Every once in a while, an artist emerges who makes you pause mid-scroll and ask, “Wait, who is this?” Enter Atomic Sound, a 21-year-old Lagos-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who’s been quietly building something special over the past four years.
Born Israel Odunewu on March 28, 2005, this Ikorodu native walked away from a career as a chemistry teacher to pursue music full-time, and honestly? Nigerian R&B is better for it. What immediately sets him apart is his sound: a dreamy fusion of Afrobeats, Afrosoul, Afro-Dancehall, and Afro R&B that feels like the lovechild of classic R&B’s emotional depth and Afrobeats’ infectious rhythms. Unlike the typical party-starting tracks flooding your playlist, Atomic Sound’s music is designed for late nights, deep feelings, and introspective moments.
He’s a self-taught guitarist and pianist who started his musical journey in church choirs before diving headfirst into creating the kind of soft, sensual, emotionally-charged tracks that make you want to text your ex… or maybe just sit with your feelings for once.
His creative process is as intimate as his music: he literally makes most of his tracks from his bedroom because that’s where he feels most comfortable and authentic.
What makes Atomic Sound worth your time isn’t just his talent; it’s his vision. This isn’t an artist chasing trends or trying to replicate what’s already working; he’s actively trying to create his own genre, build a global fanbase, and eventually establish a music school for Nigeria’s next generation of artists. His recent collaboration “Only Fan” featuring O.L is proof that he’s not just talking big; he’s putting in the work. Currently unsigned and fiercely independent, he’s building his platform on Instagram (@atomicsounds_) and Twitter(X) (@atomicsounds__), connecting directly with fans who appreciate music that prioritizes soul over streaming numbers. Influenced by legends like Celine Dion, Joe, R. Kelly, and Chris Brown, and dreaming of future collaborations with Chris Brown and Tems, Atomic Sound represents something increasingly rare in Nigerian music: an artist who believes emotion, vulnerability, and authenticity are strengths, not weaknesses.
In an industry obsessed with the next viral hit, he’s focused on creating timeless music that resonates long after the first listen. If you’re tired of surface-level tracks and ready for something with actual substance, Atomic Sound is the artist you’ve been waiting for.
