Azekel
Sonic Incense EP
(Thunderlighting Records)
Nigerian-born, London-raised artist Azekel shares his highly anticipated new 6-track EP, Sonic Incense. The release is paired with the official video for ‘Same Wayz’.
The EP, led by the sultry track Same Wayz marks another milestone in Azekel’s innovative fusion of genres, with soulful, genre-defying soundscapes that connect deeply to his Nigerian roots and the eclectic energy of East London. This release follows his acclaimed feature on Kokoroko’s recent hit, Three Piece Suit, and showcases his continued evolution as an artist pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.
Renowned for blending elements of soul, R&B, Nigerian funk, and psychedelic rock, Azekel’s work offers a unique tapestry of sounds. With Sonic Incense, he builds on this by incorporating new influences inspired by late-night sounds of Accra. Reflecting on the EP, Azekel says, “This project continues the journey I started on my last EP, delving deeper into human relationships, but this time, I explore love’s sensual, intimate, and passionate sides. A Lot of the songs are about the ideas of Love, Sex and God, and I’m curious how these subjects interlink. Men rarely discuss intimacy and sensuality, but I hope Sonic Incense can open up that conversation.”
Azekel’s music is steeped in the traditions of his Nigerian heritage, with Yoruba culture and legends like Fela Kuti and Sunny Ade shaping his early life. Born in Abuja, Nigeria, Azekel moved to London at age five, where he was immersed in the diverse music scene of East London. His sound has since matured into an unmistakable blend of soulful melodies and edgy, modern instrumentation—a genre-bending style that’s captured the attention of icons like Prince and Nile Rodgers.
After the success of his critically acclaimed album Analyze Love, which explored themes of love, community, and identity, Sonic Incense presents a deeper look into Azekel’s artistic vision. It is an intimate, emotive EP that speaks to listeners on a visceral level, drawing them into the complex facets of love. With over 30 million streams on Spotify and Apple Music, Azekel’s reach continues to grow.
