Every time this writer comes across a Nigerian instrumentalist in recent times, it is always a pleasant journey down the rabbit hole of curiosity. However, for a maestro like Jude Olabanji, a Nigerian arranger and cellist, the hunt does not even have to be deep. His latest work, a three-track extended playlist dubbed Faith & Love, Vol 1, emerges as an intensely striking groove that leans into the cello’s capacity for narrative and emotional depth.
The EP begins with “Oju Rere”, a heartfelt interpretation of the Christian worship hymn. It combines giddy pot drums and cajon-esque percussion with soulful piano chords and Olabanji’s standout cello lines. At the song’s midpoint, the only vocal section appears, where a prayer is chanted: ‘May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all / Guide and keep you / Protect your going out and coming in….’ The song continues with further prayers, chanted in Yoruba, hovering above Olabanji’s multi-sectional composition.
In “Oju Rere”, Olabanji sets the tone for Faith & Love, Vol 1, introducing a tonal structure that amplifies soulful, sombre depth while remaining light-hearted as a breezy bop. The rest of the EP includes another soulful spiritual tune, “Climb Every Mountain”, and a powerful love-themed rendition, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. The entire EP carries Olabanji’s signature blend of airy chords and sombre percussion, unlocking a soothing harmonic balance that keeps it memorable.
On the arrangement, the sonic emphasis shifts from Olabanji’s gritty and buttery embouchure in “Oju Rere” to more sombre, darker, and hollow textures in “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “Climb Every Mountain”. The momentum feels upward, with more cinematic intrigue—heightened dramatic tension, suspense, and crescendos—throughout the entire listen.
Other pleasure points in Faith & Love, Vol 1 are its masterful phrasing and transitions. These qualities alone boost its replay value, thanks to Olabanji’s delivery. In “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, Elvis Presley’s 1961 classic comes alive through Olabanji’s cello, with a revamped sonic focus that amplifies the haunting, moody, and sombre feel of the original. It breathes new life into the piece, especially through the percussive and piano sections, elevating it as a hybrid record worthy of attention.
The song is the standout track of the EP and its most intense moment. Its transitions, especially the outros, arrive with calculated poise, sounding warm and intimate even as they leave the listener on cliff-hangers. Olabanji employs a slow-burn pre-climax that registers effortlessly, thanks to his smooth pacing.
Throughout the EP, one can hear the dynamics of Olabanji’s bow speed, vibratos, and melodic cadence coming together to sustain momentum. Treating the cello like a human voice, he mirrors each record with a bohemian approach that is both precise and progressive. The tone glides from warm and centred to dark and haunting, creating an inviting, cathartic, and cohesive soundscape.
Overall, Faith & Love, Vol 1 is a soothing, engaging listen with enough subtle surprises to rank as an evergreen bop. It is a disciplined delivery that positions the cello as both the soul of the recording and a distinct musical voice. The EP packs emotional clarity, dramatic intensity, and harmonious balance, creating a deeply sober and melancholic melody that grips the listener from start to finish.
Mirrored after folk-esque hymns, the record rings out as a culturally charged spin, and the prayerful chants enhance its appeal as a powerful Christian worship piece. It stands out as Olabanji’s best work to date and a rewarding introduction to his artistry, earning 7.5/10.
Jude Olabanji is a classically trained cellist with over a decade of experience performing in bands, ensembles, and orchestras. He has performed alongside artists including Asa, Olamide, P-Square, Asake, Wretch32, Libianca, Pozer, and The Compozers. Olabanji excels across genres including Classical, Pop, Hip Hop, RnB, and Afrobeats, demonstrating a commitment to delivering creative, entertaining, outstanding, and inspiring performances at every event.
