For the Nigerian-born, Scotland-based artiste Olubunmi Arigbabu, professionally known as Rodie, music transcends mere melody — it embodies gratitude, spirituality, and homage. The singer asserts that his Extended Play (EP) project titled “Omo Iya Dami” was conceived as a tribute to his mother, whose strength and devotion shaped his formative years.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, Rodie reflected on his inspiration, stating:
“My mum is a wife and mother of five sons. Being the only woman in the family was demanding — caring for my dad and five boys was no small task. She was constantly under pressure, yet she never complained. I’ve always wanted to repay her for that.”
That emotional longing, he revealed, gave rise to “Sweet Mother”, a heartfelt composition that later evolved into a full project.
“I sang her a song, ‘Sweet Mother’, but it didn’t seem enough. I wanted to express my gratitude in a more enduring way. The EP came from a desire to immortalize her with my music — to give her the honor she deserves while she’s alive to hear it,” he explained.
Defining his musical identity as “Afro-Adura” — a fusion of afrobeat rhythms with soulful, prayerful lyricism — Rodie emphasized that his art is built on emotional depth and originality.
“Afrobeat is a vast genre, and we’ve only scratched the surface. My sound and style are integral to my craft; they distinguish me from others. I like to create heartfelt songs that put listeners in a reflective state. People now call my sound Afro-Adura, and I believe it’s the beginning of something special.”
Addressing the challenges of building a career in Scotland, he admitted that gaining mainstream acceptance for afrobeat music remains a gradual process.
“The hardest part has been the reception of afrobeat culture in Scotland. I live in Glasgow, where the afrobeat market is still developing. After my song ‘Only’, subsequent tracks didn’t receive as much traction beyond the African community. So, I’ve had to tailor my sound for listeners who are only just discovering afrobeat.”
Rodie also clarified that his decision to pursue music in the United Kingdom was a deliberate cultural choice rather than a geographical coincidence.
“My goal is to bridge cultures. Music is a universal language, and mine seeks to connect with audiences beyond my Nigerian and Yoruba heritage. Afrobeat is exportable — it belongs to the world. My sound is inclusive; there’s something in it for everyone.”#newsafro_
