Future First: 19-year-old multi-instrumentalist Akin Soul sings far beyond his years

For our next instalment of Future First, we invited the south London-based artist to visit our Studio at 180 House and talk about his musical inspirations, hopes, and loves

By Ollie Horne

David Ijishakin, aka Akin Soul, is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and singer from south London. His latest single, ‘Burning Fire’, released in February 2021, showcases the artist's deep, rich voice, which is so much more mature than his age would suggest. A bluesy riff of silky vocal harmonies underpins much of the track, with a four-to-the-floor kick and bass riff driving the song. It’s a self-assured recording from such a young artist.

Soul, who plays trombone, guitar and keyboard alongside his singing, credits Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, Marvin Gaye, and Lalah and Donny Hathaway as his major influences. Following the venerated tradition of soulful multi-instrumentalists with powerful voices (Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, D’Angelo), Soul has every potential to go far.

To listen to music by Akin Soul, click here.