Ado Soul & the Tribe are preparing to showcase their 'Louisiana funk' in Chico, a sound that the lead vocalist says carries passion, love and a dash of purpose.
It’s a music genre that its lead vocalist, Ado Soul, describes as one-of-a-kind. For him, it’s more than just music, it’s a deeply personal endeavor built on storytelling.
“There is no funk like it, there's no sound like it, with our music, we tell stories,” Soul said.
His creative process is heavily influenced by his New Orleans upbringing, favoring the powerful brass sounds, particularly the trumpets and trombones.
“If you come to a show and you don't feel like you know who Ado is at the end of the show, then I haven't done my job correctly,” Soul said.
Early beginnings and family admiration
Soul began honing his craft at Xavier University of Louisiana. He and his friends would sing on the streets of New Orleans, covering songs by groups like Boyz II Men and Jagged Edge.
“Basically, I would go out there just to have a little gas money in my car, have a little food in the pantry,” Soul said.
That would eventually jolt his ambition and mark the start of his music career.
However, music and performing have always been at the forefront of his journey.
“[My family is] my inspiration for how I make music. We talked about passion a lot, so they inspire a lot of my lyric experience, they inspire a lot of what I portray in my sound.”- Ado Soul, lead vocalist of Ado Soul and the Tribe
His mother was a choir director, and his father, a pastor and gospel singer, taught him firsthand where his musical roots came from.
“I grew up singing with him and traveling with him all over Louisiana, all over the southern region, and I learned a lot from him,” Soul explained. “I learned how to put passion behind music just from watching him and hearing him.”
Family stands as the biggest inspiration for Soul. The father of six emphasizes the importance of having a strong family unit.
“They are my inspiration for how I make music,” Soul said. “We talked about passion a lot, so they inspire a lot of my lyric experience, they inspire a lot of what I portray in my sound.”
Dedication and the joys of performing
Soul and company recently released their debut album, “A Taste of the Tribe,” this past summer, blending soul, funk and gospel.
“It is absolutely amazing to be able to put a project out and see people's reactions and see people really vibe with the music, because it starts from a place in your mind,” Soul said.
“I'm hoping that they understand the music that we make, it's to touch, it’s to heal, it’s to have fun, but it's purposeful music.”- Ado Soul, lead vocalist of Ado Soul and the Tribe
His star continues to rise, including being named one of Essence Magazine’s “New & Next Artists in 2023.” Also, this past year, he performed at the 2025 BET Awards Red Carpet Pre-Show.
Soul delivers a high-energy experience and adores crowd interaction and the passion they bring. Ultimately, he plans to leave it "all on the floor."
“I'm hoping that they understand the music that we make, it's to touch, it’s to heal, it’s to have fun, but it's purposeful music,” Soul said.
The band will be performing at [time] on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Down Lo in Chico.
