Odeal: Celebrating More Life
Born in Germany and of Nigerian heritage, Odeal has done the unexpected with thought provoking Afrobeats fusion, ‘More Life’. Odeal’s new tune is a rich blend of Nigerian production, British sincerity and a Global dialogue of Black Excellence; and it is so necessary. Following a collaboration with well respected Abra Cadabra earlier this year on the emotive ‘On & On’, Odeal has become appreciated for his integrity. He has also garnered support from Rob Bruce (Radio Xtra), DJ Target (Radio 1Xtra), and Rickie, Melvin and Charlie (Radio 1). We sat down with Odeal to chat about ‘More Life’ and what he will do next as he continues to thrive.
Odeal’s presence filled the Zoom. Sitting across from him on the screen, I observed his calm demeanor. I was surprised; having just featured on Nines’ new album (Crabs in a Bucket) alongside Headie One (‘Ringaling’), Odeal was refreshingly humble.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
Where are you based?
South East London, like Woolwich area. I lived in Germany for 3 years, then lived in Spain for a few years and moved here when I was 7 or 8.
Wow, so you’ve been everywhere! Where did the music begin?
I started music in 2014, doing covers on YouTube, sharing my music on Facebook and doing talent shows. Then I went to Nigeria for 2 years and got to experience the Nigerian sound, so when I came back to the UK I merged that with Afrobeats and Afroswing.
What sparked your ideas for the video and adding such profound lyrics to an uplifting song?
The video was done in that way because I think it’s good to take in what’s happening as well as enjoy and celebrate more life. There has to be a balance. With my music I aim to go with the vibe while also talking on serious issues. So that’s where the two came together.
Who was behind the visuals for More Life?
The video was directed by Nata (Natalie) and 33bound.
The living room in the video, is that in your house?
Actually no, 33bound built the whole set from scratch during Covid. It was mad, they did it all in a day.
Your collab with Nines and Headie One [‘Ringaling’] was pretty huge. How did you come to work with them?
Nines’ team reached out to me so we met up, chilled, got on well and then got Headie One on it. It was a crazy feeling working with an artist I listened to growing up. I was happy to work with one of my idols.
Isn’t it such a small world!
I know, it’s mad.
What influences you musically?
A lot of Dancehall, Afrobeats, R&B, but there are so many other genres that influence me. I also listened to [Bob] Marley growing up, Chronixx, Burna Boy, WizKid. One of my main hip hop influences is Pharrell Williams - I love Old Skool.
So you’ve been busy so far despite the lockdown.
Yeah I have. During lockdown I lost people who were young and had lives ahead of them. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. And I love music, it’s all I do. Even when I went to Marbella I took the whole studio with me - I’d do music in the morning then go chill on the beach, it was paradise.
I’d say there’s an element of activism in ‘More Life’; I can see you’re passionate about that as well as music. Do you have any other interests?
Besides music I’m into fashion and film.
Are you gonna get into acting?
Yeah I’d like to act, definitely.
Do you have a fun fact or a funny story?
There is one about the last job I ever had, when I worked at this warehouse. My friends were flying out on holiday and I couldn’t go cause I had a shift that same night. I got to work late as well, so I started to get on with it straight away. But then one of the managers took me to the office and just told me to leave. It was like 3am at the time so getting home was a madness.
What? I can’t believe they fired you just like that. The way things happened is ironic - it was probably the universe.
Exactly, it was supposed to happen.
Odeal’s graft will continue as he plans to drop an EP before the end of this year. He will also orchestrate a project involving a new tune every week next month called ‘Ovember’. Stay tuned for more from Odeal.