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Afrolution
Temidayo Balogun
Label: BTmA Records
Released: 2026
Duration: 00:50:47
Views: 270
Tracks
Track List Ori I "Concept of Democracy" (4:01) Ori II "Inner Guide" ft Anuoluwapo Balogun (3:26) African Revolution (8:56) Òṣùṣù Ọwọ̀ (8:59) ttowgfuth - Jan 17th 1961 (6:02) Struggle Continues ft MO THE GREAT (8:38) Words from Ancestors (6:46) Juju Dance (5:19)
Personnel
Temidayo Balogun
saxophone, tenor
Digba Ogunbiyi
piano
Ian Quinton Banno
bass, acousticAmaury Cabral Jorge
guitar
Lumanyano Mzi
drumsAnuoluwapo Balogun
vocalsMO THE GREAT
vocalsAdditional Personnel / Information
Personnel Temidayo Balogun - Tenor Saxophone, Gángan, Vocals, and Percussions Digba Ogunbiyi - Piano, Percussions Ian Quinton Banno - Upright Bass Amaury Cabral Jorge - Guitar Lumanyano Mzi - Drums, Synth, Percussions Anuoluwapo Balogun - Vocals Featured Artist Anuoluwapo Balogun on Ori II “Inner Guide” MO THE GREAT on “Struggle Continues”
Album Description
About the Album
The term Afrolution is derived from the phrase “Afro-centric Solution.” It is grounded in the proposition that the challenges facing Africa can only be effectively addressed through diagnoses and solutions that are rooted in African perspectives and experiences. For over six decades, the continent has endured significant socio-political and economic deterioration, during which a variety of externally driven approaches have been implemented. However, comparatively little emphasis has been placed on solutions conceived and developed by Africans themselves.
This perspective resonates with the vision articulated by Kwame Nkrumah, who asserted that “Africa is one continent, one people, and one nation,” and argued for the dismantling of colonial-era boundaries. Such a proposition underscores a foundational step toward realizing an Afro-centric framework for addressing continental issues.
Musically, the project embodies an intersection of African musical traditions, jazz, and socio-political activism. The composition "Ori I: Concept of Democracy" draws upon Yoruba cosmology, particularly the concept of "Ori," which refers to an individual’s inner essence or destiny. Within this ideology, destiny is understood as both self-determined and collectively influenced, suggesting a model of democracy grounded in individual agency and communal responsibility. This idea is further extended in “Ori II”, which emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s “inner guide” as a pathway toward societal transformation.
The composition “Òṣùṣù Ọwọ̀” (a bound broom), which features multi-layered Yoruba percussion instruments such as the Dùndún/Gángan, Omele, agogo, and sekere, operates as a potent symbol of unity. The sonic direction of this tune further showcases the exploration of the Yoruba rhythmic structure, and its tonal melodic lines are incorporated within the Yoruba language. This communal approach can be further understood by referencing the ancient Sákárà music. In a similar vein, “African Revolution” opens with a motif derived from elements of the South African national anthem, transitioning into a relative modal tonic station using a single connecting note. This serves as a conceptual threshold through which revolutionary possibilities in contemporary Africa are reimagined.
Another significant work, “ttowgfuth – Jan 17th 1961”, derives its title from the acronym ‘To The One Who Gave For Us To Have’. The piece bears melodic affinities with a traditional hymn associated with the Celestial Church of Christ, evoking practices of memorialization for the departed. The date referenced in the title commemorates Patrice Émery Lumumba, whose legacy is invoked through both musical and conceptual means. Its harmonic language, articulated through multiple tonal centers, signifies strength in diversity while affirming respect for the plurality of African voices.
Featured Artist
Anuoluwapo Balogun on Ori II “Inner Guide”
MO THE GREAT on “Struggle Continues”
Songwritters
All 8 tracks composed, arranged, and lyrics by Temidayo Balogun - Temidayo Balogun Music (ASCAP)
Rap and lyrics on “Struggle Continues” by Mayowa Osinubi, “MO THE GREAT” - Mayowa Osinubi (BMI)
Additional Chant and Synthesizer on ORI II “Inner Guide” by Anuoluwapo Balogun - ANNUORE MUZIC (ASCAP), and Lumanyano Mzi - LUMANYANO MZI MUSIC (ASCAP)
Engineering
Recorded at Firehouse 12 Studio, New Haven, CT, USA on May 18 and 19, 2025.
Recording Engineer - Greg DiCrosta
Producer - Lumanyano Mzi and Temidayo Balogun
Mixing Engineer - Dave Hangman
Mastering Engineer - Tim Lengfeld and Rushab Nandha
Visual Art Cover - Adeola Adegbenro (AdeDare)
Art Cover Designer - Olasunkanmi Matelewawon
Album uploaded by Temidayo Balogun
