The London-born, Nigeria-raised, New York-based electric and acoustic bassist/composer/bandleader Michael Olatuja has been one of the most inventive and in-demand bassists since the early part of this century. Olatuja has worked and recorded with artists from Terence Blanchard and Kurt Elling to Jose James, Shakira and Stevie Wonder, and has recorded three albums as a leader. Nearly five years in the making, Olatuja’s Lagos Pepper Soup (named after a zesty, West African meal with lyrics in Yoruba and English) is his most comprehensive and compelling album to date.

Lagos Pepper Soup is blend of jazz and West African Afrobeats, backed by a string orchestra arranged by Disney orchestrator Dave Metzger with an international all-star cast featuring Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves, Brandee Younger, Lionel Loueke, Regina Carter, Joe Lovano, Laura Mvula, Gregoire Maret, and Becca Stevens. Aside from composition, Olatuja performs across musical contexts from Hollywood soundtracks to Broadway musicals and small jazz groups.