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Jazz Articles about Ola Onabule
Meet Ola Onabulé
by Cheryl K.
In this hour, an interview with British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Ola Onabulé and his Rugged Ram Records release Proof of Life. Also, cuts from new releases by trombonist and composer John Yao and His 17-Piece Instrument, singer-songwriter Paloma Dineli Chesky and guitarist Toby Wren's Standards Trio. Playlist John Yao and His 17-Piece Instrument “The Other Way" from Points in Time (See Tao Recordings) 4:57 Michael Buckley “Sloppy in Time" from EBB and FLOW (Livia) 6:16 [excerpt] Ola Onabulé “Scoops" from ...
Continue ReadingOla Onabulé: A Tapestry of Soul, Jazz and Global Roots
by Angelo Leonardi
Singer-songwriter and producer Ola Onabulé shares insights into his life and work, spotlighting his eclectic collaboration with guitarist Nicolas Meier, which led to the release of Proof of Life (Self Produced, 2025). Both based in London, the British-Nigerian vocalist and Swiss guitarist discovered, during the isolation of the pandemic, a shared empathy in their diverse backgrounds and musical passions. The result is a striking sonic tapestry, where Onabulé's powerful voice--spanning soul, jazz, and African roots--intertwines with Nicolas' versatile ...
Continue ReadingOla Onabulè: una musica senza confini
by Angelo Leonardi
Il cantautore e produttore Ola Onabulé ci parla della sua vita e del suo lavoro a partire dall'eclettica collaborazione col chitarrista Nicolas Meier, che ha portato alla recente uscita dell'album Proof of Life. Entrambi residenti a Londra, il vocalist britannico d'origine nigeriana e il chitarrista svizzero hanno scoperto, nei mesi dell'isolamento pandemico, di condividere empaticamente i differenti background e le passioni musicali che li animano: è nato così un sorprendente affresco sonoro, dove la possente voce di Ola--che spazia tra ...
Continue ReadingOla Onabule: Point Less
by Mark Sullivan
British-Nigerian singer/songwriter Ola Onabulé has a rich baritone voice and a commanding presence. He's a soul singer above all, but also draws on pop, world music and jazz. Despite its title, opener “Throwaway Notion" is a catchy tune with a Pan-African groove, and very dark lyrics about the current race to the bottom in politics all around the world. Guitarist John Parricelli contributes memorable lead and solo guitar. “The Old Story" has a slinky Latin feel. But “Exit Wound" uses ...
Continue ReadingOla Onabulé: It's The Peace That Deafens
by James Nadal
Success in the music business can offer the artist several choices, to continue doing what is popular, or decide to take music in a personal direction. With a respected discography going back to 1995, and having pushed the edge of soul-pop in the UK and Europe, versatile vocalist Ola Onabule opts for expanding upon his diverse bi-cultural heritage in It's The Peace That Deafens. Creating a dramatic departure from his previous releases, Onabulé explores jazz inclinations, world influences, and personal ...
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