Bunmi Oshin: Adding Real Soul to a Legend’s Fire – Backing Eedris Abdulkareem at ÀWA Studios

Emmanuel Esomnofu

Nigeria’s music scene never really slows down, it’s this constant collision of old grit and new shine, and the moments that stick are usually the ones where generations actually connect instead of just nodding politely. That’s exactly what happened in that ÀWA Studios session with Eedris Abdulkareem, when Bunmi Oshin stepped in on backing vocals and quietly turned a solid tribute into something electric.

Bunmi Naomi Oshin isn’t some overnight story. Born March 6, she came up the classic way: church choirs from kid to teen, leading them, winning little competitions, grinding wherever a mic was plugged in. That foundation gave her voice discipline and heart, stuff you can’t fake. Her big break hit in 2017 on The Voice Nigeria Season 2. She walked in, in the blinds, and held her own through battles and quarters. Solid vocal chops, no question.

Since then she’s been the reliable secret weapon behind bigger names backing for Kizz Daniel, 2Baba, Terry Apala, Mayorkun, and yeah, Eedris himself. It’s smart work. She gets to flex her gospel roots across Afrobeat, R&B, pop, whatever the gig calls for, without chasing every headline herself. Not glamorous on paper, but it builds real credibility.

Eedris? Come on, the man’s a cornerstone of Naija hip-hop. Raw, unfiltered lyrics that called out corruption, inequality, the whole mess, songs like “Jaga Jaga” weren’t just hits, they were anthems for people who felt ignored. From The Remedies days to solo runs, he’s never softened the message. His live shows still carry that same urgency: rap over live bands, no fluff, just impact. And backing vocals? They aren’t decoration, they’re the glue that makes the delivery land heavier.

ÀWA Studios launched their “ÀWA Studio Presents” series around March 2021 to honor the legends who put Nigerian sound on the map. Eedris’s episode nailed it: intimate setup, classic tracks (“Jaga Jaga,” “Mr Lecturer,” etc.), tight production that kept the rawness but polished the edges. The harmonies mattered a lot, those layers gave his flow extra weight without stealing focus.

Bunmi was the one delivering them. She brought range, control, and this warm, soul-deep feel that meshed perfectly. You hear the church precision in how she locks into the pocket, but also the flexibility to ride hip-hop’s sharper edges. On those choruses and bridges, her voice added emotional thickness that made the songs hit different, more urgent, more human. It wasn’t showy; it was exactly what the track needed. And honestly, that’s rarer than people think. Plenty of singers can belt, but few can blend like that and still elevate the lead.

The session proved she’s no longer just the reality-TV kid with potential, she’s the one veterans call when they want the real thing. Bridging old-school consciousness with newer vibes, holding space next to someone like Eedris without flinching. In an industry obsessed with solo stardom and viral moments, it’s refreshing to see someone own the supporting role so well.

That ÀWA night remains one of those quiet landmarks: a platform doing right by legends while spotlighting the talent keeping the engine running. For Bunmi, it’s a career marker proof she’s earned her seat. Background vocals might stay out of the main spotlight, but when they’re this good, they’re the difference between a good performance and one that lingers.

Her journey, from church pews to studio lights is the kind that reminds you talent plus persistence usually wins out.