Steven Bamidele – The Fool feat. Sly5thAve

Steven Bamidele has unveiled “The Fool,” a sublime collaboration with renowned multi-instrumentalist Sly5thAve that weaves soul, jazz, and neo-soul. Released via Tru Thoughts, the single showcases Bamidele’s evolution as a London-based singer, songwriter, and producer while marking what he describes as “a shift, like a new chapter opening.”

Lyrically, “The Fool” explores profound existential themes. It grapples with the realization that unchecked self-interest leads to isolation. It uses religious imagery to tell the story of someone who has relentlessly pursued their dreams only to find themselves alone, questioning the foundation of their success.

US-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Sly5thAve—who has previously collaborated with legends like Prince and Stevie Wonder—brings his distinctive musical signature to the track. He provides twinkling woodwinds throughout, culminating in a saxophone solo that serves as a moment of pure catharsis. “Steven’s voice is heavenly, and once I heard it, I was immediately inspired to create something,” Sly5thAve shares. “It’s like stepping into a dream. As I love to do, I got carried away very quickly. Thank goodness it worked!”

Bamidele surrounded himself with trusted collaborators for this project, including Dave Bryce (piano, production), Ollie Foreman (drums), and longtime friend James Smyth (bass). However, he was particularly impressed by Sly5thAve’s contributions: “I didn’t expect the number of beautiful layers he’d add to this track. All I asked for was a sax solo at the end, and he just said, ‘I’ll work it out, that’s part of the fun.’ When he sent it back, it was like he had lived inside the song. It just felt right.”