OLANREWAJU, the debut album of US-based Nigerian Afro-fusion artist AQT, is a reflection of his growth, resilience, and creativity in today’s saturated music industry. The 11-track project, which was released on September 5, takes its name from his middle name, which means “wealth progresses.” As his first full body of work, it charts a journey of self-discovery, artistic development, and affirmation of identity. AQT opens the door into his world with music that balances rhythm and storytelling, offering themes that transcend borders and connect with listeners across cultures. With contributions from Leaf B, Leonardo Yukawa, and Ichaba, the album becomes a vibrant mix of influences and songwriting styles, while never losing sight of the artist’s personal vision.
The project begins with Journey, featuring Leaf B, where AQT revisits his roots and reflects on beginnings. In My Time, he continues this story, expressing gratitude for progress despite the challenges he has faced. When he declares, “I can feel the fire in me,” it comes across as a confident assertion of his craft. On Fire, he ties his creative energy to wealth, positioning success as a natural outcome of his drive and hard work. Beyond music, AQT embodies versatility as an entrepreneur, creative executive, and fashion tastemaker. He is the CEO of Amanar Group, a global project management firm, and also serves as co-founder and Co-CEO of GF Universal, an international artistic label.
In Story for the gods, AQT delivers a message against dwelling on problems, urging listeners to act rather than complain. AMERICANA highlights his Western influences, while Outside, featuring Ichaba, brings an upbeat, party-driven vibe. The single, released in 2024, has already surpassed 3 million streams across platforms and remains the standout track on the album, resonating strongly with the lively owambe culture of his Yoruba heritage. Softer moments emerge in Smoke and Dagger, the latter enriched by Leonardo Yukawa’s sultry vocals. Hold On explores romantic vulnerability, paving the way for the closing tracks Many Inspirations and King, both of which affirm the artist’s resilience and determination on this creative path.
OLANREWAJU fuses storytelling, melody, and personal themes to deliver music that encourages reflection on identity and growth. It reads almost like a cultural memoir, reconnecting AQT to his Yoruba and Nigerian roots while embracing the influences of his diasporic experience. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Alief, Texas, AQT has always carried a unique voice and style, both of which are amplified in this debut. The album positions him not just as an artist, but as a cultural ambassador and curator of diverse sounds, with a vision that inspires audiences locally and internationally. Over its thirty-minute runtime, he embraces his cross-continental influences without compromise, confidently balancing his global reach with his Nigerian audience.
