Top Boy star and rising artist Theo Ogundipe returns with a second look into his forthcoming EP as he offers lovelorn vignette ‘L.A.’ this August.
London-hailing, Nigerian-born Theo Ogundipe is well-versed in the art of juggling multiple talents. Following the release of his eclectic and raw single ‘Plato Freestyle’, teasing his forthcoming EP, the multi-talented creative now returns with a new take on soul and r&b productions and a signature sophisticated vocal cadence. A second look into the artist’s self-produced debut EP ‘IN TRANSIT’, his latest offering ‘L.A.’ deals with matters of the heart as he continues to evolve his production skills and diversify his ever-growing discography.
As his natural propensity for philosophical musings grows, ‘L.A.’ manifests as an all-encompassing, emotive journey as Theo eloquently breezes through intimate, lovelorn vignettes. Taking its place in the next chapter on from ‘Plato Freestyle’, which garnered widespread acclaim from the likes of Notion, HWing, and Wordplay Magazine as well as radio stations and playlists, Theo’s latest offering lends itself to an experience that envelopes its listener in a poetic and ambient moment. Having laid the foundation with collaborations like ‘Radial’ with dynamic producer Sandancer, which saw support from BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and Clash Magazine, Theo now continues his journey of solo self-discovery.
The accompanying music video is just as thought-provoking as Theo gives in to the natural pull he feels toward screenplays and film. Despite his inexperience behind the camera, support from fellow creatives was instrumental in allowing him to harness all aspects of his creative tendencies, all while adding to his ever-growing skillset. Acquiring a Royal Shakespeare Company rehearsal room as their backdrop, the visual stitches together scenes in a seamless fashion, bringing a team of like-minded, talented people together to achieve an effortlessly peaceful and love-filled offering.
When speaking about the meaning behind the new track, Theo shared, “L.A. is a multi dimensional and universal Ode to LOVE.”
As his signature topline borrows the sinuous rhythms of soul, fans are carried by a deep dive into Theo’s unfeigned experiences along with an unmatched rawness in his delivery. Theo’s lyricism naturally veers towards a stream of consciousness, resembling conversations within himself as he gradually creates a jigsaw of challenging musings. Supported by gentle, unhurried drum patterns; all in great anticipation of an impactful and euphonious chorus, the unique talent’s unapologetic and authentic approach adds the finishing touches as he injects deep contemplation and experience into all of his work.
ABOUT THEO OGUNDIPE
Theo Ogundipe was born in Nigeria and raised in the United Kingdom, where he currently resides.Theo’s music is an eclectic fusion of several genres including soul, hip-hop, indie and RnB. It is inspired by his life growing up in the diaspora. His description of his sound is “a smooth lyrical blend of in the box production with 70’s soul”.
Theo studied ‘Musical Theatre at the Brit School and ‘Acting’ at Mountview Academy of Performing Arts. He has been a working Actor for 13 years working for many theatres including The Royal Shakespeare Company, the Old Vic, Sheffield Crucible, Manchester Royal Exchange to name a few. You may also have seen him in the hit Netflix Show Top Boy as Ruben.
He started writing his own songs in college. His influences are Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and the Motown sound as a whole. Also a Hip Hop lover deeply influenced by Biggie, 2pac, and J Dilla. To organise and record and produce his melodies as fast as he was inspired to write them, he taught himself to produce music online, this enabled him to give free rein to his original style.
Prior to his release ‘Reworks’ in 2021, he has written numerous songs and has performed live shows performing his featured tracks on collaborators projects. Theo collaborated alongside artist Brain Rays on several of his releases, which gained support from BBC Radio Introducing in the South West in 2021.
Theo is still working on several projects of his own, and still writing and producing and collaborating on work with others. His goal is to have a global community of listeners to share his art with.
‘L.A.’ is slated for release on the 7th August 2023. The accompanying music video is set for release on 14th August 2023.