Joshua Idehen covers “Once In A Lifetime”

Joshua Idehen is an artist who applies his talents in the worlds of spoken word, poetry and music. Having made an impact as a founding member of bands such as Benin City, hugh and Calabashed, he’s also collaborating with acts like Sons Of Kemet, The Comet Is Coming, Daedelus, LV and Scrimshire. Known for his musical storytelling and his ability to fuse genres together, his work occupies a unique space where jazz, electronic and poetic expression intersect.

First making his entrance in 2011 on the collaborative album Routes with London group LV, he’s since delivered an incredible catalogue of work over the years. Earlier this year, he linked up with Metronomy on the With Balance EP while his recent single “All You Can Do Is Try” was remixed by Swedish DJs Bella Boo and Mr. Tophat.

Now, Joshua Idehen continues to go from strength to strength with his latest solo release, the four-track EP titled Mum Does The Washing. A collaboration with Swedish producer and instrumentalist Ludvig Parment, the EP distils Idehen’s knack for pairing poetry with modern club sounds. Each track feels organic and intentional, striking a balance between thought-provoking wonder and a infectious grooves.

One of the highlights on the EP is a reimagining of Talking Heads’ 1980 classic song “Once In A Lifetime.” Featuring the stunning harmonies of The Social Singing Choir, Joshua breathes new life into the iconic track, reflecting on themes of gratitude, self-doubt and the winding journey of life. For a British-born Nigerian artist now opening a new chapter in Sweden, the song takes on a new dimension, as he muses on the turns life can take and the surreal realisation of asking, “How did I get here?”

Opened by the bright plinks of piano as the pulse of bass synth adds a rhythmic anchor, Joshua’s commanding vocals enter to ring out the familiar lyrics. With an impassioned delivery, his vocal performance pairs his spoken word style with a melodic aesthetic as the lush backing of The Social Singing Choir lifts the arrangement with soulful layers of voices.

Taking the beloved song and reframing it in his own musical vision, with his cover of “Once in a Lifetime,” Joshua Idehen delivers an exquisite musical moment that pays tribute to the past while presenting it for a modern audience. With his new adventure in Sweden underway, we can’t wait to see what comes next for this celebrated and talented artist.

Listen to Once In A Lifetime below

More from Music

---

Editor Picks

---