The Nigerian music scene is a difficult stage to navigate and many fledgling artists have fallen or failed trying to achieve national and worldwide success. Yet, this is not the reality of Oladapo who has caught the attention and hearts of good music lovers with his soothing voice and relaxing melody. 

Tonade ‘Oladapo’ Adetunji is a multi-talented songwriter and musician that creates Afro-fusion music, blending different sounds together. He effortlessly switches between English language, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin to convey his enthralling stories of love, heartbreak, path to success, and life struggles in melodies that have you moving your body to the beat. 

I listened to Oladapo for the first time when “Priceless” came on the radio. I was sucked into a world of sound, melody, and piercing lyrics that I had to shazam the music the entire day. Ever since, Oladapo’s sound registered in the beautiful parts of me, and after several days of discovery that sent me down a rabbit hole looking for more. I was proud of my discovery and the novelty of Oladapo’s sound. The “Blind EP” became a mainstay in my rotation and still is a stand-out EP in my private collection.

I was so impressed that I surfed for him on the internet. Guess what I found? Oladapo was named as one of the acts to look out for in 2020 by Complex UK and Empawa. He has worked with many notable names in the Nigerian music industry, including Wizkid’s on his S2 EP, delivering background vocals for 3 of the 4 tracks off the Project. He has also featured on Ejoya’s class of ‘22 Album which has become a classic to many listeners. He still wins more hearts with his music as he continues to deliver quality that puts the world on notice. 

His catchphrase “Ola with the most” is now a household phrase which is synonymous with popular artists like Davido’s “Baddest or Shekpe” or Rema’s “Another banger” and Zlantan’s “Ibile.” His fans have taken note of this unique style which has endeared him to them and set him apart from the many musical acts the Nigerian music industry is churning out daily.

Consequently, with this growing fame and acclaim, Oladapo has been intentional about giving back and connecting with his fans and friends which is evident in his outreach at Unilag, putting smiles on people’s faces while promoting his newly released album “With the most & Friends.” He just recently put together a party for his fans. This wasn’t just any party. In Oladapo’s words, he wanted to party with his “friends and his people.” And Knots Stories who are avid followers of Oladapo’s success story made time to party with him. 

This was something special, something personal, something rare. The venue lit up with beautiful faces and fabulously dressed fans waiting with quiet anticipation to get the party started. Oladapo accompanied by The Kazez, Noon Dave, Toye and Dj Latitude, delivered a captivating set list and brought maximum energy to the floor that had the people jumping, dancing wildly, and requesting for more.

In between sets of performances, Oladapo opened up to the audience and told stories behind some of his tracks, which made the performances more beautiful and wholesome. Fans came up to share their experiences with Oladapo’s music. It was amazing to discover fans who came from far distant cities like Benin, Ibadan and even Atlanta to share in this experience.

Noon Dave and Oladapo delivered an amazing rendition of “Merry Go.” Oladapo carried us into the night with bangers like “If At All”, “Bomboy”, “In You”, & “Mission.” 

The Kazez gave an energetic performance of “Jericho”; a teaser drop from an unreleased single. They aso performed “Go Harder” and “Ajoke” from the Ejoya Class of ‘22 Album which also features Oladapo. 

Toye had the crowd bouncing to the sound of his hit single, “Quarter Life Crisis”, just after rendering a teaser of an unreleased song with Oladapo. 

We danced into the night to more sounds of Oladapo like “Alone”, “Isakaba,” and “Priceless.” 

We also had teasers of unreleased songs featuring Toye and Lil kesh from the upcoming body of work, “BOLDER.”

If you love good music, this is how you want your everyday life to end. 

The finest quality of music, a teeming audience sharing similar energy, and the joy of living such an experience was the highlight of “With The Most & Friends” with Oladapo.

We’ve continued to live the magic of the night by curating a playlist of the set list performed on the night. Enjoy.

Falling for you. Melvitto, Oladapo 

Pleasure. Oladapo, Randay 

Merry Go. Noon Dave ft Oladapo 

Perfect timing.  

If at all.  

Kilode.  

Bomboy.

Text.

Over again.

Kunfayafun. 

Gbe Bodi.

In You. Oladapo, Semzi

Chobar. Dj Lati8tude, Oladapo

Mission. +234, Cbee, Semzi, The Kazez, Fxrtune, Oladapo

Jericho. The Kazez

Go Harder. The Kazez

Ajoke. Ejoya, The Kazez, Oladapo, godOmarr

Quarter life Crisis. Toye 

Alone.  

Isakaba.  

Priceless.

Proud.

By Bode Shonibare.