophy rooted in heritage and a vision aimed at global resonance, Omileeyan says he remains committed to redefining Afrobeat — not just as music, but as a cultural moveme
