By Joke Kujenya
BLENDING HIS journalism profession with the depth and consciousness that define his music, Seun Idowu, a journalist, musicologist and motivational singer, is unveiling a lesser-known side of himself with Rising, a 13-track album crafted to enlighten, uplift and entertain the human spirit.
Released on 5 November 2025, Rising showcases Idowu’s philosophy that music is more than sound. To him, it is oil for the soul, with the power to smooth, soothe and strengthen human wellbeing.
With the debut of Rising, Idowu told JKNewsMedia.com that he stakes his claim as a wholly different voice in contemporary African music.
He said: “Where much of today’s chart fare fixates on lust, excess and fleeting thrills, my work is rooted in dignity, moderation and human centering, an antidote to corrosive trends.”
As he explains, edifying music makes the soul sane, smooth and pleasant, while debasing music dehumanises the soul.
Seun’s New Album for New Sound
He narrates that Rising unfolds across a dozen original tracks and instrumental versions, blending Afro rhythms with motivational lyricism and soulful melodies as he reels out some of the tracks in the album, which include:
▪️“Gbe Body (Dance)” which comes as a spirited opener that sets a celebratory tone.
▪️“Sise J’aye” conveying an affirmation of life’s purpose and the joy of effort in Idowu’s views.
▪️“Temptation” and “Addiction” a reflective track that confront inner struggles with honesty.
▪️“Rise Again” which he sings as a stirring anthem about resilience and renewal, and
▪️Able People” and “Mo M’ore” a track Idowu described as a composition that marry hope with heartfelt expression.
Listening to the album also reflects instrumental versions that emphasise Idowu’s compositional skill and offer a space for listeners to sit with the music in contemplation.
The Mind Behind The Music
Born into a household where poetry and gospel music were everyday language, Seun Idowu’s path was shaped early by artistic and spiritual influences.
His father, Adedayo Idowu, a gospel musician and poet, instilled in him a belief in music’s transformative power.
Later, young Idowu formalised his craft, earning a degree in music from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, and added a Master’s in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan (UI).
Beyond music, Seun Idowu, a known journalist brings storytelling depth to his work through his role as a journalist with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Singing With A Purpose
Journalist-Musicologist Idowu describes Rising as more than entertainment.
He affirmed: “It is a call to uplift the soul and elevate humanity. We are in an an era where many popular tracks are critiqued for promoting superficial values,
“I believe my work stands apart. My songs encourage wholesomeness, responsible enjoyment, the celebration of human dignity, and the pursuit of wealth for positive impact, rather than indulgence in excess,” as I said earlier.
So, this is a commitment to meaningful art that extends beyond my own performance. I position myself as a motivational musician focused on using music to conscientise, inspire and build resilience.
“I believe the quality of my music directly affects the soul’s wellbeing. Throughout Rising, I aimed to combine rhythm, depth and reflective storytelling in equal measure,” he stressed.
Supporting Rising
However, the Musicologist is asking his listeners to do more than simply enjoy the rhythm of his music. He is inviting fans to support Rising both in spirit and in purchase by streaming the album across platforms and sharing its message with friends, family and communities.
He also explained that his vision extends beyond personal artistry to collective uplift, a soundtrack for those who see music as a force for good.
For fans of soul-stirring tunes that speak to both heart and mind, Rising, is more than an album; it is an invitation to rise with the music, Idowu inspires.
Interview With Seun Idowu
1. Who is Seun Idowu and what is his profession?
Seun Idowu is a simple but dynamic young man who is passionate about learning and truth. I am a musicologist, a journalist and an entrepreneur.
2. What is unique about Seun Idowu’s music?
My songs are my reflections, interpretations and understanding of life. So, all my songs are all self/composed. And my musical objective is to empower and elevate humanity.
3. What is the title of Seun Idowu’s recently released album?
The title of my newly released album is Rising.
4. What is the focus of Seun Idowu’s music?
The focus is empowerment and upliftment of my audiences.
5. Where did Seun Idowu study music?
I studied music at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. I graduated with first class and was the president of music students association of Nigeria.
6. What is Seun Idowu’s educational background?
I was a science student in secondary school and was supposed to study medicine. I was offered biochemistry, but because biochemistry in OAU was treated as a pure science course, it had a lot of mathematics which I wasn’t good in. I failed mathematics and physics at 100 level. I knew I wasn’t going to graduate because biochemistry students were to study mathematical courses and physics up to 200 level. So, I had to reflect on what I liked doing and whether I would really be happy being a biochemist. I knew I loved music, so without telling my parents and despite the resistance from my course adviser, I changed my course to music.
7. What is Seun Idowu’s current occupation aside from music?
I am journalist, documentary filmmaker and agropreneur.
8. What does Seun Idowu believe is the role of music in human life?
Music is the oil for the human soul. So, it must smooth out the rough patches, the difficult times in human life. It must make the soul humane; it must elevate an individual and help the person become useful him or herself and the society.
9. How does Seun Idowu’s music differ from other afrobeat tracks?
I don’t sing only Afrobeats. The inspiration for a song determines genre. I am not rigid with genre.
10. What themes does Seun Idowu’s music focus on?
Music for the elevation of humanity.
11. What is Seun Idowu’s mission with his music?
I want my fans to listen, and their spirit be lifted. The world has enough troubles, but with my music, I want to motivate and strengthen my fans, so they have positive mindset and tackle troubles, not because the problem is easy but because they are stronger than their problems.
12. What is the name of Seun Idowu’s father and what is his profession?
My father, Adedayo Idowu, is a gospel musician, poetry exponent, retired teacher, a broadcaster and a pastor.
13. Where can one find Seun Idowu’s music?
My music is on all music platforms and Gbe Body, one of the tracks has a video on YouTube.
14. What is the significance of the title “Rising” for Seun Idowu’s album?
It is named after the track called Second Chance. The lyrics say you can rise again if you fall. So, there is an opportunity to try again even if you have failed before, you can rise again.
15. How does Seun Idowu’s background influence his music?
I was born into music. Growing up, I saw my dad rehearse with his band, record songs. And attending church, I was part of the choir and was keyboardist. We also didn’t have TV in my house, being a religious home. All I had was tapes of sermon, music and books, so all of that shaped me and informed my love for deep reflection and music.
By Emeka Monye, a Publisher/Lead Partner at lagoscityreporters.com
