East London-born Niji Adeleye was discovered at a young age during a music performance in his local community. As a 14-year-old, he followed both classical and jazz training, and his fluid piano playing was soon being applauded in regional music scenes. He also regularly enriches the thriving jazz scene in New York following a showcase there. His indisputable class has landed him some unexpected engagements, with his most unique being a spell as the house organist of the New York Knicks basketball team in Madison Square Garden. Since then, he has toured with renowned artists such as Harry Styles, Stormzy and Michelle Williams, and has collaborated with the likes of Gregory Porter and Alex Isley. Under the stage name NIJI, he now divides his time between his hometown and the Big Apple. The results of his physical and spiritual journey can be heard on his second album Oríkì (2025), where he makes connections through his Nigerian roots to integrate a range of jazz, hip-hop, gospel and Afrobeat influences.
