NIJI (also known as Niji Adeleye) takes us through each track of his debut album, ‘Oríkì,’ which is the culmination of a six-year journey of self-exploration and musical experimentation that fuses Yoruba praise poetry, Fuji rhythms, and East London grime into a heartfelt tribute to heritage and identity.
Stream: “Jayé” – NIJI
However, it is only by truly losing oneself that one can find their way back. Just be careful not to wander too far…
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Understanding your origins holds great power.
For NIJI (Niji Adeleye), music transcends mere sound; it serves as a medium for storytelling, a connection between the past and the present, and a way to honor those who have come before him. The British-Nigerian artist’s debut album, Oríkì, is an intimate and sonically rich exploration of lineage, identity, and the rhythms that influence us. Incorporating elements of Yoruba praise poetry, Fuji music, jazz, and grime, NIJI has crafted a project that is both personal and ambitious, reflecting his journey of self-discovery as much as his innovative sound.
At its essence, this album encapsulates who NIJI is – not only as an artist but as a person.
Oríkì – NIJI
Released on February 28th through AERONXUTICS, Oríkì signifies a vibrant and intricate return home. Firmly rooted in tradition yet propelled by a contemporary vision, the album showcases NIJI’s tracing of his ancestry and paying homage to the influences that shape his artistry.
“Oríkì was inspired by my great-grandmother Matilda Taiwo, who against all odds became a songwriter for her local church and a prosperous fabric merchant in 1940s Nigeria, at a time when women were expected to remain in the kitchen,” NIJI shares with Atwood Magazine.
“She defied societal expectations and forged her own path. This album represents my heritage and the legacy of my lineage that resides within me. It is also a musical praise poem of the time I spent creating these songs. It’s about home, about returning to move forward; I am a product of my ancestry, and this album serves as my tribute to that.”
NIJI © Tosin Popoola
This duality – honoring the past while paving a new path forward – is central to Oríkì.
NIJI embodies that fearless spirit, utilizing music as a vehicle for storytelling, self-expression, and cultural reclamation. His sound is a dynamic blend of his Nigerian roots and his East London upbringing, reflecting a wide range of musical influences.
“My goal for this album was to create a musical piece that represented my various influences,” he explains. “Growing up in East London, amid the rise of grime music and artists like Skepta, shaped me as an artist. Combined with a Yoruba upbringing, I was immersed in highlife, Afrobeat, and Fuji music from a young age! The musical vision was to pay respect to the Yoruba Nigerian heritage I come from, my current passion for Fuji music, while also integrating my East London roots.”
NIJI describes the album as both homely and vibrant. The title is a direct reference to his heritage and the artistry itself. “Oríkì means praise poetry created by the Yoruba people,” he states. “It narrates where someone is from and their ancestral stories. Often, it's presented in a musical format too. As I embarked on making this album and delving into my own ancestry, I unearthed our own Oríkì.”
NIJI © Tosin Popoola
NIJI is no stranger to the limelight, having released his first record, Better Days Ahead, ten years ago this August.
The past decade has seen him skillfully establishing his identity as a versatile musician, composer, and storyteller, merging jazz, classical, and contemporary influences into a unique, expressive sound. From the intricate arrangements of 2023’s Somewhere in the Middle to his highly regarded live performances at venues like the Royal Albert Hall, NIJI has consistently evolved, expanding the frontiers of his artistry while remaining rooted in his cultural heritage. His music reflects both technical precision and emotional depth, intertwining rich instrumentation with themes of introspection, resilience, and identity.
Oríkì symbolizes a rebirth for NIJI as he undertakes his most personal artistic leap yet, embracing his Yoruba heritage and channeling years of exploration into a collection of work that honors the past while charting a bold new course forward.
“Oríkì captures a six-year journey of self-discovery,” he smiles. “It was actually created prior to Somewhere in the Middle. That album hinted at what was to come; tracks like ‘Banjoko’ (a family name) foreshadowed the themes of Oríkì. Oríkì is the culmination; it’s my grandest musical exploration
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NIJI (also known as Niji Adeleye) guides us through each track of his debut album ‘Oríkì,’ which is the culmination of a six-year journey of personal exploration and musical discovery. This album intricately weaves together Yoruba praise poetry, Fuji rhythms, and East London grime, serving as a heartfelt and festive homage to his heritage and identity.