NIJI drops brand new EP

NIJI, the artistic moniker of Niji Adeleye, is an artist whose life has been deeply intertwined with the keys of a piano from a very young age. His musical journey took a professional turn when he was 14 and his exceptional piano skills were discovered during a school performance by his local community music service. This marked the beginning of a career that would see him explore classical and jazz, collaborate with various musical groups and big bands and play a pivotal role in his local church’s music program. His prodigious talent was swiftly clocked when he received the “Barking and Dagenham’s Rising Star Award” in 2009, setting the stage for a promising career in music.

NIJI’s musical adventure continued to flourish, and in 2015, he released the record Better Days Ahead, which climbed to #3 on the iTunes Jazz Charts. This success was followed by his 2017 album Late Nights Early Mornings, which, much like its predecessor, achieved acclaim on the iTunes Jazz Charts and garnered positive reviews from critics.

His musical journey also led him to prestigious venues, including a performance at the iconic Oslo in Hackney and a show at the esteemed Royal Albert Hall Elgar Room in London. In addition to his solo work, NIJI has collaborated with renowned artists such as Gregory Porter, Moses Boyd, Benji Flow and Beverly Knight. He’s even held the esteemed position of resident organist at Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks.

His brand new EP, Somewhere In The Middle, marks a significant milestone in NIJI’s career. This five-track offering dives into his profound love for jazz and his Nigerian roots, resulting in a captivating and immersive sonic journey. Rooted in the complexities of life, the EP provides a glimpse into the constant motion and duality that define NIJI’s chosen path.

From the instant rhythmic dose of “Banjoko,” lively drums underpin a bright arrangement of vibrant brass leads, soft keys, intricate guitar chords and stunning sax leads to craft an energising instrumental sound packed with dazzling melodic leads and slick musicianship. “Maybe We Will” serves up a smooth jazz-inspired odyssey driven by warm bass lines and the gentle patter of drums and cymbal splashes as brass harmonies guide you through the mesmeric soundscape and elegant piano leads dance.

“Somewhere In The Middle,” the title track of the EP, kicks off with scattered drums and blissful guitar flourishes joined by the lofty pips of trumpets. The composition oscillates between driving energy and introspective musical elements, providing a captivating listening experience. “Love Will Find A Way,” takes a minor-leaning detour, showcasing NIJI’s vocal prowess as he delivers a poignant performance. The song’s lyrics convey a message of melancholic optimism, addressing the fleeting nature of human affection via a stellar alternative R&B cut.

Finally, the EP concludes with “Danni,” opened by graceful piano notes that tumble above the pulses of bass guitar, airy acoustic guitar touches and gentle drum beat. The warm embrace of laid back brass lines enters to carry the composition forward, resulting in a stunning conclusion to this sensational new EP.

Commenting on the EP, NIJI shares, “Somewhere in the Middle represents so many things for me personally. I’m born to Nigerian parents but raised in East London, there’s a duality of influences. I’m a middle child – I’ve always done my own thing and had a unique perspective as a middle child. I’m split between London and New York – two places I love. London shaped me growing up, New York is where I became an adult and truly myself, and settled in who I am.”

Adding, “Lastly, although this is the start of my artistic career, I’ve had an amazing decade & a half working in music, it was the first job I ever had at 14 playing piano. Not to mention all the musical influences my heritage, London-life & music career has enabled me to have. Today, NIJI, is somewhere in the middle of all of this. Very present force but can’t be placed in a box. This EP represents that blend, somewhere in the middle.”

Listen to Somewhere In The Middle below