Described as “the one-man band minus the instruments” by Pitchfork, this hard-to-pigeon-hole musician from Flint has achieved a near cult-like status in the music scene. His concerts are best described as experiences of sonic proportions with a dash of early George Clinton theatrics unlike any other you have seen on stage since he was here last.
Need proof?
Just talk to anyone who happened to stumble upon his unannounced live concert stop at October’s Michigan House venue earlier this month, where the rapper-slash-song stylist from outer space took to the makeshift Ottawa Avenue stage and had folks on the sidewalks stumbling in to see who was responsible for the infectious marriage of earthy vocals and out-of-this-world beats.
While his falsetto floats up from his rich tenor voice and hooks the heart, the stage show is a feast spread out for the eyes. This is achieved via his costuming and very tight choreography performed by Olaniran and his two dancers, who are sure to give Prince’s Wendi and Lisa a run for their money once these ladies begin to heat up the Pyramid Stage on Friday.
If you’re still not convinced that Flint can still have enough pure power to export a revolution, then download (or order the limited edition blue vinyl of) Tunde Olaniran’s 2015 release, Transgressor.
This new release is not just a solid song cycle of powerful sonic beats with a pure melodic charm, but it also a chance for the artist to welcome plenty of well-known guest artists, including Flint Eastwood, Passalacqua, and Invincible, to the recording.
The occasion of this new release is why Olaniran is traveling west. But if you think his travels will end with us, then you have another think coming. This type of talent will only be accessible in these tiny venues like the Pyramid Scheme until this album catches fire. And that is what all of us who love this sound are hoping will happen, both for Olaniran and for the city of Flint, which could use a positive hit right now.
Opening for Tunde Olaniran is AOK, Gosh Pith, and Vinyl Fetish.
Admission: $8 - 10.
More Info