With “Barman,” Micah Strengthens His Voice on the Global Stage

By Tosin Clegg

The Nigerian music industry is globally celebrated for its vibrant vocals, pulsating rhythms, and Afrobeats anthems, producing many renowned African giants. Yet, some artists dare to forge a different path. With his latest release, Barman, saxophonist and genre-bending musician Oluwatodimu Akinrinlola Micah, known as Micah, delivers a track that prioritizes subtlety over spectacle, proving that the most powerful music often needs no words. His work aligns with the instrumental explorations of artists like Femi Kuti, whose jazz-infused Afrobeat, and global acts like The Cinematic Orchestra, with their atmospheric compositions, have elevated instrumental music to mainstream acclaim. Micah’s bold initiative challenges Nigeria’s lyric-driven soundscape, inspiring a potential shift toward instrumental creativity that could diversify the industry’s global narrative.

Barman creates a moody, intimate atmosphere, evoking the essence of Nigeria’s late-night lounge scene. Driven by the saxophone’s confident breath rather than a vocal hook, the track redefines the instrument’s role, allowing it to sing in place of lyrics.
“The idea was to create a sound that instantly sets the mood,” Micah explains. “Something you can play while hanging out, something that grooves without needing lyrics, and something that lets people just feel.”

Bridging Heritage and Modernity
Barman pays homage to Nigeria’s live music traditions, a time when instrumental bands dominated nightlife before Afrobeats rose to prominence. Drawing inspiration from Fela Kuti’s dynamic performances and the jazz influences of Hugh Masekela, Micah revives this energy within a modern Afro-fusion framework. Smooth and minimalist, the track feels both timeless and contemporary. “One note can say more than ten words,” Micah shares. “I didn’t want to overcomplicate it. The saxophone carries emotion, creating a conversation with the listener.”

Barman evokes intimacy and mood. In lounges, it enhances conversations with understated elegance. In clubs, it slows the tempo, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the vibe. Without lyrics, the track transcends borders and languages, speaking a universal language of groove and atmosphere. During a recent performance at Jazz Café Lagos, under dim lighting and soft chatter, Micah’s opening notes of Barman captivated the audience. The saxophone’s haunting melody created an ethereal connection, as if time stood still, enveloping listeners in the music’s embrace.

Critics view Barman as more than a single; it expands the boundaries of Nigerian music. By prioritizing instrumental expression in an Afrobeats-dominated era, Micah establishes himself as a trailblazer. Early listeners have praised the track’s innovative approach, describing it as a refreshing shift that adds cultural depth to the genre. While instrumental tracks may face challenges in a market favoring vocal hits, Micah thrives on authenticity. He builds his audience through compelling live performances, delivering music that resonates emotionally across cultures. Produced by Award winning Nigerian Record Producer “Brown On Da Track”, known for his distinctive sound and signature tag “We Got Brown On Da Track,” Barman showcases Micah’s ability to lead with the saxophone as powerfully as any vocalist. The saxophone is his superpower, not a limitation.

“This is just the beginning,” Micah says. “I want to make music that feels at home in Lagos but travels to New York, Paris, or Cape Town. The saxophone is my voice, and it can speak to anyone.”
With Barman, Micah demonstrates his willingness to take risks and lead with subtlety. More than an instrumental, it is a mood, a statement, and a testament to the diversity of Nigerian music’s future. Barman is now available on streaming platforms.