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Ademola Daniel Babafemi, popularly known as Demola the Violinist, has quietly built a remarkable career, moving from Lagos, Nigeria to the center of Houston’s music scene, and now, to global recognition. His rise hasn’t been an easy one, but rather a deliberate, dedicated journey rooted in deep musical talent, relentless passion and an undeniable desire to innovate.
Born in 1993 in Lagos Nigeria, Demola grew up surrounded by music. In interviews, he fondly recalls being part of a music-loving family where church performances were a natural part of his life. His first public performance, when he was just four years old, was a small taste of the future that lay ahead. Even at that young age, it was clear that the violin was more than just an instrument for Demola, it was an extension of himself, a tool that allowed him to express emotion in ways words could never capture.
In 2014, Demola made the life-changing decision to move to Houston, Texas for grad school. This opened doors for his musical career. Houston’s diverse music scene became a breeding ground for his creativity. By 2016, Demola had released his first cover album, Album of Covers, Vol. 1, which featured violin adaptations of chart-topping pop and hip-hop hits. This album introduced him to a new audience, one that was intrigued by his ability to blend classical instrumentation with contemporary genres.
A year later, Demola released his debut single, Say Yes, followed by Light Up in the fall of 2017. Both songs, which he wrote and produced himself, showcased his talent not just as a violinist but as a musician and composer who could seamlessly weave together different sounds and ideas. But Demola wasn’t just about technical skill, his music was full of feeling, with each note telling a story of his own personal experiences and reflections. His follow-up single in 2018, Give Me Dat, continued this trend, a pop song that displayed his growing confidence as a composer and performer.
Interestingly, 2019 was a remarkable year for Demola. His cover of Return of the Mack went viral on social media, raking up millions of views across platforms like Facebook and Instagram. For many, this was the first time media users had come across the “TikTok Violinist” who was capable of reimagining classic R&B and hip-hop tunes with nothing but his violin. His popularity wasn’t just a flash in the pan, it was a reflection of the hard work he had put in over the years to perfect his craft. What made Demola stand out was his ability to maintain the essence of the original songs while adding his own unique touch, a skill few musicians possess. His talent earned him invitations to high-profile performances, including a feature on chef Marcus Samuelsson’s PBS show No Passport Required, where he played during an episode focused on Houston’s West African community.
By 2021, Demola had not only solidified his presence on social media but had also become a respected figure in Houston’s music scene. His original composition, Goldfish, was performed at the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards alongside members of the Houston Ballet and Ballet Folklorico. It was a true showcase of his compositional vision, a reflection of his ability to bridge different worlds through music.
And now, Demola’s journey is set to take another fascinating turn. During a recent live interview with Isat Buchanan, dancehall legend Vybz Kartel made an unexpected appearance, inviting Demola to perform at his upcoming New Year’s Eve show in Jamaica. For Demola, this invitation is more than just another gig, it’s an opportunity to share his music on a stage that celebrates a genre and culture he deeply respects. As someone who has always strived to create music that cuts across borders, performing with Vybz Kartel feels like a natural next step in his career.
Unlike many viral stars, Demola’s story is one of steady growth, built on a foundation of hard work and authenticity. He’s not interested in short-lived fame but more focused on leaving a lasting legacy.
As he prepares to share the stage with one of dancehall’s biggest names, one thing is clear, it is not just about reaching new heights for Demola, it’s about creating new pathways for others to follow.
See here to get a first hand experience of his magical fingers on the strings.
