When Odunsi (The Engine) released his breakout single; Happy Hour two years ago, his foremost intention was to share a sound he had spent years perfecting with the world. Becoming famous and releasing a highly anticipated album less than two years later was probably part of the plan but not priority. To his and our surprise, the fusion of Afrobeat, Neo-soul and a host of other stimulating genres that is his sound grew into a magnitude, a music culture dubbed Alte Cruise that has now become widely accepted.
From mind altering jams to sold out shows to warmly welcomed collaborative projects, to elite features among a host of other delectable results, his brand has grown into a culture and for fans who have stuck with him Time Of Our Lives, the release of his debut album; rare. is the highlight of 3 years of ardent follower ship. We honestly could not be more proud of the eclectic body of work that is rare.; a testament of years of hard work finally paying off.
it’s my time. it’s our time. rare. my debut album. sorry for the wait. we here to stay. pic.twitter.com/B4aVPirUIR
— Odunsi † (@odunsitheengine) October 1, 2018
rare. is more than an album. It’s a mosaic featuring sonic pieces of art curated by Odunsi with assists from fellow artistes including Tay Iwar, Nasty C, Santi, Davido, Amaarae, Zamir LOS, Runtown, Hamzaa among others who bring to the table their different styles ranging from Soul to Hip-Hop. These tracks are drawn from various life experiences ranging from love to disappointment to depression to high energies to friendships all exhibited against varying backdrops comprising textured synthesized keys, rhythmic bass chords, easy guitar chords among others providing sturdy support to Odunsi’s lush vocals occasionally polished by digital notes and indigenous to vintage inflections.
In terms of expectations, previously released singles; divine and Alte Cruise did not do enough in preparing us for an onslaught of a great mesh of upbeat, funky feels paired with the sultry vibes occasionally powered by classic 70s and 80s R&B samples short enough to penetrate deeply and not bore the listener.
On rare. Odunsi (The Engine) is more than a singer-songwriter-producer, he acts as the viaduct that connects today’s Nigerian music industry to the immortal sounds from the 80s that are essentially its very foundation and there is no better way to break into the industry than going back to the genesis to draw inspiration with a range of unexplored and improvised sounds. He skillfully balances the bridge that connects vintage and modern artistry. For this, we are impressed and look forward to a steady flow of offerings from him.