Bradford musician Wale Aroy set to release his debut album

Wale Aroy, the voice behind Neo21, came from Nigeria to the city as a masters student at the University of Bradford.

He is now putting his project management degree into building a future filled with performances and music.

His new album, Teriqus – the story of ambition, identity, resilience, and vulnerability – is now out.

The name is an ode to the new-age Greek poets.

Coming from Lagos – known for its Afrobeat scene – Wale had already dived into the music scene by the time he moved to Bradford.

Wale – the youngest of four siblings – discovered his love of sound through freestyling with his older brothers.

Wale Aroy, the voice behind Neo21, pictured in Bradford (Image: Wale Aroy) He grew up listening to bands like Westlife and, later, 21 Pilots.

His passion led to him making lyrics to free beats on YouTube and joining Lagos’ freestyling scene at university.

“From doing that I got to understand my skill level was a bit above average – I could hold my own,” said Wale.

After five years of making music and being a finalist in a competition, he moved to Bradford.

He has opened for Nigerian artists Shoday and Duncan Mighty on their UK tours, run his own radio show, and featured in Bradford City’s official unveiling of their new alternative kit.

Wale Aroy, the voice behind Neo21, pictured during a performance (Image: Wale Aroy) His next show will see him perform at the Bradford African Festival of Arts in August.

Wale said: “I remember when I was trying to move to the UK – my brother was based in Huddersfield, he said don’t just come here because I’m here. 

“I said, I’m definitely going to West Yorkshire. I started booking around cities. When I saw Bradford I saw culture, music, and creativity. I was like, that’s where I want to be.

“There was just nowhere else I wanted.

“The one thing I will always be grateful and love about Bradford – people. The people of Bradford have been very supportive.”

The 27-year-old works on the production team at Bradford 2025 as well as doing live performances.

Speaking about his new album, he said: “The first track is a wake up call to myself. It’s like a self affirmation… I know where I’m coming from, where I’m going, but I know where I am. 

“One key thing in my music is resilience. I talk about alienation, passion – the second track talks about love but more talking about your feelings, being able to recognise yourself and see yourself.”

“If you do something that makes you happy, you should never dim that down. If it’s something you enjoy doing, it’s something you should try to do.”

Neo21’s album, Teriqus, can be found on all streaming platforms.

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