From Osogbo to the UK: Gideon Guitar’s Journey Through African Guitar Traditions
By Ugo Aliogo
Gideon Tobi Olajide professionally known as Gideon Guitar is a Nigerian-born guitarist and composer whose artistic journey reflects a steady evolution shaped by cultural roots, discipline, and cross-continental experience. Born on 16 September 1991 in Osogbo, Osun State, and originally from Ilesa, he has grown from local performance spaces in southwestern Nigeria to becoming an active contributor to the African and diasporic music scene in the United Kingdom.
His engagement with music developed gradually. Gideon Guitar began his musical journey in 2013 as a pianist, performing at church programmes and community events across Osun State. Immersed in Highlife and Tungba-influenced performances, he built a strong rhythmic and harmonic foundation before encountering the instrument that would later define his artistic identity.
His transition to the electric guitar happened organically during a rehearsal session, where an introduction to the instrument immediately captured his interest. From that moment, Gideon Guitar committed himself to mastering the guitar with focus and intention, allowing the instrument to become his primary voice of musical expression.
Drawing inspiration from guitarists such as George Benson, Earl Klugh, Agboola Shadare, and Sammy Guitar, he developed a style marked by sensitivity, phrasing, and tonal clarity. Over time, he evolved into a multi-genre guitarist, influenced by jazz, gospel, and contemporary African music, while maintaining a clear professional focus on African Highlife and Afrobeat guitar traditions—now central to his sound and performance practice.
Alongside his artistic development, Gideon Guitar pursued formal education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Extension in 2015. He later relocated to the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies, completing a Master’s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in 2024. Throughout his academic journey, he remained actively involved in music performance and became integrated into Sheffield’s African and diasporic music community.
Professionally, Gideon Guitar’s career spans both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. In Nigeria, he performed at concerts, large gatherings, and curated music programmes, collaborating with artists including Bisi Alawiye Aluko, Elijah Daniel, Kayefi, and Adedoyin Oseni. Since relocating to the UK, he has continued to perform across cultural and public platforms, including Migration Matters Festival, Culture Club Sheffield, and Tales & Tunes with Kayefi.
Beyond performance, Gideon Guitar is recognised for his leadership within organised music programmes. He serves as a lead guitarist and contributes to rehearsal coordination, collaborative arrangement work, and the mentorship of emerging guitarists. His approach emphasises technical confidence, ensemble awareness, and professionalism in live performance environments.
Grounded in African Highlife and Afrobeat guitar traditions, Gideon Guitar continues to build a career defined by clarity, consistency, and meaningful contribution to live music communities in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
