Mike Aremu can easily be seen as one of the front runners of world-class Saxophone players but what sets this distinguished musician apart is ability to draw from traditional Nigerian sounds to create a sound that represents both creative-passion and his culture.
Growing up in the state of Niger, Nigeria (West Africa), his musical interest started from the age of eight where in Church each child was encouraged in playing a musical instrument. Starting with drums, by the age of ten he had also mastered the keyboard, guitar and bass. However it was the trumpet that became his main focus and remained so until 1992. During that year he had his first encounter playing an alto Saxophone at Revival Assembly Church, Lagos. Previously Mike had never thought of adding the Saxophone to his repertoire of instruments and had only seen it being played from a distance.
From there with some basic lessons and determination by 1995 he decided to make the full transition and concentrate solely on the Saxophone. The following year, he joined House on the Rocks music team playing alongside the likes of Sammie Okposo, Agboola Shadare, Abiodun Akhigbe, Victor James, Gbenga Owoeye Wise and others. As his confidence grew so did his reputation as a charismatic musician. This resulted in a stream of appearances at such venues in Nigeria as Pintos, The Green Lion, Club Towers, Ks Place and Mega Plazas Dome. Demand for his talent came in thick and fast with Mike completing session work for Onyeka Onwenu, Ras Kimono, King Wasiu, Ayinde Marshal, Kingsley Ike and Olufunmi to mention a few.
The next step in Mikes career was signing a record deal with Kennis Music Label, Nigerias largest record label, through which he released two chart-topping albums Dance (1999) and No Shaking (2002) shifting a combined total of more than 1.5 million copies. He has also recorded two songs for the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in the United States.
Nowadays Mike spends a considerable amount of time travelling and performing at venues across the world. To date he has played alongside notable international artists like Kirk Franklin, Marvin Winans, Ron Kenoly, Mary Mary and Adlan Cruz. He appeared at the John F Kennedy Centre, Washington DCs main concert arena. He has also made considerable progress in Europe, in particular the UK where he has performed in two of Londons principle music venues The Barbican and Ocean as part of the annual Awesome Praise concerts. He has also played at Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), the UKs largest Pentecostal Church and many of the branches of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) one of the worlds largest chains of Nigerian-based Church networks.
Industry recognition has also been bestowed on this innovative Saxophone composer where he adds TOMA Awards (Todays Gospel Music Awards) and AMEN Awards on his list of gongs received Best Instrumental Album of the Year and Best Gospel Music Video of the Year. He was also nominated twice at the KORA Awards in 2003 which is Africas best known and recognised mainstream music awards ceremony.
Mikes much anticipated new album Unveiled was released first to the Pan-African market. The project is a reflection of Mikes musical outlook with a distinct international appeal. Youll find Latin influences, Jazz, Makossa, Blues, Soukus all laid on a strong West African rhythmic foundation. The first radio single out off the new album is Oluwaseun combining infectious West African percussion and Middle Eastern flavours with pulsating Ragga-style rhythms.
It is only a matter of time before Mike Aremu begins to firmly establish himself on the international music scene. With extensive touring planned along with the new project, all this ensures that Mike will not only be a worthy ambassador of Nigeria but represent quality, innovative and above all God-inspired music. Myspace Layouts at Pimp-My-Profile.com / Jazz Night
