The Great Hall at Blackheath Halls in London was abuzz with excitement on October 11, 2024, as Olamony and his band, The Amalgam, took to the stage to deliver a mesmerizing performance of original and tribute songs that showcased the rich musical heritage of West Africa. The sold-out crowd was treated to a sonic journey that blended traditional African rhythms with modern instrumentation, highlighting the exceptional talent of the band and its lead musician, Ola Akindipe A.K.A Olamony.
The band's setlist included captivating songs such as "Never Stop," an inspirational single that showcases Olamony's talent for crafting uplifting music; "Ye Toka," a popular song among his fans, highlighting his ability to blend traditional and modern sounds; and "Lagos Church," which Olamony wrote in celebration of his place of birth, Lagos, Nigeria.
The chemistry between the musicians was palpable, and their collective energy was infectious, getting the audience on their feet and dancing. The band's lineup featured an incredible array of talented musicians, including Alex Pollack on trumpet, Matt Seddon on trombone, Rianna Henriques on alto sax, Jack Williams on tenor sax, Pietro Iacopini on piano, Adedeji on synth, Jay Brown on bass, Ben Quilter on drums, Micah Baker on percussion, and Ethan Windle on congas.
One of Olamony's musical heroes, Dele Sosimi, a renowned musician and former band member of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti was also present on the night and even joined Olamony and the band to perform one tune.
Though Ola Akindipe was born into a very low-income family, his talent and work ethic earned him a Trinity College London scholarship in 2019, enabling the young musician to leave Lagos for London to study at the same place Nigerian legend Fela Kuti studied
Another special feature on the night was the presence of Gabriel Adedeji, an award-winning international writer, composer, pianist and percussionist from Nigeria. Adedeji played both keys and talking drum on the night, contributing that extra layer of depth and sophistication to the evening's program, showcasing Adedeji's versatility and genius as a musician.
Olamony's music style seems to be one of the rising spectacles in London, his talent and achievement sofar serve as an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this talented musician.
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