Parsh N Lancy: From Yoruba Poetry to Ewipop Pioneers

The journey of musical duo Parsh N Lancy, comprised of brothers Ibukun Oyedola (Parsh) and Olanrewaju Oyedola (Lancy), is a compelling narrative of passion, perseverance, and the evolution of sound. Born in the early 90s in Abeokuta, Ogun State, grew up in a middle-class family, these two brothers have carved a unique niche in the […]

Parsh N Lancy: From Yoruba Poetry to Ewipop Pioneers
Parsh N Lancy: From Yoruba Poetry to Ewipop Pioneers

The journey of musical duo Parsh N Lancy, comprised of brothers Ibukun Oyedola (Parsh) and Olanrewaju Oyedola (Lancy), is a compelling narrative of passion, perseverance, and the evolution of sound.

Born in the early 90s in Abeokuta, Ogun State, grew up in a middle-class family, these two brothers have carved a unique niche in the Nigerian entertainment scene, blending traditional Yoruba poetry with contemporary Afrobeats to create their signature “Ewipop” genre.

Parsh’s musical inclinations surfaced early, specifically in 2003 during his junior secondary school years. A pivotal moment arrived when a freelance journalist, Mr Aderoju Adejare, from Ogun State Television (OGTV) visited his school, expressed his need for a smart and talented young boy, Mr Wasiu Bashir sent for Parsh detailing his confidence in his delivery.

Under the guidance of Mr. Aderoju Adejare, Parsh delivered a captivating performance on HIV/AIDS awareness that marked the true beginning of his artistic path. Unbeknownst to him, this early spark ignited a similar passion in his younger brother, Lancy, who got inspired by him.

Following his OGTV debut, Parsh continued to perform solo, mesmerizing audiences with his poetic prowess. By 2005, he formed the band “Obabiolorun Kosi Ewi Exponent” with schoolmates, with Lancy soon joining as an exceptional sekere instrumentalist.

Performing under the stage names Onípàsán Òrò for Parsh and Alágbasà Òrò for Lancy, the group made their debut in March 2006 at a teacher’s wedding ceremony in Eruwa, Oyo State. They went on to perform over a hundred shows across Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun states, solidifying their presence in the regional music circuit.

The duo’s stage name itself has undergone an evolution, from Pasania Ewillis & Lancy, to the acronym P.e.L, then Parsh en Lancy, before finally settling on the well-known “Parsh N Lancy.”

The group eventually disbanded in 2008, leaving Parsh and Lancy to forge their own path. Their unique chemistry endured, leading them to release their first studio album, Adoorun Mooto, in 2009. This creative partnership continued even as both brothers pursued higher education. Parsh studied Pharmacy at Olabisi Onabanjo University and Lancy at Tai-Solarin University of Education, where he studied Creative Arts.

A significant turning point came in 2012. Recognizing that their current musical style primarily appealed to an older demographic, Parsh N Lancy embarked on a mission to introduce Ewi to a younger audience. This vision birthed the innovative “Ewipop” genre, a vibrant fusion of traditional Yoruba poetry and modern Afrobeats rhythms.

The following year, in 2013, they released their groundbreaking Ewipop single, “Serere” (meaning “Do good”), featuring Lamytea & Cool Gee, proudly produced by Mckadz. This track seamlessly integrated local sonorities with Afrobeats, marking a definitive shift in their artistic direction.

Since then, the duo has released a string of successful singles, demonstrating their consistency and versatility with “E go beta” (2014), “One Time” (2016), “Kele” (2016), “Jofunmi” (2017), “Work” (2018), “Aje” featuring Addict (2019), “Irawo” (2020), and “Work Refix” featuring Cool Gee, Prince Hardey & Pablo Longs (2020) Produced by Sushi Tunes.

In 2022, Parsh N Lancy released their highly anticipated first body of work, Breezy the EP. This six-track project featured collaborations with notable artists such as Oladips, Vader the Wildcard, Addict, and Jamal Babz. The Ep was proudly produced by the celebrity beat maker, Xtra Pro. Their prolific output continues with future projects like Motilor (2025) and “My G” featuring Zigido in 2026. My G is off the much anticipated EP, Adufe the EP produced by celebrity beat maker, Xtra Pro, which is due to drop later this year.

Beyond audio releases, Parsh N Lancy have also invested in visual storytelling, with music videos for “Aje” ft. Addict (2019), “Beta” (2022), “Ewipop” (2023), and “My G” (2026). Their dedication has not gone unnoticed, earning them nominations for prestigious awards, including the Next Rated category at the J-Empire Awards (2018) and Best Inspirational Song with a Message at the Top Naija Music Awards 6th Edition (2018).

More than just musicians, Parsh N Lancy have also ventured into filmmaking since 2016, releasing The Dying Flame the short film. A film written by Lancy, and Directed by Parsh. They have since showcased their diverse talents within the entertainment industry with multiple projects to show for it. Their journey is a testament to the power of consistency and doggedness, proving that with unwavering dedication, great things are indeed born.