By Emmanuel Waziri Okoro

For Nigerian-born bassist Iteoluwa Akinsete, playing across these genres has taken him from stages in Lagos to festivals in the UK. Before taking up the bass guitar, Akinsete’s first musical interest was the saxophone before he transitioned and eventually discovered the bass guitar.

In 2020, he developed a deep love for the bass guitar and began a journey of learning, practice and musical growth.

The bass guitar plays an important role in shaping the sound of a live performance. From gospel to afrobeats, soul and RnB, it helps establish the rhythm, supports the other musicians and gives songs much of their groove.Iteoluwa has built his experience across gospel performances, live ensembles and contemporary African music, working with artists from different musical backgrounds.

Gospel music was an important part of Akinsete’s early musical experience. He performed at the RCCG Marathon Praise Concert, where he developed his ability to maintain the groove through extended live sets. He also worked with multiple gospel artists and performed at The Xperience 22, playing alongside other musicians in large ensembles. In 2025, Akinsete collaborated with British-Nigerian artist Faithchild at The Alternate Experience on contemporary gospel music, adding to his experience working across different styles and musical arrangements.

Iteoluwa’s work has also taken him beyond gospel music. At the Blankets & Wine debut festival in Bradford, he performed alongside East African artists including Bensoul, Njerae, Boutross and Coster Ojwang. The performances brought together different soundscapes, from soul and alternative pop to hip-hop and Afro-fusion, requiring him to adapt his playing to each artist’s music.

In 2026, he performed at the Bradford Afrobeats and Amapiano Outdoor Festival alongside DJ Neptune, further expanding his experience in contemporary African music.

Beyond festival performances, Akinsete has explored other ways of expressing himself through music. He performed at TEDxWibsey alongside UK saxophonist Samuel Ogundapo (Dayo Sax). The performance also had a personal connection

Now based in Yorkshire, he launched a masterclass that teaches teenagers in Bradford, helping young people develop their musical skills and understand how to play as part of a band.

Alongside his teaching, Akinsete continues to collaborate with UK based artists including saxophonist Adedoyin Oseni, and singers like O’Phils, Tope Dada, Jess Debenham and so much more. From his early experiences in gospel music to performances across the UK, Akinsete continues to build his career as a bassist while sharing his knowledge with younger musicians.