Segun Akinola, born in 1993, is an English composer whose work in television, film, and documentary has brought him worldwide recognition. Drawing on his British Nigerian heritage and a diverse musical upbringing, Akinola has developed a distinctive voice in screen composition, most notably as the music director for the landmark series Doctor Who between 2018 and 2022. His ability to blend orchestral grandeur with modern electronic texture has earned him respect as one of Britain’s most forward-thinking composers.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Segun Akinola was born in 1993 and raised in England within a British Nigerian household that valued rhythm, culture, and creativity. His introduction to music came early through the piano and drums. These two instruments provided him with both structure and freedom, shaping his deep appreciation for melody and rhythm.
He attended Bedford Modern School before studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he graduated with first-class honours in 2014. Continuing his academic journey, Akinola earned a Master’s degree in Composing for Film and Television from the National Film and Television School. This training grounded his artistic instincts in technical precision, preparing him for the demands of composing for screen.
Akinola has often spoken about how his upbringing influenced his music. Growing up with the sounds of gospel, classical pieces, Afrobeat rhythms, and Western orchestral scores gave him a wide musical vocabulary. His approach reflects this diversity, allowing him to compose fluidly across genres without losing emotional clarity.
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Becoming Composer for Doctor Who
In June 2018, Segun Akinola was announced as the new composer for Doctor Who, succeeding Murray Gold. His appointment coincided with a significant shift in the series as Jodie Whittaker became the first female Doctor. This marked a new creative era for the long-running show, and Akinola’s challenge was to craft a sound that felt both familiar and renewed.
For four years, from 2018 to 2022, Akinola provided the score for series eleven through thirteen, as well as the 2022 specials, concluding with The Power of the Doctor. His work introduced a modern musical identity to the show while maintaining respect for its legacy. Akinola reimagined the iconic theme, drawing inspiration from the original 1963 arrangement while infusing it with electronic atmospheres and deeper emotional undertones.
His scores were praised for their subtle balance between orchestral and electronic elements. Rather than relying on constant musical intensity, Akinola often used restraint, allowing silence and sound design to shape emotion. This sensitivity to pacing and atmosphere offered Doctor Who a new kind of sonic storytelling, one that focused on mood and character rather than spectacle alone.
Major Works Beyond Doctor Who
Before joining Doctor Who, Akinola had already gained acclaim for his documentary and film compositions. He created music for the BBC Two series Black and British: A Forgotten History, which explored the long and often overlooked connection between Britain and people of African descent. The series earned him significant attention, showcasing his ability to pair historical narrative with emotional resonance.
His other documentary credits include The Human Body: Secrets of Your Life Revealed, Wonders of the Moon, and Expedition Volcano. In the film world, he composed for A Moving Image and the short film Dear Mr Shakespeare. These works highlight his adaptability, demonstrating how he tailors each score to suit the story’s tone, pace, and cultural backdrop.
Recently, Akinola composed for Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League, a documentary that examines the creation and impact of Africa’s first professional basketball league. He also scored the BBC Studios Natural History Unit series Kingdom, filmed over several years and celebrated for its grandeur and realism. Through these projects, Akinola continues to prove that his music transcends genre, bridging science fiction, culture, and history with the same emotional depth.
Recognition and Achievements
Segun Akinola’s work has been widely recognised across the industry. In 2017, he was named a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit, marking him as one of the UK’s most promising creative voices. The same year, he received an Honourable Mention in the Jerry Goldsmith Awards for his score to Dear Mr Shakespeare. In 2019, he was nominated for a Screen Nation Award in the Rising Star category.
These honours acknowledge not only his technical skill but also his contribution to diversifying British screen music. Akinola stands as a role model for young composers of multicultural backgrounds, proving that creative excellence can be informed by heritage as much as training.
Creative Philosophy and Style
Akinola’s philosophy as a composer is rooted in story first. He views music as an emotional bridge between the audience and the narrative. His approach is defined not by a single sound but by the needs of the project. For him, genre is secondary to emotional truth.
This flexible mindset allows him to move from the cosmic worlds of Doctor Who to the grounded realism of documentaries. He frequently combines orchestral arrangements with electronic soundscapes, percussive layering, and sometimes silence to evoke tension or reflection. His music reflects a modern British sensibility, informed by global rhythm and heritage.
Akinola’s multicultural identity continues to influence his work. He often speaks about the importance of being authentic, bringing one’s background and personal experience into the creative process rather than conforming to external expectations. His career stands as a testament to the idea that the strongest artistic voices come from individuality.
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Current Work and Future Vision
Based in London, Segun Akinola continues to compose for film, television, and documentary. His official updates show new collaborations and ongoing exploration of sound and emotion across various genres. His versatility and consistency ensure that his name remains among the most respected contemporary composers in British television and beyond.
As Akinola’s career progresses, his work serves as an example of how cultural roots, academic training, and personal creativity can merge to redefine the sound of modern storytelling.
Author’s Note
Segun Akinola’s career illustrates how authenticity, cultural identity, and musical curiosity can redefine the landscape of television and film scoring. His work on Doctor Who represents not only a bold reimagining of an iconic sound but also a modern vision for emotional storytelling in music. Whether scoring the vastness of space, the intricacies of human history, or the rhythms of modern Africa, Akinola’s compositions remind us that music’s true power lies in connection and honesty. His journey continues to inspire the next generation of composers seeking to balance tradition, innovation, and personal voice.
References
Who Is Segun Akinola? The Guardian
Segun Akinola on Bringing Your Voice to Every Project – Spitfire Audio
