Dora Award-winning Toronto singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Kunlé announces June 26, 2026 as the release date for his highly-anticipated new album ‘Kunlé – The Journey’ (via DistroKid), and celebrates with a new lyric video for “So Dear” and his album release concert at Small World Centre in Toronto on Thursday, June 25.

His sophomore album ‘Kunlé – The Journey’ will be released on digital and vinyl formats and features seven deeply rooted, personal songs. Music and lyrics are by Kunlé and he performs vocals and guitar. The second verse lyrics on track two “Ayé Mo Júbà” were written and performed by special guest vocalist Nigerian artist Adédèjì, and the second verse lyrics on track four “Ọ̀rọ̀ Kan” are by Nigerian-born/Canada-based singer, songwriter Dipo.

The songs on ‘Kunlé – The Journey’ were recorded in Kunlé’s home studio in Toronto and at Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, ON. It was produced and mastered at Catherine North with Kunlé as co-producer and Will Crann (Blue Rodeo, Whitehorse, Feist, The Glorious Sons and more) as co-producer and recording engineer.

Kunlé, who is also set to play the 2026 Mariposa Folk Festival, states, “My new album is a collection of reflections and experiences built from love, spirit, heritage and the journey of self-discovery. More than a destination, this project maps the roads that shaped me and the quiet truths found along the way. It is both a departure from the expected path and a return home.”

Reviewers often note Kunlé’s warmth and endearing presence onstage. Mike Hill, former Artistic Director of Mariposa Folk Festival, wrote, “Join Kunle as he leaves you basking with gentleness and optimism.” And the 2019 Just Music Concert Series, Accra Unplugged, Accra, Ghana offered concisely, “Afro-Folk Prince.”

“Kunlé, originally from Nigeria, was totally engaging.” – veteran promoter Richard Flohil, Artists You Should Look Out For, Stories from the Edge of Music, March 7, 2025.

“…he settled in Canada in 2014. …Almost immediately, he was booked to play the Mariposa Folk Festival, prompting him to record a five-song EP in 2015.” – Heather Kitching, Roots Music Canada, June 4, 2023.

Kunlé’s artistry is grounded in the traditions he grew up with – riddles, chants, parables and the communal way stories are carried. That foundation shapes everything he creates. Whether reimagining childhood songs or unfolding ancestral proverbs, his compositions travel between continents while remaining deeply personal. The song “But a Dream” from his five-track 2015 debut EP ‘Amí N Relé’ reflects this approach; familiar ideas reframed through West African modes, Mediterranean textures and acoustic patterns rooted in Yoruba folklore.

Kunlé’s collaborations include work with Juno Award–winning artists such as Töme, and performances alongside Canadian Folk Music Awards winner Julian Taylor, AHI, Folk Music Ontario Award and Maple Blues Award winner Shakura S’aida and more. His creative partnerships span co-producing for Barbadian artist Vincent Jamal, collaborating with Ghanaian-Canadian artist Paakwesi and co-writing with German band Emily Falls, and extensive touring over the past few years include performances across Canada, West Africa and Europe at venues such as Toronto’s The Globe and Mail Centre and Hugh’s Room and festivals including Mariposa Folk Festival, Blue Skies Music Festival, Summerfolk, Habari Africa Festival, Peterborough Folk Festival and Africa Day Festival in Hamburg, Germany.