Segunviolin’s “Riddim” Is a captivating attempt at neoclassical music

Segunviolin’s latest release, “Riddim”, opens up a new conversation into the untapped potential of log-drums in the world of classical music. Notoriously used within the popular Amapiano genre, these log-drums, also known as slit-drums, are quite rare within the world of classical music. While other drums like Timpani, Bass and Snare are the most popular options for classical musicians, Segunviolin’s “Riddim” might be the poster-boy for the unending possibilities for log drums within classical compositions.

Stretching two minutes, the song is cocktailed with the fast-paced log drums and alluring Violin riffs harmonized with Afrobeats. With a soothing flute opening the song, it soars with strong emotion from start to finish. The song’s composition shines within its alluring fusion itself, with its subtler tune at the start and a more complex tune with captivating Tremolo halfway into the record. Segunviolin’s rendition rings with a strong clarity, even though it is accentuated with audio-engineering, with the Violin standing out and the log-drum serving as a foundation for the record. Although the outro feels quite monochromatic, dulling the vibrance of the record; but the entire composition flourishes with an exciting groove.

Technically, the performance is ambitious, with Segunviolin employing a range of techniques — melancholic legato, spiccato bursts, and the patient Tremolo — to complement the log-drums’ repetitive rhythms. Naturally, log-drums, with their woody and hollow timbre, adds an organic layer that distinguishes his rendition from more conventional pairings like violin and piano or orchestral drums. While the composition sounds fresh and refined, it still feels very much experimental and might require further refinement. A good pointer is the flute intro, which could add an extra layer of emotive depth to the record.

Essentially, a great composition is one where the instruments embrace each other and not act in discord. Segunviolin’s “Riddim” is a sturdy attempt, one that is lush with potential. It reminds this writer of Anna Clyne’s “Rift” at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, which fused Japanese taiko drums with a string quartet. The age of brazen percussive textures in classical music is now and Segunviolin’s “Riddim” is an iconic reference point and addition to the library of contemporary classical music in Afrobeats.

Generally, the song sounds cinematic, experimental and not too polished in the ‘classical’ nature, and it rings with boldness and brilliance. While the song isn’t flawless, Segunviolin’s performance hints at a great direction for blending classical strings with unconventional percussion, stretching limits in a captivating and laudable way. Listeners seeking tradition might find the combination surprising and maybe unsettling, but anyone open to bold fusions will appreciate its raw energy and originality.

Born Olusegun Akinduro, Segunviolin is an award-winning musician and tech enthusiast. He has performed widely across the United Kingdom, Spain, and Nigeria.