MOBO Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Odeal returns with his highly anticipated EP, “The Summer That Saved Me”, a genre-bending body of work that captures the spirit of freedom, joy, and self-discovery. Known for his signature release pattern – two EPs a year, one in summer and one in winter – Odeal continues to evolve his sound, fusing Afrobeats, soul, R&B, and Afro-Latin influences into a cohesive and deeply personal experience. Written in March of this year, “The Summer That Saved Me” is Odeal at his most raw and reflective. Before this project came to life, he wrote and ultimately scrapped two complete EPs, determined to find the right sound and message. What emerged is a celebration of living in the moment, each track a chapter in a story about release, movement, infatuation, and fun. The project was inspired in part by a life-changing milestone, finally receiving his British passport. For the first time in years, Odeal had the freedom to travel without restriction. That ability opened new creative and emotional pathways, connecting him more deeply with fans across the world, and with friends and family in ways he’d never experienced before. Across the project Odeal worked with a handful of close producers including: Harry Westlake, Leon Thomas (drums), Shae Jacobs, Jack Dine, Ezra Skys, Billy Blunt, Cam Griffin, Tyrell Evans, Guilty Beatz, P2J, Finn Wigan, Chris Kurisu & Monster Boys.
The EP itself was born across borders. The opening track, “Miami” featuring Leon Thomas, was written on a Spanish beach alongside longtime collaborator Harry Westlake, a moment that reignited Odeal’s creative spark. The rest of the project came together in Los Angeles, where he turned his apartment into a makeshift studio. Forgoing traditional setups, he invited collaborators into his home, building a relaxed and intimate space where creativity could flow freely. Tracks like “My Heart,” drenched in infatuation, and the earlier single “London Summers” came to life in that sun-soaked setting. While “Standby” and “Patience” were finished in LA, they capture the EP’s playful energy, whereas “Deserving” stands out as a more reflective and raw moment. “Obis Interlude”, the most vulnerable song on the project, was written in a moment of chaotic calm. As friends packed and cleaners bustled around on the last day of the LA trip, Odeal sat focused at the kitchen table, determined to finish the song before his flight. That urgency, and that stillness in the middle of movement, runs through the whole record. A late addition that closes the EP, “In The Chair” is a sensual slow jam that brings “The Summer That Saved Me” to a graceful and poetic conclusion.
Born in Germany and shaped by his roots in Nigeria, Spain, and the UK, Odeal’s music reflects a lifelong navigation of cultures. His sound, melding Alte, Afro, and R&B, feels both borderless and deeply rooted. “I’ve always felt like pieces of myself exist in different places,” he shares. “This EP was about reconnecting those pieces.” But that journey hasn’t always been smooth. After moving to the UK as a child, travel became difficult, especially through his teenage years. While Africa remained within reach, European travel came with restrictions and paperwork. That shift from global mobility to limitation changed his perspective and made his art even more intentional. “The Summer That Saved Me” is more than just a seasonal release. It’s a statement of independence, self-expression, and emotional clarity. With this project, Odeal reclaims his freedom and invites listeners to do the same.
About Odeal
Odeal’s rise has been swift but rooted in substance. Following a standout start to the year, including two MOBO Awards and a BET nomination for Best New International Artist, he continues to prove himself as a voice with weight, depth, and resonance. Whether trading verses with Summer Walker, Lojay, Isaiah Falls, Nines, or K-Trap, or shining solo, Odeal brings an emotional richness that cuts through. From the smooth textures of “Lustropolis” to the genre-bending palette of “Sunday at Zuri’s”, featuring breakout track “Soh Soh,” which caught the attention of Victoria Monét, SZA, and Halle Bailey, his momentum is undeniable. Even Justin Bieber took notice, featuring “Blame U” on Instagram, further amplifying his global reach. This summer, Odeal is set to light up stages across Europe and the U.S., including Afro Nation (Portugal), North Sea Jazz Festival (Rotterdam), Lowlands (Biddinghuizen), Rock en Seine (Paris), and Austin City Limits (Texas).
