Tunde Omomeji “Loml” and his Thrilling African Fusions

By Emmanuel Daraloye

Tunde Omomeji’s “LOML” begins with a cinematic spark that requires a deep understanding of 90’s RnB, especially with his spoken-word monologues that serenade the record. The record kickstarts with soothing guitar strings, before it morphs into a cocktail of traditional African percussive bass with the mix of rich pot drums, xylophone and shekere. The cherry in the cake of the record lies in Omomeji’s mastery of his delivery — one that is rife in pacing and also range control. From the bridge, “You are my present help/ My hope for days/ Forever in your perfect love,” he sprawls into a Yoruba exhortation of God, contextualizing his belief in the existence of God as a source of divine strength and sustenance.

The RnB-style guitars that usher in the record are rife with a gentle groove that absorbs Omomeji’s sonorous vocals. The audio mixing enhances the individual instruments that amplify the record’s melodic interior, allowing each instrument — especially the indigenous instruments — shine for their authenticity. Save for a mismatch in the transition between bridge and chorus, the record thrives with an overall feel of a soothing, warming hug on strings.

The synergy between the spoken word and the song’s vocal arrangement enhances the enjoyability of the song, creating an introspective ambience that engulfed the entire record as is rife for a Christian worship song. Omomeji’s mastery of catharsis, with his cadence and delivery ensures the music fills the listener with enough emotion to pontificate. A glimmer of the song would have been in the amplification of the African indigenous melody, but for sake of a concise recording it can be interpreted to be balanced. However, more of such rich Afrocentric compositions, need to be infused with more depth within contemporary music.

Tunde Omomeji’s allure rotates among his understanding of attention span and the role chordophonic instruments play in amplifying the theta state; this is why his music continues to reverberate with emotiveness, a strong portion of Worship music. The balance of tensions, especially among vocals and instruments help to draw the right attention to the song’s distinct message. So, it is safe to say that it is a record that would spark significant replay value. Overall, Tunde’s music flows with a nostalgic, subtle and tempered vibe that reflects his soulful, poetic lyricism and sonorous delivery. With more Afrocentric experiments, this writer believes that he is steadily on a path of sonic fusions that champion a renaissance of African musical gems, a facet that is still largely under-represented within contemporary African music-dom.

Tunde Omomeji is a Nigerian pianist, vocalist, music director, arranger, and composer with over two decades of experience in the music industry. Renowned for his emotive and dynamic performances, Tunde is celebrated for his ability to blend Afrobeat, gospel, jazz, and contemporary styles into a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. His artistry lies not just in his soulful piano skills and powerful vocals, but also in his exceptional talent for arranging and composing music that resonates across cultures.

Over the years, Tunde has collaborated with a wide array of renowned artists, including Mike Aremu, Cobhams Asuquo, and Seyi Vibez, among others. His versatility extends beyond performance—he has directed music in churches, produced albums, and led numerous live concert productions. Notably, he served as music director and pianist at Seyi Vibez’s concert at the prestigious O2 Indigo in London, showcasing his leadership and creative vision on a global stage.

As co-director of the Afro Jazz Festival, Tunde plays a pivotal role in curating immersive musical experiences that celebrate the richness of African music. He oversees the seamless integration of Afrocentric rhythms with contemporary jazz and other genres, creating a vibrant platform for artists from around the world. His collaborative leadership style fosters creativity and unity, helping to establish the festival as a true celebration of the soul and sound of Africa.

Through every performance and project, Tunde Omomeji continues to captivate audiences with music that is as technically brilliant as it is emotionally profound, affirming his place as a powerful force in global music.