Sweden based Nigerian artist, Joshua Idehen presents his highly anticipated EP Hold Up Your Chin, a project that combines lo-fi-house, soul and poetry, with colourful instrumentation and lyrical compassion.
The 6-track project asserts Idehen’s lust for life, but also his awareness of some of its drawbacks, capturing themes of mental health, struggle and resilience. Continually resonating with fans and critics alike in the build-up to the project, Idehen collaborates with some of the most recognisable voices in the scene on this latest EP, including Sharlene Hector (Basement Jazz), Cleveland Watkiss (MBE), Heidi Vogel (Cinematic Orchestra) and Ade Omotayo (Amy Winehouse), and the results speak for themselves.
The EP sees a stellar new offering from Idehen entitled What We’re Doing Tonight, as well as a fresh lick of paint on previously released Don’t You Give Up On Me courtesy of United Freedom Collective who add an Afro-Brazilian, carnival flavour to the track. Joshua’s wide array of influences are, however, best exemplified on What We’re Doing Tonight — a track which introduces arpeggiated retro synthesisers that playfully riff over a driving garage rhythm, whilst retaining Idehen’s signature delivery and gripping storytelling.
Speaking on the EP, Idehen explains;
“Ludvig and I, we made these songs throughout 2021. Like a lot of us, the journey into the new decade was a bit rough, internally and external, and I wanted to add as much joy as I could back into the fold, and I guess that meant lo-fi house and gospel choruses. I’ve been blessed to work with the absolute giants who’ve come together to make my words sound so fresh. This EP is hopefully a first of many statements.”
From collaborations with Jordan Stephens, to being named as an NME 2021 ‘One To Watch’, to contributing to two Mercury Award winning albums, Idehen has been successfully securing himself as a mainstay in the electronic/jazz scene. Idehen also worked on the highly praised Sons Of Kemet album Black To The Future alongside Kojey Radical and D Double E, and it is this experience that Joshua brings to his new incarnation.
Unpretentious, and brimming with humanity, Hold Up Your Chin is a well-rounded EP, that sees Joshua’s ambition on full display, cementing himself as a truly unique artist and one of the UK’s most promising talents.
Check out the EP: