The artist: Michael Olatuja

The album: Speak (Backdrop/Obliq)

The spin: Chances are you’ve heard Michael Olatuja before. Over the years, the British/Nigerian bassist’s work has helped spark the shows of Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Lisa Stansfield, Terence Blanchard and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

For his debut album, Speak, the 28-year-old Olatuja commands center stage as producer, composer, arranger and performer. The result is an uplifting, melodic stew that seamlessly melds the rhythms of his native Africa with styles more familiar to Westerners: neo-soul balladry, modern jazz, R&B, hip-hop and gospel.

The collection features an exquisite cast of alternating lead singers from around the world, and incorporates standards of traditional African music such as the talking drum, conga, djembe, call-and-response vocals and the Yoruba language.

The opening track, “Ma Foya” (Yoruba for “Don’t Fear”), features Lynden David Hall on vocals and layers classic Philly vocals over a West African rhythmic pattern.

Olatuja’s wife, Alicia, leads the funky ballad “Unconditional” that she co-wrote with him about the wonders of commitment. “Le Jardin” (The Garden), with vocals by Onaje Jefferson, captures the unbridled optimism of the best neo-soul and echoes the spiritual romanticism of Stevie Wonder.

While making a strong statement about Olatuja’s musical roots and the commonalities between the genres that shaped his artistry, the 10 songs on Speak stay true to his theme of hope, encouragement and positivity.

Finally, Olatuja has spoken. It’s a pleasure to hear what he has to say.

The grade: B+

– William McGee