Adedoyin Oseni is a distinguished musician, his saxophone playing captivating audiences with its virtuosity.

Adedoyin Oseni's latest project, Jelenke iLife, is a beautiful mix of the sacred and the everyday, showcasing a gospel performance that truly heals and uplifts the spirit. With a soothing soprano saxophone taking the lead, Oseni and his band create an experience that resonates long after the last note is played.

Kicking things off with “Oba Ni Jesu,” Adedoyin’s saxophone gently carries the melody, wrapping the audience in a sound that feels both soft and respectful. Each note seems to fill the space with life, creating a serene atmosphere where time feels like it stands still in honor of something greater. Oseni takes these well-known gospel tunes and elevates them, turning their simplicity into something deeply moving. It feels less like a performance and more like a heartfelt prayer, offering a refreshing moment for the soul.

The accompanying YouTube video captures the cozy vibe, featuring three backup singers whose voices beautifully echo the saxophone’s melody. Their harmonies are pure and calming, reflecting the saxophone in a way that feels almost like a sacred ritual. Together, the instruments and voices create a peaceful yet powerful blend, fostering a sense of communal worship that feels both intimate and universal.

The rhythm section, with its light jazz-inspired drumbeat, gives the piece its pulse, while the piano, organ, and guitar provide gentle support, each adding to the overall warmth of the sound. None of the instruments overshadow the saxophone; instead, they enhance it, allowing the melody to shine while adding depth to the performance.

As Adedoyin transitions into “Were Were Lo ‘Ba Mi Se Momo,” the music takes on a richer tone, with his saxophone seamlessly navigating between expressions of praise and heartfelt supplication. The backing vocalists contribute a reflective layer, their harmonies introducing lyrics that complement the saxophone's melody, acknowledging divine mercy and the path toward grace. In this moment, the music transcends mere sound; it resonates deeply within the listener's spirit, with each note striking a chord of emotional connection.

Jelenke iLife distinguishes itself not only through Adedoyin’s exceptional saxophone artistry and the harmonious interplay of voices and instruments but also through the tangible sense of unity it fosters. The music acts as a conduit—bridging the sacred with the mundane, the individual experience with the collective. It beckons the listener into a realm of introspection and connection, providing an opportunity to be uplifted by a force greater than oneself.

This review is penned by Michael Kolawole, a multifaceted cultural critic, screenwriter, playwright, and poet. With a profound appreciation for music and the arts, Kolawole presents a nuanced viewpoint on the healing and connective power of art. His admiration for Adedoyin Oseni’s Jelenke iLife is rooted in his conviction that music can transcend barriers and cultivate a shared experience of spiritual and emotional communion.

Adedoyin concludes with “Hallelujah To The Lamb,” a sincere tribute of gratitude for divine mercy and blessings. As the last note lingers in the air, listeners are enveloped in a deep sense of tranquility—a realization that this experience was more than a performance; it was a spiritual odyssey that heals, unites, and elevates all who partake.

Oseni’s journey as a Nigerian-born saxophonist is poised to enchant global audiences in the future. His commitment to preserving and showcasing Nigerian music highlights the power of art to bridge gaps and bring people together. 

Essentially, Adedoyin Oseni transcends the role of a mere saxophonist; he serves as a guardian of culture, a symbol of heritage, and a visionary whose music echoes in the depths of the soul. With every performance, Oseni’s stature as a master of Nigerian music grows, leaving an enduring impression of musical enchantment.