Azekel

Born in Abuja, Nigeria and based in London, Azekel develops a project at the crossroads of soul, contemporary R&B, pop, and an electronic sound with dark yet airy textures. A singer, songwriter and producer, he first drew attention in the early 2010s with a flexible melodic writing style and a taste for nocturnal atmospheres, between hushed voice, slow rhythms and pared-down arrangements. Under his name, Azekel released notably the EPs Raw, Vol. 1 in 2015 and Raw, Vol. 2 in 2016, which laid the foundations for a sound blending soul emotion and minimalist production. His career also includes collaborations with artists from related realms: in 2016, his voice appeared on Massive Attack's Ritual Spirit, then in 2017 on Momentz and Midnite Float by Gorillaz as part of the Humanz album. These reference points place Azekel in a space where alternative R&B dialogues with trip-hop, experimental pop and certain British electronic scenes, with an approach that prioritizes tension, discreet groove and contrasts of sonic texture.