The Sound of Seye Adelekan

For Seye Adelekan, music has never been confined to one place.  Whether he’s playing bass for Gorillaz in front of thousands, writing his own songs, producing for others, or just relaxing at home in Margate, music is always part of Seye’s life. 

Seye was born in Nigeria and grew up in Lagos, the Netherlands, Ecuador, and Southeast London. His story has been shaped by movement, curiosity, and many cultural influences. These experiences helped him create his unique musical style, blending Afrobeat, pop, electronic, soul, and alternative sounds.  Before joining Gorillaz in 2017, Seye had already built an impressive career as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer. He spent years honing his craft through session work, touring and recording alongside artists including Paloma Faith, Ellie Goulding, Birdy, KT Tunstall and Mumford & Sons. Those experiences taught him versatility, allowing him to move effortlessly between genres while developing a reputation as a musician capable of bringing both technical skill and personality to every performance. 

Even after playing so many stages and working with different artists, Seye’s approach to music is still very personal.  As a solo artist, he often explores themes of hope, love, loss, and personal growth. His work reflects someone who is constantly learning, creating and evolving. In recent years, he has spoken openly about sobriety and the positive impact it has had on both his life and creativity, using his platform to encourage honest conversations and support others navigating similar journeys.  Seye’s openness goes beyond his music. Through mentoring, interviews, and creative projects, he supports the next generation of artists and helps people feel less alone. He often says that "life is a team sport," a message that shows the generosity and optimism his fans and collaborators admire.  On stage, Seye is full of energy. As a member of Gorillaz’s live band, he helps turn their wide-ranging studio music into lively performances filled with movement, groove, and spontaneity. Each show is different, with changing setlists and sounds that keep him creative and adaptable. 

But when he’s not performing, music means something different to him.  After years of loud venues, festival crowds, and busy tours, Seye now sees home as a place for more thoughtful listening. Instead of always having music on, he likes to pick the right song for the right mood. Sometimes it’s an album while he cooks, music for a quiet evening, or sharing playlists with friends and housemates.

For Seye, great sound is not about recreating the intensity of a live show. It is about creating an atmosphere. Music should feel naturally woven into a space, ready to accompany everyday moments without demanding attention.