In an air-conditioned oasis of Bing Studio amidst a heat wave on campus, the lights dimmed and a vibrant display of blues, purples and pinks painted the stage. The mood lights primed audience members for what would be an exhilarating evening of soulful, intimate R&B from Nigerian-Canadian-American singer ODIE, born Odunayo Ekunboyejo.
On Saturday evening, the Stanford Concert Network (SCN) made a perhaps unconventional but rewarding decision — bringing ODIE to campus for their annual Welcome Back Show. Unlike previous years, which featured high-energy artists like Armani White, this choice leaned into a more mellow energy. While it was not the typical welcome back show, it was still a refreshing change. Bing Studio, with its surround sound-like acoustics, offered a wonderfully intimate yet spacious venue to host the show.
After an opening set from Stanford’s own jazz-pop band Six of Spades, ODIE dove into his performance with infectious energy, accompanied by two talented musicians on guitar and keys/bass. The crowd was immediately drawn in. Audience members swayed and swung along, particularly during “Where Do We Go” from ODIE’s most recent EP, whose thoughtful lyrics delve into his personal experiences and emotional growth. ODIE’s voice smoothly blended soulful emotion and melodic richness, with his music ranging from introspective and dreamy to upbeat and groovy.
The singer’s charm was evident as he shared anecdotes between songs; one story in particular resonated with me. He explained his decision to give Stanford students free merchandise emblazoned with the title of his EP, “No Future Ambition” (NFA) — the irony being that these ambitious students embody the exact opposite of the shirt’s message. After “Where Do We Go,” ODIE recounted his journey from the University of California, San Diego — where he dropped out, only to eventually return — and even slipped into his Nigerian accent to add a personal touch to the narrative. The message of NFA — “Don’t be scared to be a failure, because you have to fail” — resonated deeply with my own experiences navigating college, where challenges and the lowest of lows always lead to growth.
As the concert progressed, ODIE delivered a heartfelt performance of one of his more well-known tracks, “Little Lies.” Singing it in a lower octave, he conveyed intense emotion. For me, the lyrics “Would you be prepared, would you be surprised?” and the repetition of hearing “look up” served as a poignant reminder of how music has been a constant source of solace and inspiration during times of change.
Toward the end of his set, ODIE asked the crowd if he could sit down for the next song. The standing audience enthusiastically said yes, but then appeared a bit awkward and puzzled on whether or not they should too. He then invited everyone to sit down. “Criss-cross applesauce. Y’all are making me feel like we’re all back in Kindergarten,” he joked. This sense of connection was only enhanced during the next song, where the audience joined in, echoing his repetitive “oohing.” It really was a moment of pure joy, making me feel quite youthful.
The evening crescendoed with “North Face,” a fan favorite that had the crowd singing along. ODIE cleverly changed the lyrics to reference a girl from Palo Alto. The energy in the room was electric, reaching a peak when the guitarist started playing the beginning notes of “Miss Summer.” An audience member shouted “YES!” and ODIE, ever the performer, chuckled, feeding off that energy.
To top off an already incredible night, Odie held an impromptu meet-and-greet at the end. It was a lovely gesture that allowed fans to connect with him on a personal level, solidifying the sense of community he had fostered throughout the concert.
His charisma, emotional depth and ability to connect with his audience made for a truly memorable experience. As I left the venue, I continued to feel a mix of nostalgia and gratitude, transporting me back to high school where a former friend introduced me to ODIE’s music. Not only did it shape my high school years but it also accompanied me through the ups and downs of my time as a student at Stanford. If you ever get the chance to see him live, don’t miss it — you won’t be disappointed.
Editor’s Note: This article is a review and includes subjective thoughts, opinions and critiques.