Episode Summary: "Uwade's Classics-Inspired Debut Album" on All Of It
Introduction In this captivating episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart from WNYC, listeners are introduced to Uwade, a multifaceted singer-songwriter whose debut album, Florilegium, intertwines her passion for music with a deep academic background in classics. Released on June 24, 2025, Florilegium not only marks Uwade's official entry into the music scene but also reflects her scholarly pursuits, creating a unique fusion of art and academia.
Background and Musical Journey Uwade's journey into music and classics is a testament to her diverse interests and talents. Alison Stewart opens the conversation by highlighting Uwade's academic achievements:
"Back in April, singer-songwriter Uwade dropped her debut album called Florilegium. The album's name comes from Latin, which makes sense when you learn that Uwade studied classics at Columbia and then Oxford and is now in a PhD program at Stanford."
[00:28]
Despite being her first official release, Uwade is no stranger to the music world, having contributed vocals to Fleet Foxes' album Shore and touring with them. This rich background sets the stage for her own artistic expressions.
Deep Dive into Florilegium The title Florilegium, meaning "An Anthology of Writings" in Latin, aptly encapsulates the essence of Uwade's work—a collection of her artistic and intellectual explorations. Alison Stewart delves into the thematic elements of the album:
"It's so funny. This morning I just took pictures of tulips growing. Because they were just there. They were so pretty."
[12:00]
Uwade explains that flowers symbolize effortless beauty and resilience, themes that permeate her music. She further elaborates on the album's subtitle:
"I've written a song inspired by book four of the Idiot, so that is in my catalog. What's the name of it?"
[09:14 - 09:28]
"It's called Lady of Good Hope. It was recorded in 2020 and is in the vault, but one day it might be released."
[09:27 - 09:37]
Creative Process and Songwriting One of the standout moments in the episode is when Uwade discusses her songwriting process, particularly the creation of her song "Call It a Draw":
"I wrote that song in December of 2023. And what was going on in your life when you were writing it? Well, the usual. Heartbreak. Heartbreak."
[03:38 - 04:05]
She candidly shares how writing the song helped her navigate the end of a long-term relationship, offering listeners a glimpse into the therapeutic power of music. The improvisational nature of the song's structure reflects her emotional state:
"I just let myself pick some chords that I liked. I'm like, I'm just gonna see what comes with this as inspiration... I was like, no, I'm just gonna say something."
[04:27 - 05:02]
Academic Pursuits and Influences Uwade's academic interests deeply influence her musical creations. Currently pursuing a PhD at Stanford, her research focuses on the relationship between literature and enslavement in the ancient world. She shares:
"Slavery was a very massive institution in ancient Greece and Rome... there are lots of writers from the ancient world who were formerly enslaved. And I want to just see how that shows up, if at all, and what comparisons can be drawn to other cultures and times."
[08:12 - 09:01]
This scholarly perspective adds layers of complexity to her music, bridging historical narratives with contemporary themes.
Cultural Heritage and Representation A significant aspect of Uwade's identity is her Nigerian heritage, which she integrates into both her academic and musical endeavors. She addresses the often Eurocentric focus of classical studies:
"My dad was a fan. But then... the idea that it only focuses on Europe and also North Africa was such a huge part of the Roman Empire. People just forget half of these writers were coming from North Africa and probably even deeper that we don't even know about."
[10:11 - 11:06]
This commitment to diversity and representation not only informs her research but also influences the themes present in Florilegium.
Live Performances and Future Aspirations During the episode, Uwade performs "Harmaton," a track inspired by the Harmattan season in West Africa. The song resonates with themes of change, memory, and resilience:
"Harmaton Season this Out a day Talking... When the harma comes Will they know us then? Will we be forgotten? Never mind doesn't matter at all."
[14:17 - 16:24]
Looking ahead, Uwade expresses a desire to perform in Nigeria, celebrating her roots and the vibrant West African music scene:
"I would love to because I love West African music. I love Nigerian music, I love the energy of Nigeria, and I feel like it would just be so fun to do like a homecoming show there."
[13:08 - 13:48]
Conclusion Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by highlighting Uwade's upcoming projects, including her EP I Feel Different Every Day, which blends rock, R&B, and raw emotion into a cathartic sound. This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive look into Uwade's intertwined worlds of music and academia, showcasing how her intellectual pursuits enrich her artistic expressions.
Notable Quotes
- "Flowers aren't just there to be beautiful; they embody resilience and effortless grace." – Uwade, discussing the album's themes. [12:07]
- "When the Harma comes Will they know us then? Will we be forgotten?" – Uwade, from her song "Harmaton." [14:17]
Final Thoughts For listeners seeking an enriching blend of culture, academia, and heartfelt music, this episode of All Of It serves as a profound exploration of Uwade's creative and scholarly journey. Florilegium stands as a testament to her ability to weave personal experiences with historical narratives, offering a unique and compelling addition to the cultural tapestry.