ft. Seyi Adediwura
Hustle & Leisure Spotlight: Seyi Adediwura
Afrobeats Saxophonist & Software Engineer
In this Hustle & Leisure feature, we caught up with Seyi Adediwura, also known as Seyi Sax, a talented saxophonist with 14 years of experience in the Afrobeats space. In addition to his musical career, Seyi is a full-time software engineer, balancing both worlds with passion and consistency. Read on as he shares his journey, accomplishments, and advice for those looking to follow a similar path.
What motivated you to get into your field?
I grew up playing musical instruments in church, and eventually, I started playing music on the internet just out of passion and a desire to put myself out there. This hobby soon transformed into the music career I have today.
What are the top 3-5 things that helped you get to where you are today?
Consistency: Staying consistent is probably the hardest thing to maintain, but it's also what propels you leaps and bounds ahead in your career.
Collaboration: Most of the opportunities I’ve had came through collaborations. Sometimes one unpaid project leads to another that can change your life.
Delusion: I’m honestly delusional about my dreams. I truly believe I can do anything I want, and that mindset keeps me going.
What has networking done for you in your career?
Networking has been everything for my career. All the opportunities I’ve received came from referrals and connections. I don’t think I’m one of the best saxophonists out there; I just make sure I meet people, put myself out there, and deliver my best work on every project.
What’s a recent project or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
Most recently, Asake released his third studio album, and this is the second one where I’ve been featured. This particular feature is special because I got to be on a track with an icon of mine—UK Grime and Rap legend, Stormzy. The song is about the importance of patience and taking the road less traveled, which resonates with me deeply.
What’s the next big goal you’re working toward, and how are you planning to achieve it?
I’m a software engineer full-time, and while I’ve focused on music over the years, I want to be more intentional with my tech career. I’m looking for ways to merge my two interests and create something innovative in the future.
What makes the work you do worth it––what aspect brings you the most joy?
The joy of seeing people react to my music keeps me going. Whether it’s making someone dance or bringing someone to tears, knowing that my music can evoke such strong emotions and help people connect with their feelings is incredibly rewarding.
How do you stay ahead in your hustle, especially in a competitive industry?
I listen to a lot of music—constantly. I’m always discovering new songs and artists, so when requests come in for me to play certain tracks, I don’t have to start learning from scratch. Staying ahead means staying prepared.
How do you maintain your hustle on days when motivation is low? What does self-care look like for you?
When motivation is low, I still show up. Consistency is key, even if the work isn’t my best that day. If I feel like I’m on the verge of burnout, I take a Friday and Monday off once a quarter to reset—whether it’s a road trip or exploring a new place, this helps me recharge.
Can you share a significant failure or setback in your career, and what you learned from it?
While I can’t say too much, I’ve had opportunities slip by despite being ready and deserving. What I’ve learned is that timing is everything. If it’s not your time, it’s not your time, and you have to trust that the right opportunity will come when it’s meant for you. Stay focused, and your time will come.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your career path?
Your uniqueness is your superpower. You don’t need to be the best by traditional standards because there are things you can do that no one else will ever be able to replicate. Embrace everything that makes you different, and let that be your strength.
If you had 24 hours to spend in the Bay Area, how would you spend it?
Get ready for 48-ish hours of non-stop vibes with #MakeItSaxy—the weekend edition in the Bay Area! We’d kick things off with First Fridays in Oakland, roll deep with my squad, and end the night at New Gold Medal for a late-night feast around 2 a.m.
Saturday’s all about rehearsals with my Riddim Exchange family (@riddimexchange), the ONLY Afrobeats Fusion LIVE band in the Bay! Then, it’s back to the grind at @skylinestudios, working on fresh tracks, before grabbing some delicious Nigerian food from Ruth’s Buka in Oakland. The day ends with @afrobeatsOakland Afrorave, the Bay’s biggest monthly Afrobeats celebration, partying till 4 a.m. Sunday, I’d ground myself at church and recover for the week ahead.
Who do you look to for lifestyle inspiration?
I don’t have a specific person, but I draw inspiration from different people in my life for different reasons. My brother Theo inspires me with his hustle mentality, while my friend Ola Adesan reminds me to bet on myself. My Riddim Exchange family shows me that with consistency and hard work, anything is possible.
What does celebration look like for you? How do you celebrate your wins?
This is something I’m working on. I usually say “on to the next,” but I’m getting better at celebrating. Now, I make a point to brag on my wins and gather friends to celebrate my achievements.
What, in your opinion, makes for a Toasted Life?
A Toasted Life is one where you work hard but take time to appreciate the journey. It’s not just about grinding; it’s about celebrating your progress. If no one gives you your flowers, give yourself some! That’s how you live a truly toasted life.
