Olatuja

BIOGRAPHY

Olatuja – the acclaimed project from bassist/composer/bandleader Michael Olatuja and renowned vocalist Alicia Olatuja – has announced today’s premiere of the new single, “Ijo,” available today via Whirlwind Recordings. Fusing the rich heritage of Michael’s Yoruba culture, the evolving popular music of West Africa, the gospel and jazz traditions that inform Alicia’s musicality, and the strong links that tie these threads together, “Ijo” heralds the duo’s long-awaited new album, Olatuja, arriving Friday, May 31. Pre-orders are available now.

Michael “Leye” Olatuja and Alicia “Lisa” Olatuja have been a presence on the New York City music scene for many years, spanning the worlds of jazz, Broadway, film, and more. Born in London and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Michael is one of the most inventive and in-demand bassists in contemporary music, currently serving as US Musical Director for 5x GRAMMY® Award-winner Angelique Kidjo having previously worked and recorded with the likes of Diana Ross, Terence Blanchard, and Shakira and released his second album as a leader, Lagos Pepper Soup, in 2020. Vocalist/composer Alicia has put out two solo albums (Timeless and Intuition: Songs From the Minds of Women), appeared in operas and musical theater productions, and worked with such esteemed artists as Chris Botti, Gregory Porter, Billy Childs, and Christian McBride. Originally from St. Louis, Alicia found a global audience in 2013 when she stunned millions during the second inauguration ceremony for President Barack Obama with a soaring featured solo during the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” She currently tours the world with her own jazz band.