Nigerian-born Lindsey Abudei is a singer-songwriter and improv vocal composer influenced by diverse genres— Rock, Blues, Jazz & R&B — shaped into a genre-fluid, contemporary sound.
Born and raised in Jos, Nigeria, by parents with rich musical tastes, her influences from Jazz, Rock, R&B, Blues, Soul, Classical and from artists like Roberta Flack, The Beach Boys, Sade, Eva Cassidy, Sarah McLachlan, Lauryn Hill, she honed her sound.
After a short stint doing backups for South African singer, Sonti Mndebele, being the lead singer for a local jazz band, The Jazzcats, Lindsey has also had collaborations with MI Abaga, Jesse Jagz, Laolu Senbanjo, British trumpeter, Tom Arthurs, Grammy nominated and winning composers, Vijay Iyer and Morgan Guerin.
Having opened for acts like the French Nicolas Folmer Quartet, South African Mi Casa and Asa during their Nigerian tour, her acclaimed EP, Brown (2013) was released earning her a Radio France Internationale’s (RFI) Prix Découvertes award in the same year.
Her new album, “...And The Bass Is Queen.” has gotten great reviews from Nigeria and abroad since its release:
“If you’ve never taken me up on anything, please do on this: Lindsey Abudei’s “...And The Bass Is Queen.” is the best album I’ve heard in years.”
-Cobhams Asuquo. Singer/Songwriter and Producer.
“...And The Bass Is Queen.” is one of the best albums released by a Nigerian in a decade.”
- Oris Aigbokhaevbolo Music In Africa Contributor.
Since her album release, Lindsey has had her music used in AMVCA and AMAA 2018 nominated and winning movie, Isoken and has gotten a nomination for the Best Vocal Performance (Female) at the Headies 2020.
She is an Art OMI: Music 2017 Fellow, a BANFF Jazz And Creative Music 2018 Alumna, a Red Bull Music Academy (RBMA) 2018 Alum.,a Pop-Kultur Nachwuchs alumna, a ColabNowNow 2019 Art resident, a OneBeat 2021 Music Fellow and a Black Girls Glow 2022 Fellow.
Her work is inspired by her interest in the human experience, the exploration of its spectrum and the pursuit of freedom -- in our selves, our conversations and communion with each other.
She is also curious about exploring the intersections of music, art forms like photography, film and other movement forms.