As a fellow artist immersed in Nigeria’s gospel and Afro-fusion scenes, I attest that Ileriayo Fadeni represents a once-in-a-generation talent whose work demands UK attention. His 2024 Gathering of African Best Award—Africa’s equivalent of the Grammy was no accident, but the culmination of Fadeni’s signature “orchestral Afro-gospel” style, heard in works like “Kasowopo”, merges:
✓ Yoruba folk polyrhythms
✓ Classical hymn structures
✓ Contemporary gospel energy
As principal pianist and music director for Nigeria’s Descendants of David Mass Choir, New Covenant Church, Lagos Headquarters, Foursquare Gospel Church, Ikeja District Headquarters and now UK’s New Covenant Church Manchester Conference, Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians, his ability to:
✓ Direct 100+ vocalists while performing virtuosic piano
✓ Transcribe traditional chants into complex choral arrangements
positions him alongside British crossover stars like Alexandra Burke.
Fadeni’s relocation to Britain has already yielded measurable impact, as evidenced by:
An Institutional Recognition
– Most Gifted UK-Based Musical Talent Award (Nigerian Week London 2024)
“The first gospel artist to win this cross-genre honor, proving mainstream appeal.”
– Nigerian Tribune (2024): https://tribuneonlineng.com/celebrating-ileriayo-fadeni-the-most-gifted-uk-based-musical-talent-at-nigeria-week-london-2024/
Grassroots Community Building:
Through his Expression Concert initiative, Fadeni has:
✓ Created the only UK platform exclusively showcasing different talents across cultures.
✓ Mentored 15+ migrant artists in culturally hybrid composition
“His work addresses Britain’s urgent need for authentic, diaspora-led arts programming.”
— Prof. Femi Faseun, Prof of Music and Arts (Lagos State University).
Fadeni’s award trifecta, the Gathering of African Best Award, Nollywood Excellence Leadership Award, and Heart of Gold Award places him in rare company:
His ACE-aligned potential is clearest in Blending Anglican choral traditions with Nigerian folk hymns
-Digital Pedagogy: African Gospel Piano course (100+ UK students)
Verifiable Media Recognition:
-Impact Soundmedia Radio UK: Ileriayo, an exceptional music talent.
-The Nigerian Tribune: Celebrating Ileriayo, the most gifted Uk based musical talent
– Leadership News: Ileriayo’s Expression Concert, A Bold Fusion of Cultures Faces high expectations in Manchester
– Dailytimes Nigeria: Harmony elevated: Ileriayo Fadeni’s recognition at the Nollywood Excellence Leadership Awards
– Dailyview Ghana — An Expression Of Unity: https://dailyviewgh.com/an-expression-of-unity-through-music/
– Dailyview Ghana — Ileriayo, A dynamic versatile musician, Pianist and a music maestro
Fadeni isn’t just another skilled musician he’s a cultural architect whose work delivers:
-Artistic Exceptionalism (GAB Award + UK talent award)
– Grassroots Impact: (Expression Concert) https://dailyviewgh.com/an-expression-of-unity-through-music/ etc.
Having collaborated with UK-touring producers like Ezkees & ID cabasa I can confirm Fadeni’s Afro-fusion artistry is precisely what Britain’s music scene is looking forward to promote.
— Oluwatosin Osifeso (Oluwatosindoz)
and then