From the vibrant streets of Lagos to the scenic landscapes of Vancouver, Nigerian-born musician Adewolf, also known as Adedoyin Osholowu, has navigated a path filled with cultural shifts. His journey is not just a tale of geographical relocation, but one of personal and sonic metamorphosis.

Osholowu grew up in Lagos during the nascent stages of Afrobeats—a genre that was still defining itself within the folds of Nigerian music.

“Back in Lagos, I felt a lot more restricted to a particular sound,” he recalls via video. This early musical environment demanded certain tempos and styles that aligned with local tastes—which were distinctly different from the Western music (such as J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar) that he found himself gravitating towards.

Osholowu’s music is deeply personal. His latest EP, Lostalgia, dropped in January and features a mix of energetic Afrobeats rhythms and the reflective depth of conscious hip-hop. Each track, enriched with reggae, dancehall, and soul, delves into his identity as a Nigerian living in Canada.

“Being in Canada helped breed independence,” he reflects. “I’ll always be rooted in Lagos—I spent most of my defining years there, navigating that world and culture—but now I’m able to experiment more and not limit myself.”

His approach to music is deeply influenced by his experiences as an immigrant. “Doyin”, a pulsating standout from the album, unpacks the complexities of exploring new cultural landscapes while holding on to the essence of his roots. Even his stage name is representative of his journey: “Ade” reflects his Nigerian heritage, while “wolf” represents his dual nature—part of a pack, yet capable of thriving in solitude.

“The transition of my stage name came after I finished my first EP,” Osholowu says. “My full name is Adedoyin; I wanted a piece of my actual name to be part of my stage name as a reminder to myself, every time I’m making music, to make sure I’m being honest, grounded, and putting myself in there.”

Upon arriving in Vancouver in 2018, Osholowu found himself in a city known for its reserved social dynamics—which initially presented challenges in forming the vibrant creative community he longed for.

“My first two years in Vancouver, it was hard to connect with people,” he recalls. “It was hard to find an art scene.”

As a result, he turned to social media and local events, gradually finding his people. This persistence paid off, leading to his home becoming a communal space that doubles as a studio; it’s now a creative hub where he and his bandmates collaborate and host gatherings.

“Music ideas move through you like a spirit,” Osholowu explains. “We tap into the spirituality of music, we jam in a room, and it’s amazing how ideas start to flow.”

That energy extends to his live performances. Osholowu’s upcoming Lostalgia release show at Fortune Sound Club on June 1 will blend a jam session’s spontaneity with a live concert’s depth. Featuring a lineup of Vancouver artists—including Fionn, Bo Henrick, Mar Emanuel, Yvonne Kushe, Shelailai, and Super Trib3—the event will showcase the collaborative spirit central to Osholowu’s creative process.

He also hopes that it helps people connect to each other—and to their most uninhibited selves.

“I want people to come and really tap into their inner child—the freedom we had when we were younger,” Osholowu says. “The show we’re working towards on June 1 is really trying to make it feel experiential. People might have gone to Afrobeats shows, but we want to bring stadium-level shows to the average Vancouverite.”

As he continues to navigate his career here, his aspirations for the local music scene remain community-focused. Osholowu envisions creating an environment that nurtures creativity and diversity, reflecting his mission to connect cultures through music.

In essence, his story is one of transformation, resilience, and self-discovery. His music spans genres and bridges worlds.

Adewolf’s “Lostalgia” release show takes place on June 1 at Fortune Sound Club.