By Adesina Wahab

Fast rising Afro beat star, Anthony Babajide, aka Omileeyan, has disclosed how he derives inspiration from the music of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Dr Orlando Owoh and Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.

This is just as he described the trio as music giants, who not only used music to connect with the masses, but to also point out societal ills.

“Fela Anikulapo Kuti (Abami Ẹda) taught fearlessness, ideology, and political consciousness; Orlando Owoh showed discipline, authenticity, and cultural elegance,while Ayinde Barrister demonstrated innovation, creativity, and social responsibility.

From all three, I learned lifestyle discipline, belief systems, African cultural mindset, and strong spiritual identity,” he said.

He added that what he gained from them led him to introduce omele, gangan and bata into Afrobeat to make his music unique.
Babajide, whose stage name is Omileeyan, said he is poised to deploy Afrobeat, folklore, and bush-centric jazz to create a soundscape that celebrates African spirituality, unity, and cultural pride, bringing his vibrant message to the global stage
In a chat with our correspondent, the Afrobeat star noted that his music carries the torch of Afro-root revival,fusing traditional African rhythms with modern expression to awaken the lost beats and voices of his heritage.
“My Yoruba ancestry profoundly shapes my music and storytelling through rhythmic complexity, tonal language, and oral traditions. It serves as a living archive that bridges the past and the present, influencing genres such as Afrobeats, highlife, folklore, and African bush-centric jazz,” he said.
Though from Ondo State, the music star who was born and bred in Lagos, said living among the Awori greatly shaped his music and exposed him to diverse rhythms, street consciousness, and cultural fusion that deeply influenced his creative vision.
On what is unique in his music, he said, “Omileeyan builds upon the foundation of Afrobeat by merging political consciousness with complex musical structures. I prioritize long-form, spiritually driven compositions over short commercial hits, adding depth to the genre’s legacy.
“My music entertains, but it also preserves culture and serves as a tool for African pride.”
The artist who recently released two tracks entitled “All We Wait For” and “Sisi Pelebe”,
said he is committed to blending traditional elements with contemporary sounds, allowing authenticity to meet global appeal without dilution.
He has collaborated with Yinka Davies, and saw a possible collaboration with
Asa, Burna Boy, Terry Apala, Lagbaja, TeeMac, Alikiba, Harmonize, Rayvanny and Tracy Chapman.