Review: Unleash A Nigerian Creative Blending Sound, Story, and Vision
By Segun Adekunle
In the ever evolving scene of the Nigerian music, few emerging artists embody the fusion of sound, story, and vision as seamlessly as Bodun Kareem Tobiloba Emmanuel, better known by his stage name Unleash. A multi talented creative whose artistry spans music production, songwriting, cinematography, and storytelling, Unleash is fast becoming one of the voices redefining Afro fusion on the global stage.
Unleash’s journey into music began with an act of love: a simple piano gifted to him by his mother at the tender age of six. That moment planted a seed that would grow into a lifelong passion. Teaching himself to play through his local church, he discovered that music was more than a pastime. It was a calling.
By 2016, his creative pursuit took a professional turn as he apprenticed under veteran Nigerian producer Indomix, a formative partnership that lasted five years. Those years were marked by grit, learning, and growth, sharpening his technical skills and shaping his ability to create emotionally charged soundscapes. It was not long before his production credits began appearing alongside some of Nigeria’s biggest names: Jaywon, Sound Sultan, Minjin, Korede Bello, Pepenazi, W4, Soft, and Jiron. Behind the scenes, Unleash became one of the quiet architects helping to shape Nigerian pop culture.
Yet, producing others’ stories was never enough. In 2020, Unleash stepped into the spotlight as a recording artist, bringing with him a sound he calls Afro fusion which is a fluid blend of African rhythms and global influences. His breakout singles “Number 1” and “Feelings” introduced audiences to his melodic vulnerability and earned him significant airplay. His upcoming extended play “Love or Lust” promises a deeper exploration of themes like heartbreak, obsession, addiction, and the fragile hope of finding love again. It is a project born from personal experience, embodying his refusal to make music detached from lived reality.
What sets Unleash apart is not just his sonic versatility but his creative vision. Beyond music, he has ventured into cinematography, directing music videos and producing comedic short films, proving that for him, artistry knows no boundaries. Whether through beats, lyrics, or visuals, Unleash treats creativity as a holistic experience where sound and sight work together to tell compelling stories.
Rooted deeply in his Nigerian identity, Unleash draws inspiration from Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, while embracing influences from across the world. He believes Afro fusion represents the next frontier for African music, bridging cultures and pushing Afrobeat onto even bigger global stages.
Unleash is more than a name. It is a manifesto. It speaks to his belief that creativity must be freed, that ideas must breathe, and that art must find expression. From a boy tinkering on a piano in Ogun State to a trusted producer shaping hit records, from a quiet apprentice to an independent artist carving his own path, his story is one of resilience, vision, and authenticity.
In an industry overflowing with voices chasing trends, Unleash stands out by staying true to himself. His music is deeply personal, his artistry expansive, and his purpose clear: to create soundscapes that transcend borders while remaining rooted in African identity. For Unleash, music is not just entertainment. It is destiny written in melody.
If his trajectory so far is anything to go by, the world should get ready. Unleash is not just making music. He is crafting an experience, and it is only just beginning.
