Guildhall Jazz
Orchestra & Choir

British-Nigerian singer/songwriter Ola Onabulé has built an enviably solid music career through a relentless schedule both in the recording studio and as an international touring performer. He has always been interested in crossing cultural and musical boundaries. The emotion and virtuosity in his three-and-a-half octave baritone voice channels his poignant storytelling, which has given life to previous studio works exploring his Nigerian roots, his Western upbringing, family life and musical influences ranging from jazz to soul world, and pop.

An ever-present theme in all his creative output, Onabulé’s views on social injustice become the focus of this latest release, with an intensity and boldness reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. The 14 original tracks on Point Less tell tales of violence, immigration, xenophobia, betrayal, and dignity, at once celebrating life and warning the social forces threatening it. In these songs, the artist ponders on our contemporary lack of historical memory which allows mistrust and fear to rule; asks philosophical questions about violence; reflects on what real power is: force or spirituality; tries to depict true love beyond all simple stereotypes and takes inspiration by Kipling’s poem “We and They” to try and understand the notion of “the other”.

Following Onabulé’s critically acclaimed 2015 recording, It’s The Peace That Deafens, with its strong musical and thematic connections to Nigeria, Point Less once again offers an insight into the songwriter’s fiercely independent artistic and entrepreneurial world.

In an independent career spanning more than 20 years, Ola has performed at many of the most respected international jazz festivals including Montreal, Vancouver, San Sebastian, Istanbul, Washington and Umbria, as well as at concert halls and Jazz clubs worldwide, building and consolidating a reputation with audiences globally. He has presented music from his albums with his quartet/quintet as well as with much larger ensembles of big bands and symphonic orchestras, such as the WDR Big Band of Cologne, the SWR Big Band of Stuttgart, the Danish Radio Big Band in Copenhagen and the Big Band Jazz Y Mexico in Mexico City.

Onabulé’s reach is global – connecting with audiences worldwide through his soulful voice and his elegant appearance. Whether live on stage or on record, he gives a thoughtful interpretation of his experiences and the world around him, with music crafted with meticulous attention to detail in his arrangements and production.