Spearheart’s ‘Awakening’: a musical journey of healing and empathy across continents

Walter Kolade Spearheart, known professionally as Spearheart, has spent decades evolving as a musician, traversing continents and exploring the emotional and spiritual dimensions of music. 

His journey began in the early 2000s as a rap artist. Since then, he has developed into a singer-songwriter, therapeutic harpist and acoustic guitarist. 

Over the years, he has blended genres into an immersive sound that connects with listeners on multiple levels. 

Spearheart’s latest project, a five-track EP titled “Awakening”, has attracted international attention. The EP marks a new chapter in a career that began in Nigeria and has spanned Cape Town, London and Atlanta. His music integrates elements of soul, Afro-gospel, cinematic folk and inspirational rock. 

With a harp in hand, Spearheart channels the emotional resonance of Enya, the orchestral drama of Coldplay and the spiritual depth of Sade. His music aims not only to engage the listener but also to encourage reflection and empathy.  

Following the release of the music video for “What A World It Would Be”, which was shot in Cape Town and directed by Nkosana Mvinjelwa, Spearheart has recently dropped another visual for the opening track of the EP, “A Song To End All Wars”. 

He described “What A World It Would Be” as “an epic, gospel-fused, cinematic track. It embodies hope and collective joy. The electric guitar refrain, which follows each repetition of ‘what a world it would be’, has become an emotional high point for listeners.” 

“A Song To End All Wars” is a piano-driven ballad. Spearheart explained, “It is about human connection beyond conflict. The lyrics, such as ‘I can be your friend and someone you can love,’ are a call for empathy in a world full of division. It reflects the need for understanding and spiritual reconciliation.” 

In an interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle”, Spearheart reflected on the influence of his experiences abroad. 

“Before being a musician or what some might call a healer, I am first a human being. My experiences in Nigeria and abroad have shaped me. They have taught me to balance the creative flow of music with the practical aspects of the business."

"They have also taught me to adapt to different circumstances, work with others and appreciate the cultural and musical influences people bring. These lessons have broadened my perspective on music and deepened my understanding of others.”

Spearheart’s attraction to the harp emerged gradually.

“I grew up as a violinist and was immersed in classical music, so I always heard the harp in the background. Around 2014, I discovered how musicians were using the harp therapeutically. I came across Lisa Lynne, who played in hospices and caregiving homes. Her work inspired me to learn the harp and approach it with empathy and healing in mind.” 

He described his early experiences playing in Cape Town: “From 2016 to 2017, I had the opportunity to play at places like the Helen Keller Society caregiving home. I developed a style suited for those settings. Over time, that style evolved and merged with other genres, which we now explore in the EP.” 

The “Awakening” EP is a collection of songs written over more than a decade.

“The theme that ties all five tracks together is empathy,” he said. “It is about connecting with other people’s emotions, whether pain, hope or personal struggles. Each song reflects a different aspect of the human experience.”

Spearheart highlighted the difference between traditional performance and therapeutic music.

“In a standard performance, the goal is often to entertain and engage the audience. With therapeutic music, the intention is different. It is about empathy and serving the listener’s emotional or psychological needs. You guide them toward calm, clarity and peace. The focus is on the listener, not the performer.” 

He also shared his spiritual perspective on music and creation.

“Humans are spiritual at their core. We are all subject to the same spiritual laws, whether we recognise them or not. The more conscious we are, the greater our responsibility in creating art. Musicians often say they ‘create’ music. I believe we do not create in the absolute sense."

"We form things from what already exists, and we are responsible for the effects of our work. Understanding this leads us to seek spiritual guidance during the artistic process. To ask or to seek means being open to being inwardly led rather than relying solely on one’s own abilities. This is central to my approach to music.”

Spearheart is currently in Cape Town until October 2. He spoke about his goals for his visit.

“My aspiration is to ignite the flames of peace, joy and conscious living wherever I go. I hope to awaken the most positive qualities in those I meet. Through music and interaction, I aim to encourage joy and awareness. I hope this will happen here in Cape Town.”

Following the release of the EP, Spearheart plans live performances and further recordings.

“We are focused on sharing more music and reaching people in a meaningful way,” he said.

Regarding the future, he reflected, “It is impossible to predict exactly what will happen in the next five years. We can only work earnestly toward the outcomes we hope to see. I hope more people will recognise the importance of intention in music, both as creators and as listeners."

"Music can be a tool for healing, spiritual awakening and reorientation. That is what the world needs now.”

Spearheart remains focused on the principles that have guided him throughout his career.

“My hope is that music will awaken people to the beauty of empathy, understanding, and conscious living. If we can achieve that, we can create a world where music is not just heard, but felt deeply and acted upon,” he said.