Embracing Life's Detours: A Journey from Plans to Purpose
Life is not about the plans we make; it's about the road to those plans and leaning into the detours along the way. As an Afro Fusion artiste who recently released the EP "King of Detours," I can attest to the profound truth behind this perspective.
Miley Cyrus once sang, "Ain't about how fast I get there, ain't about what's waiting on the other side, it's the climb." This sentiment resonates deeply with musicians, for embarking on a project often leads to a destination different from the original plan. The journey of life requires us to listen to the whispers of the wind and make space for the incredible.
As someone with an A-type personality, I initially struggled with this concept. In high school, I had meticulously planned out my life, but immigration and life struggles diverted me from the path I envisioned. Frustration ensued as I grappled with the realisation that hard work alone couldn't always outpace life's whims. However, the journey taught me the importance of adapting to detours and focusing on what the art truly needs.
In my latest project, I explore the concept of sitting with uncomfortable feelings and emotions. Some songs linger in the discomfort, allowing me to extract what I need until I'm ready to let go. It can be challenging to discern how long to stay in a detour and whether it's the right one, but in both art and life, I believe the answers are latent inside us, waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves.
In art, embracing detours correlates with fostering tolerance in life. Artists who keep an open mind inspire the same mindset in others through the principles embedded in their work. Our world desperately needs openness and collaboration, but without listening, there can be no open-mindedness. Those who truly grasp the benefits of life's detours learn to sit and listen before wanting to contribute or act. It's a fundamental approach to move forward.
So, the next time your plans take an unexpected turn, I encourage you to pause and reflect. Dig deep to uncover the meaning behind the detour. Sometimes, what seems like a deviation is actually the universe guiding you to where you need to be, not necessarily where you want to be. Embrace the detours, for in their unexpected twists lies the essence of life's true purpose.
Stay Crowned,
ADEOLUWA
ADEOLUWA is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and communications specialist. A genre-bending phenomenon, ADEOLUWA refers to his music as "experimental Afro-fusion" because of the many influences from which he draws inspiration such as Adekunle Gold, Ric Hassani, Jonathan McReynolds and ASA.
Now based in Canada, ADEOLUWA continues to invent new soundscapes and share his experiences through his music. With over 20,000 streams, ADEOLUWA's music has steadily continued to impact music lovers all over the world. He has been nominated thrice at the Saskatchewan Music Awards and performed his single “Escape” at the 2020 Saskatchewan Music Awards. He has headlined his own show “The ADEOLUWA Experience” for Sasktel Max and played at notable Saskatchewan music venues such as The Cathedral Social House, Amigos Cantina, The Recording Arts Institute, Bushwakker Brewing Company, The Mae Wilson Theater, and The Artesian.
ADEOLUWA has been featured in local publications like The Carillon, CBC, SaskMusic, as well as 49th Street, The Nation, Brandcrunch, The Lagos Review, Giftal World, Akahi News, and General News. His songs have also been played on CBC, CJTR, and Bowen Radio.
ADEOLUWA has also led teams in charge of promotional and rollout campaigns for artists such as TOVA, Tomide, The Skinny Nerd, Oboise and Kotrell.
Website: https://www.adeoluwamusic.com/