The intrigue behind Abidemi Sax’s saxophone rendition dubbed, “Smile” strikes one with its rich tone that condenses the entire composition into a saxist’s sonnet of sorts. The melody is nuanced with a warm, gingerly tone that Abidemi Sax paces with precision, stretching the euphoria till the end of the composition. His delicate sojourn across the upper and middle registers, drives the melody from light-hearted to a very hearty expression, especially around the chorus and bridge.

Abidemi Sax’s embouchure also shines through on this original composition, showcasing his expertise. His legatoos around the chorus ramp up the joyful emotions that the song aims to unlock, helping his passages ring loudly and clearly without misinterpretation. The entire composition is also articulated sharply, precisely and purposefully to maintain the necessary dramatic tension that powers the song’s vibrance.

Still on the musicality, Abidemi Sax’s interpretation — from soft to louder notes help stimulate the euphoria embedded within the composition. Traditionally crafted within the style of Jazz, Abidemi Sax’s phrasing propels the record alongside a sonic narrative that could easily interpret feelings of joy.

While some parts of the entire piece sound a bit monotoned across the 4-minute spin — with the song’s audio engineering requiring extra fine-tuning — the entire performance thrives as a vibrant jive with its mood-lifting melee; especially as the Ostinatos in the chorus passage and the Trill in the verses butter the record. His surging crescendos also pique the interest in the record, bolstering the vibrance as well.

As the song wounds down, Abidemi Sax spins from his held notes into a textured decrescendo where he plays the notes in a spiral-like or Ostinato-esque approach, before a linear stop, although lacking a slightly longer stretch to the linear stop. Both techniques still work, regardless, masking all need for imperfection and amplifying the purpose of euphoric expression. Overall, Abidemi Sax’s “Smile” thrives as a stellar original composition that shines with catharsis, replay value and rich musicality.

Abidemi Amosu, professionally known as Abidemi Sax, is a globally recognized saxophonist and musicologist whose sound is a rich tapestry of tradition, innovation, and soulful expression. Born in the culturally vibrant Iworo Awori area of Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, Abidemi was immersed from an early age in the rhythms and melodies of traditional Nigerian music.

This foundation laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong dedication to mastering and innovating through music.

From his first encounters with the saxophone, Abidemi found his voice in the instrument — a voice that powerfully bridges emotion, heritage, and modern artistry. His ability to blend traditional African sounds with the vibrant pulse of contemporary genres such as Afrobeat, jazz, and global music has positioned him as a unique force in the music world. Influences from legendary artists like Fela Kuti, Ebenezer Obey, Dave Koz, Richard Elliot, Orlando Julius, and Kirk Whalum have deeply shaped his musical ethos.

Now based in the United Kingdom, Abidemi Sax’s international performances have captivated audiences across continents, and his compositions — including works like Temi, Atinuda, Trust In God, Smile, and A Dreamer — showcase his commitment to musical excellence and spiritual depth. A seasoned performer, he has headlined numerous events in both Nigeria and the UK, earning acclaim for his electrifying stage presence and emotional delivery.