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Ori I 'Concept of Democracy' by Temidayo Balogun

From the album

Album Title: Afrolution
Label: BTmA Records
Released: 2026
Duration: 00:50:47

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About the Album

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.

Within this broader framework, the Afrobeat-fusion composition Struggle Continues written to commemorate the “END SARS” struggle(2020), expresses hope for the sustained pursuit of Afro-centric solutions. It functions as a thematic extension of a neo-Pan-African vision, underscoring continuity and resilience.

One of the central aims of this album is to demonstrate the potential for a meaningful synthesis between African musical forms and jazz idioms. This is particularly evident in Juju Dance, which draws inspiration from the rich traditions of Juju music originating in the southwestern region of Nigeria. These tracks mirror a roadmap for Afrocentric solutions through introspection.

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, acoustic

Amaury Cabral Jorge

guitar

Lumanyano Mzi

drums

Anuoluwapo Balogun

vocals

MO THE GREAT

vocals

Additional Personnel

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”

Date featured

September 28, 2026

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.