“Tonight, I’m not addressing a crowd,” Odeal shared just hours before his inaugural performance at Brixton Academy in late March. “I’m connecting with my people: family, friends, and supporters.”
Relaxed in loungewear and reclining on a leather sofa backstage at the renowned south London venue, the British-Nigerian artist appears composed, as though he is exactly where he envisioned himself. At 26, Odeal embodies a unique form of recognition within the British R&B landscape, enjoying substantial acclaim and millions of streams from a global audience, and he is set to tour arenas across the United States alongside prominent R&B artist Summer Walker, although mainstream recognition remains elusive.
His musical style, which blends R&B with influences from Afrobeats, neo-soul, and modern pop, reflects an emotional complexity. His body of work, culminating in the upcoming sister EPs, The Summer That Saved Me and The Fall That Saved Us, often explores themes of love that delve into ambiguous emotional territories. He encourages his audience to embrace their feelings, regardless of the confusion they may evoke. “If you want to heal, you’ve got to feel quicker,” he expresses in one of his standout tracks, Miami.
Born Hillary Dennis Udanoh in Germany, Odeal spent his upbringing in Spain, south London, and Nigeria, following his parents’ career-related relocations. He began to pursue music seriously at the age of 13, balancing studio sessions with school commitments and even selling his PlayStation to finance a laptop. “I’ve never made a sacrifice that wasn’t for music,” he reflects, attributing much of his dedication to his mother’s work ethic. “She juggled three jobs to support me and my brothers, often waking up before I did and going to bed long after I’d fallen asleep, all while still cooking for us.”
In November 2017, Odeal experienced a life-threatening septic shock due to dormant malaria that had been in his system for two years. “I almost didn’t survive,” he recounts. “That incident changed everything.” Following this, he launched his club night Ovmbr, named to commemorate the month he regained his life. This also inspired the title of his debut mixtape released in 2020, Ovmbr: Roses. However, after its release, he found himself dropped by his major record label. “I was clear about my vision; being signed to a label was never my ultimate goal,” he states, and he has since cultivated a fanbase on his own terms. In December, he struck a deal with Sony for publishing management but continues to operate as an independent recording artist. He believes that had he been tied to a record label, many of his songs might not have been released, or would have faced significant pushback. “A&Rs often push for commercial hits. Would I lose my authenticity in the search for that?”
His distinct position within the industry was highlighted during the Brit Awards, where he was notably absent from the R&B category despite being one of the leading figures in the genre in the UK. When asked about this oversight, he responds with poise, “It doesn’t bother me; all the nominees deserved their recognition.” Brit award voters typically favor major label artists, with R&B often regarded as a niche genre in the UK. Does his exclusion indicate deeper industry issues? He pauses, offering a knowing smile suggesting he has more to say but chooses not to elaborate. “Something like that. However, I can’t take it personally. I have my own aspirations. Awards are great, but I aim for my music to resonate with people everywhere. When fans come to shows, sing along, and fill the venue, that’s the true accolade.”
Odeal has collaborated with various US artists, including Leon Thomas, Justin Bieber, and SZA. At his Brixton performance, the diverse audience spans multiple generations. Couples sway to the music, groups of friends enthusiastically sing their favorite lyrics, and a spontaneous moment reminiscent of Usher occurs when Odeal invites a fan on stage, prompting a wave of excitement from the audience. Now in its seventh year, Ovmbr has expanded to include festivals such as Portugal’s Afro Nation and Paris’s Fête de la musique, as well as events in Lagos and South Africa, with much of the creative team stemming from Odeal’s own circle.
He observes a burgeoning energy and enthusiasm permeating the global R&B scene, akin to the creativity and skill displayed in football during Brazil’s golden era. Yet, like many artists, he resists being confined by a genre label, asserting that his music transcends classifications and embodies emotions. This sentiment is evident in Brixton, where the crowd passionately sings along, often outshouting Odeal himself. Regardless of the industry’s recognition, the deep human connection he fosters through his music appears to be more than sufficient at this moment.
Odeal’s tour with Summer Walker is set to kick off on May 26 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
