Focus: Hakeem Oladimeji Popoola – narcmagazine.com

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We find out all we can bout the prolific Nigerian-born/Teesside-based artist Hakeem musician and producer.
By NARC. on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025
Nigerian-born/Teesside-based artist Hakeem Oladimeji Popoola has been a proactive force in the local scene as of late performing in local rap superstar Shakk‘s live band, starting up his initiative Soundwise Session, which looks to shine a light on musicians around the region and performing music as an artist in his own right.
Hakeem’s latest track, Jesu, seamlessly blends contemporary gospel—marked by resonant piano and soaring dynamics—with traditional African rhythms and vocals. Enhanced by lush string arrangements and polished production that you’d associate with pop music the track is a bold fusion of genres that feels both timeless and fresh.
We find out all we can about the prolific artist and his Soundwise project here…
Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Hakeem Oladimeji Popoola professionally non as Soundwise, I’m a musicologist and a musician born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria
What is it you do?
I’m a multifaceted musician and scholar, specializing as a pianist, vocalist, and musicologist. With experience performing alongside diverse artists both locally and internationally, I blend artistic practice with academic rigor. To further enrich my craft, I recently earned a Master’s degree in Digital Media and Communication, equipping me with cutting-edge tools to innovate in music production, promotion, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
How long have you been doing it?
My formal music journey began when I entered university to study music. Since then, I’ve spent over five years developing my craft as a pianist, vocalist, and musicologist – performing with artists internationally while bridging performance with academic study. Recently, I’ve expanded this foundation by completing my Master’s in Digital Media and Communication, which now informs my innovative approach to music creation and promotion.
What inspires you?
I’m  inspired by the intersection of tradition and innovation in music. The emotional power of gospel, jazz tunes, soul music, the storytelling in African musical heritage, and the limitless possibilities of digital composition all fuel my creativity. My musicology research revealed how technology is reshaping artistic expression, which led me to pursue my Master’s in Digital Media. I’m fascinated by how we can honor musical roots while pushing boundaries. Everyday collaborations with other artists and the challenge of communicating complex emotions through sound keep me endlessly curious.”
Tell us about your music.
I’m a Music artist and music scholar with a passion for cross-cultural worship. My song Jesu written in both English and Yoruba celebrates the boundless love of Jesus, from His sacrifice on the cross to His eternal grace. Blending African musical traditions with contemporary gospel, I aim to create music that bridges languages and generations, making worship both deeply personal and universally resonant.
What have you got coming up in the future?
I’m thrilled to unveil the next chapter of Soundwise Sessions, my dynamic production series designed to spotlight rising talent across genres. Think intimate live sessions where emerging artists reimagine their original tracks or put fresh spins on trending hits, all while celebrating raw, unfiltered creativity. I’m also crafting a bilingual Yoruba-English EP that fuses the soul of gospel, the spontaneity of jazz, and the richness of my Nigerian heritage. And because I love pulling back the curtain, I’m launching a podcast to explore the ‘how’ behind the music breaking down the creative process, collaborations, and tech innovations that shape these cross-genre experiments. At its core, everything I do is about one mission: amplifying bold, underrepresented voices and bridging cultures through sound. Stay tuned it’s going to be unforgettable!
Where can people find out more about you?
You can find me on Instagram @soundwise7, Tiktok @soundwisesession, Youtube @SoundwiseSession

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