Oleku Band

Presented with funding from the Music Network Performance & Touring Award.

Oleku Band are a seven member band based in or near Dublin with members originally from Nigeria, West Africa. The band members all multi talented individuals each being able to play two or more instruments.


Allen-Taylor Adeniyi (Allen) Band Director - Sax & Vocals

Allen hails from western part or Nigeria, he started playing keyboard in the church in 1994 where he used to perform with the choir. His love for instruments and understanding for good music saw him pick up other instruments like drums, guitars, percussion, and saxophone. Allen has been living in Ireland since 2000 and has been involved in many festivals and choir events in Dublin. He is also the choir director for his church in Naas (Fountain of Love). See picture on right of Fountain of Love choir performing at the Irish African Community Gospel Choir Competition in 2007. Allen has released two albums and is in the process of releasing his third. Allen composes and arranges all his music.

Segun Akano - Keyboards & Vocals

Segun Also hails from Lagos, Nigeria. He is a talented multi-instrumentalist and his major instrument being drums and percussion. Currently, he plays keyboard for the band. Segun and Allen have been playing together since 2002. Segun is also a songwriter and has worked on numerous Afrobeat projects since coming to Ireland. He was the former drummer of Colours Afrobeat Orchestra.  

Otolorin Olalaleye - Trumpet
 
Oto is a talented trumpeter, percussionist and a song writer. He has played for many Nigerian bands including Femi Kuti, with whom he played with for almost ten years. His ability to adapt to different styles of music makes him very unique on his instrument. His great level of musicianship and experience is a great asset the band.

Toye Fakunle - Drums
 
Toye plays the drum kit for the band. He started his music career in 1986 as a choir member and started to play the drums in 1987. Toye joined the Emerald Band in 1990 and In 1994 he joined Voice of Heaven Music choir and became Choir director of Livelystones in 2003 before joining Oleku band in 2007.

Tomi Agbenla - Vocals, Percussion & Shakers
 
Tomi is the only female vocalist in the band; she also plays percussion while singing.
Tomi also hails from Western Nigeria, has been in Ireland since 2000 and has performed with many artists.

Michael Akano - Bass Guitar
 
Michael Akano plays bass Guitar in the band. He started playing drums and percussion at the young age of 12.  A talented musician, who has been involved in numerous African bands especially those playing afrobeat and hi-life rhythms. His love for music helped him in deciding to become a bass player. He was a former member of the first afrobeat band in Ireland “Colours Afrobeat orchestra”. He is also the younger brother of Segun.

 

Oleku Band

Tour Dates

Saturday 22 May, Cork

Friday 28 May, Waterford

Saturday 29 May, Bray, Co. Wicklow

  • Mermaid Arts Centre
  • 8 p.m., €16/14
  • http://www.mermaidartscentre.ie/

Saturday 10 Jul, Cloughanvoer (Galway)

Sunday 11 Jul, Letterkenny

  • Letterkenny Town Park (as part of Earagail Arts Festival's Family Day)
  • 3 p.m., FREE
  • 074 916 8800
  • www.eaf.ie/

Thursday 15 Jul, Kinsale, Co. Cork

  • Charle's Fort (as part of Kinsale Arts Week) With Hypnoitic Brass Ensemble
  • 7.30 p.m., €28
  • 021 4700877
  • www.kinsaleartsweek.com/

Sunday 25 Jul, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin