Olugbade Okunade performing at Yarraville Festival 2015

Olugbade Okunade grew up in the afrobeat capital of the world Lagos, Nigeria. He began performing trumpet at 15 years old and by 2000, he joined Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s world renowned afrobeat orchestra, Egypt 80. For the next 14 years he toured the world performing at festivals and concerts on the world stage; WOMAD (UK), Bluesfest (AUS), Cochella (US), TV show – Later with Jools Holland (UK), Montreal Jazz Festival (CAN), New Orleans Jazz Festival (US), Fuji Rock Festival (JPN) and many more.

In 2014 Olugbade started his own band, Alárìíyá bringing diverse music traditions of Nigeria to Melbourne. Passionate about keeping true to the form Afrobeat, Alárìíyá blends high-life and jazz, to create a unique sound. Olugbade brings a wealth of knowledge about Nigerian music and culture to Australia; and Melbourne being the music capital has soaked it up.

This multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer draws upon afrobeat, funk, juju, fuji, highlife and gospel to bring a unique and innovative sound. Olugbade captivates the audience wherever he plays.