The Fool feat. Sly5thAve
Steven Bamidele
Released: 1 Apr 2025
Label: Tru Thoughts
London-based singer, songwriter, and producer Steven Bamidele returns with brand-new music, “The Fool feat. Sly5thAve” – a reflection on the consequences of pure self-interest and the lack of subscribing to a higher purpose.
“The Fool” grapples with the existential realisation that unchecked self-interest can lead to isolation. Laden with religious imagery, it tells the story of someone who has pursued their dreams relentlessly, only to find themselves alone, questioning the very foundation of their success.
Featuring the masterful touch of renowned US-based composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sly5thAve, the track is a richly layered, emotionally charged offering that further cements Steven’s place in the contemporary neo-soul and jazz-infused space. “The Fool” went through so many iterations–it just wouldn’t sit right for a long time. The key changes, the sections, they were all at odds at one point. But in the end, it felt like a breakthrough. Like something finally clicked.” Steven shares.
Sly5thAve provides twinkling woodwinds throughout, culminating in a saxophone solo – a moment of pure catharsis that mirrors the protagonist’s internal conflict. He adds, “I loved working on “The Fool”. Steven’s voice is heavenly, and once I heard it, I was immediately inspired to create something. It’s like stepping into a dream. As I love to do, I got carried away very quickly. Thank goodness it worked!”
“I didn’t expect the number of beautiful layers he’d add to this track,” Steven reflects. “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.” Surrounding himself with trusted collaborators, “The Fool” also features Dave Bryce (piano, production), Ollie Foreman (drums), and longtime friend James Smyth (bass).
With “The Fool”, Steven Bamidele carves out a space that is uniquely his own–melding intricate storytelling with bold, genre-blurring production. “This song feels like a shift, like a new chapter opening,” he says.
