By Henry Akubuiro
The Nigerian music scene has witnessed a remarkable growth in the last fifteen years with new entrants hogging the limelight and compelling the world to listen endlessly to Nigerian sonics.
• Band Dalapo performing on stage
Long before the advent of the new craze –Afrobeats – legendary King Sunny Ade and Fela Kuti had shown the world a glimpse of what Nigerian music was all about with their Afrocentric medleys. Kuti, in particular, transported his saxophonic, Afrobeat melodies to territories beyond our imagination.
The Band Dolapo is pulling its weight in the bubbling Nigerian music scene, too. It has etched its name with a unique blend of African sonics and traditional performance ensemble.
Though the band originates from Yorubaland, its sound incorporates Western jazz and soul music with an overt African influence, creating a unique genre known as “Afrique Soul.”
Headed by Anthony Adedolapo Martins, also known with the stage name, Dolapo Martins, a musical bender who has grown to maneuvre the waves of his voice pipe. He hails from the city of Lagos, a city of hope and life that grants opportunity to carve your own niche in diverse sectors.
Adedolapo, the son of Francis Tunde Martins, was born into a music family – not just any musical one but of the upper class jazz genre based in France. No wonder he has mastered the rudiments of jazzy sounds in his sizzling album, Akoko, to draw a growing attention to the thriving Nigerian music scene.
Dolapo Martins has been playing music for over 15 years with his bandmates, DOLAPO. Members of the group include Timi Greg, a drummer, a piano keyboardist, Kelechi the bass player, Tinubu David, another drummer. Others include Shomidu Abiola, a drummer and Ezekiel Temitope, a drummer. Besides, there are members who are chiefly dancers, such as Olarenwaju Folarin, Adeshina Ahmed, Olukotun Opeyemi, Aminat Olafusi and Jolaosho Titilayo.
The head of the band, Adedolapo, has described their style of music as Afrique-soul – a mix of western and African fusions of soul music, thus, creating a connection between both cultures to increase the acceptance of their craft.
Though this sound is newly born and growing to be appreciated in the United Kingdom, the USA, Australia, Netherlands, France, South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana, Adedolapo is dedicating 2024 to push this new genre through performances of the Akoko album.
In 2023, he gave listeners a run for their money at Bogobiri, Don’t Judge me at Terra Kulture, and graced the Emerging Africa end-of-the-year party with their vibes. Adedolapo confirmed that the band drew inspirations from Bobby Benson, King Sunny Ade, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, Fela Kuti and Angelina Kidjo.
He has been vastly recognised that he performed at the Hennessy Artistry alongside Cobhams, Waje, Timi Dakolo and more. Adedolapo was also the first runner-up for Rhythm Unplugged. The band Dolapo has performed several times at Felabration, Lagos.
Other performances included the Coca Cola Road to World Cup which featured Banky W, MI, Wizkid, Durella and late Dagrin, thereby proving the acceptance of the vibes being played by the band.
The band is noted for its traditional attire, mostly in Adire, Aso Oke or Danshiki. They group is planning to have a music production set to help young artistes to grow their music career while the former seize the global musical scene.
“We are committed to making our audiences worldwide access a unique blend of refined vibes coming from Band Dalapo,” said the band leader, Adedolapo.