A look at “Dele Sosimi Wikipedia and Bio” Dele Sosimi is a Nigerian-British Afrobeat musician, composer, and bandleader who is known for his unique fusion of African and Western music styles. He has made a name for himself in the music industry by creating a sound that is both authentic and innovative. In this article, we will delve into the life of Dele Sosimi, his music career, his personal life, including his wife, age, height, weight, and net worth.
Afrobeat Legend Dele Sosimi Wikipedia and Bio
Time was when if Londoners wanted to hear authentic live Afrobeat they needed to take a flight to West Africa, preferably Nigeria. Not anymore. All they need do in 2020 is take the subway to the next gig by the Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra. The band has been gaining traction every year since its formation in the early 2000s and is now approaching perfection. There are new kids on the block—notably Kokoroko, which features the Mercury Prize-nominated saxophonist and composer Cassie Kinoshi—but Sosimi’s is the most all-round incandescent ensemble outside Africa, one that is the equal of the two mighty Lagos bands led by style originator Fela Kuti‘s sons, Femi and Seun.
A child prodigy who became keyboard player with Fela’s Egypt 80 when he was still in his mid teens, Sosimi stayed with the band for seven years, leaving in 1986 to become the musical director of Femi’s newly formed The Positive Force. He left that band in 1994 to return to London, where he had spent the first few years of his life. The Afrobeat Orchestra released its first album, Turbulent Times (Eko Star) in 2002, followed by Identity (Helico) in 2007 and You No Fit Touch Am (Wah Wah 45) in 2015.
The Afrobeat Orchestra’s fourth studio album is expected in late summer or early autumn 2020 and tonight Sosimi road tested some of the material—”No Long Tings,” “Money Get Power,” “Shake Your Bodi” and “Different Category.” (This “No Long Tings,” incidentally, was written in 2013, predating the piece with the same title recorded by London woke-jazz luminaries Binker Golding and Moses Boyd in 2015). The non-stop ninety-minute set also included perennial Afrobeat Orchestra favourite “TMI” plus “E Go Betta” from You No Fit Touch Am. Sosimi’s set list always includes a Fela Kuti tribute and tonight it was a furiously paced reworking of “J.J.D. Johnny Just Drop” from Kuti’s eponymous 1977 album.
The Afrobeat Orchestra never sounded tighter, its exactingly rehearsed lineup threatening to make James Brown‘s JBs sound sloppy. The five-piece horn section is a joy in itself, including baritone and bass saxophones and trombone and packing enough bottom-end wallop to change the outcome of the Super Bowl. Anchored by surging bass, drums and percussion grooves, topped by Sosimi’s feral Nord keyboards, and with style-signature lead and tenor guitars in the mix, the ensemble is an unstoppable high-impact love train.
Sosimi regularly introduces new talent to the lineup. After bringing emergent trumpet star Ife Ogunjobi to London audiences in 2017, his newcomer tonight was the engaging young vocalist Sahra Gure, a recent graduate of Trinity Laban music conservatoire, the alma mater of many of London’s leading woke-jazz artists.
The evening began with a thirty-minute set from the Yung Afriqa Pioneers, whose lineup, despite the name, actually comprises expat veterans of classic Ghanaian and Nigerian highlife bands augmented by younger players. Their music was an engaging warm-up before the full-on body slam that is the Afrobeat Orchestra, and the entire evening was rapturously received by a capacity audience.
Personnel: Dele Sosimi: keyboards, lead vocals; Henry Lawry: trumpet; Justin Thurgur: trombone, backing vocals; Eric Rohner: tenor saxophone; Tamar Osborn: baritone saxophone; Ben Plocki: bass saxophone; Phil Dawson: guitar; Owen Snider: guitar; Suman Joshi: bass guitar; Kunle Olofinjana: drums, backing vocals; Afla Sackey: congas, percussion, backing vocals; Sahra Gure: backing vocals.
Early Life and Career
Dele Sosimi was born in London in 1963 to Nigerian parents. His father was a diplomat, and he spent most of his childhood traveling around the world. Dele was exposed to different cultures and music styles, which influenced his musical style. He began playing music at a young age and later joined the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti’s band.
Music Career
Dele Sosimi played keyboards in Fela Kuti’s band for seven years, and during this time, he learned about the Afrobeat genre. He later formed his band called ‘Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra’ in 1995, and he has been at the forefront of the Afrobeat music scene ever since. Dele’s music is a fusion of traditional African music, jazz, funk, and Latin rhythms. He has released several albums, including ‘Identity’ and ‘You No Fit Touch Am.’
Personal Life
Dele Sosimi is a private person and keeps his personal life away from the public eye. However, we know that he is married and has children. Unfortunately, there is no information available about his wife’s name or occupation. Dele is also a fitness enthusiast, and he believes that keeping fit is essential for a healthy mind and body.
Age, Height, Weight, and Net Worth
Dele Sosimi was born on February 22, 1963, which makes him 58 years old as of 2021. He stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and weighs around 78 kg (171 lbs). Dele Sosimi’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. He has earned his wealth through his successful music career and collaborations with other musicians.
Conclusion
Dele Sosimi is a talented musician who has made significant contributions to the Afrobeat music scene. He has managed to create a unique sound that is both authentic and innovative. Although he keeps his personal life away from the public eye, we know that he is married and has children. Dele Sosimi’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, and he continues to make music that inspires people around the world.
FAQs
Dele Sosimi has several popular songs, but his most famous one is probably ‘You No Fit Touch Am.’
Yes, Dele Sosimi still performs and is very active in the music industry.
Dele Sosimi is a keyboardist, and he also plays other instruments such as the saxophone and the trumpet.
Yes, Dele Sosimi is active on social media. You can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Dele Sosimi believes that musicians should stay true to themselves and create music that is authentic and expresses their unique voice. He also encourages aspiring musicians to work hard and practice their craft consistently, as this is the key to success in the music industry. Dele Sosimi is a true legend in the world of Afrobeat music, and his influence will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.
Last Updated on May 4, 2023 by 247 News Around The World