Nigerian-born, Canada-based Afropop singer, ADEOLUWA, has unveiled a new single, ‘4,5,6’, an emotional track about love and loss.

The new single, off his forthcoming EP ‘The King of Detours’, was released on 12 January 2024 and is available on music streaming platforms.

Defined by a sleek guitar riff and heartfelt lyricism, the cinematic new single is an ultrasmooth ballad in the same irresistible love-struck vein of early 2000s R&B.

ADEOLUWA, who is influenced by a wide variety of artists – from Tina Turner to Adekunle Gold to Stevie Wonder – refers to his unique, genre-bending sound as experimental Afro-fusion, resulting in a musical style that transcends borders and a deeply personal, high energy stage presence that’s earned him the nickname ‘The Greatest Showman’ within the DIY Saskatchewan scene.

The artist has had quite an eventful run in the music scene. In 2019, he released his vibrant debut LP, ‘After Bells and Whistles’, alongside a captivating docuseries #DiscoverTheABAWAlbum, where he chronicled the making of the project. That same year, his electric single, ‘Escape’, served as the opening act at the Saskatchewan Music Awards, catching the attention of numerous radio stations in and around the area. Since then, he’s continued to build on that momentum, releasing 3 EPs, a live album, and a string of collaborations with fellow Canadian acts, as well as a stint as a vocalist for local Regina band, People of the Sun.

These efforts have elevated his status as a rising star to watch, and his work has recently been hailed by the likes of CBC, Range Magazine, Pulse Music Journal, The Native Mag, and 49th Street. With an impressive resume of live performances already under his belt, including a headlining set at the SaskMusic Winter Showcase (he has five nominations from the SaskMusic Awards, including a nomination for the very first AfroBeats Award Artist of the year category) and an appearance at Breakout West 2023, the artist is making waves as one of 2024’s must-listen up-and-coming acts, recognized by getting added on Spotify’s official New Music Friday playlist.

Now, with EP ‘The King of Detours’ on the way, with standouts like ‘4, 5, 6’ signposting what listeners can expect to hear on the rest of the project, ADEOLUWA is ready to catapult his career to new heights.

Born from the trials and tribulations that plagued what he says was one of the hardest periods of his life, the singer turned inward and leaned on his faith to cope with the immigration difficulties, career struggles, and personal heartbreak that he was going through at the time.

Commenting on the EP, the artist says it is called ‘The King of Detours’ “because last year was not what I planned, and I made many detours on my way and ended up with this beautiful record”.

“‘4, 5,6’ is the perfect introduction to the project because it begins in the middle of a time of confusion and directionless transition,” ADEOLUWA explains.

“I hope this story resonates with everyone who listens, and they listen to every word,” he says.

With a song that puts the artist’s magnetic storytelling abilities, silky vocals, and keen talent for addictive choruses on full display — it’s hard to do anything but anticipate the rest of the album.