Leke Awoyinka aka Ekiti Sound is a multi-talented artist whose genre-bending music is a reflection of his experiences living/working across Europe and Africa. From dark electronic sounds to vibrant afrobeat and downtempo vibes, Ekiti Sound is out here shaping Afro-Fusion in his own manner.

His latest effort Drum Money, is a 17-track body of work that incorporates elements of Nigerian music, electronic beats and hip-hop influences all underpinned by poignant social commentary and insightful themes.

“aLAcarte pt.1” opens up the project with a cinematic texture and anthemic horns underpinned by Ekiti’s off-kilter flow that fuses English, Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin English. It’s quite colourful as he takes listeners deep into the boisterous life in Lagos, Nigeria where anything can happen. “Fuji On One” is a multi-genre piece that takes elements from live Fuji music percussions, vocal toasting from a Fuji band and, Electronic soundscapes. The track is quite layered and vivid and the cross between analog and digital instrumentation gives it a distinct feel. The vocals are sung in Yoruba as expected and it’s a mix of adulation, prayers and a call to enjoy the vibe as it is.

“Chairman” opens up with mantra-like vocals, celebratory horns, and rousing afrobeat grooves with retro aesthetics. As the title suggests, it borders on the coming of age of a man stepping into the world with confidence and ready to take on the task ahead. He is joined by Nigerian rapper/songwriter Aunty Rayzor who adds her own distinct flavour to the record. Armed with her commanding vocal tone and smooth flow, she stands on her 10 toes with lines like “Money dey talk in bundles/ when I come through, o ma humble/ put them in check with my own cruise”.

This is followed by “Free The Boy” a contemplative track that explores the mindstate of the downtrodden who are held back by the shackles of the government. Over the pulsating bassline provided by Olugbenga Adelekan and the choral voices that add a touch of emotional oomph, Ekiti Sound delivers a subtle social-political diatribe against the powers that be while simultaneously using the music to drown out his sorrows.

“Ebi Pa Mi” and the title track “Drum Money” continue the album’s stylistic and varied theme. “Ebi Pa Mi” centers on the plight of the common man who works day and night but still ends up being hungry in a proverbial manner while “Drum Money” has a soul-jazz vibe and explores his own struggles in London. He runs through the many hurdles but still remains hopeful with the affirmative chorus “I don’t do back back,back nah, I push it forward”

“Dabaru” which means scatter in English is a dark and punchy track that dives into the concept of deceit and being true to one’s true self. Inspired by Fela Kuti’s social commentary in the past, Ekiti Sound proceeds to further the narrative with his own take on the issue and reminds us to stay sharp or lest fall to the trappings of the scammers, be it the government, the music industry and the many con artist out there. “Jiji Mo Ji” opens up with a praise/worship vocal reminiscent of Nigerian churches and even local parties often referred to as Owanbe. The production has a surreal and dynamic vibe with its layered pads and moody synths all underpinned by the airy vocals.

“Ku Ise” is Ekiti Sound’s modern take on an Ekiti folk song. The production here is as scenic as they come and the use of layered electronic textures, punchy drums and dark pads all come together like white on rice. However, Ekiti reminds us that the essence of the original is still maintained throughout and it’s just an updated take for the new generation. “Ghost Leader” is another poignant social commentary that deals with corrupt politicians and leaders who are blind to the plight of the masses. From the anthemic horn passes, solemn pads and punchy drums and insightful lyrics, Ekiti Sound describes to listeners the opulent lifestyle people who are elected to serve us live. From diverting public funds to moving in convoys to drinking champagne with no care in the world, the song is a stark reminder of how unbalanced life can be for many Nigerians.

“Raindrops” starts off with a solemn guitar-driven ballad-like piece and switches into a dark moody piece made up of sparse grooves and cinematic sound design. It’s like a mix of night and day; listeners are given both the good and dark sides of life. “Story Story” is the quintessential tale of the proverbial story which is made up of my side, your side and the truth. Over a groovy backdorp made up of bright horns and keys, Ekiti Sound reflects on how someone’s past can bleed into the present and the future in a relationship but he is not a tad bit worried as he is watching the movie from the bleachers. The track has fun-filled energy, and the playful chorus adds an uplifting vibe.

“Home” and “Mami Wata” are tracks that dwell on love, women and relationship. “Home”  makes use of Afro-Cuban elements and rich guitar riffs and rousing drums and sees Ekiti Sound in contemplative mode once more as he tries to find a way to break free from the hold he found himself in.  “Mami Wata” revolves around the cycle of love from the honeymoon phase to the biting reality of dealing with parts that you love and the parts that hurt you the most. Ekiti Sound makes use of sparse vocal arrangements here and strays from being too wordy. “aLAcarte pt.2” continues from where part 1 left and takes us back to town to feel the vibe in the mean streets of Lagos. The percussion grooves here are off-the meat rack and the ebb and flow approach ramps up the energy levels.

“TomTom” is a reference to the classic European navigation device and also a call back to a time in the past and the first love in his life. The production employs a choppy/glitchy technique made on MPC 1000 and a Dondo while Ekiti uses spoken word to fully transcribe the true emotions of that one true love from yesteryears. The final track “Eko Bridge” dives into the concept of connection and the many events life has to offer. The title is an ode to One of the three bridges that connect the Lagos mainland to Lagos island. Bolstered by a somewhat melancholic and sombre backdrop, Ekiti Sound runs through a handful of experiences and life-changing events that made him who he is.

He currently runs a radio show, ‘The Ekiti Sound Show’ on the recently launched Hot FM Lagos and is the only dedicated specialist electronic music show on all Nigerian terrestrial radio.

Stream Drum Money on all DSPs here.

Keep up with Ekiti Sound | SoundCloud: Website : Instagram