Chris Oledude Returns With “IF A WOMAN HAD MADE THE WORLD”
Chris Oledude is back, and honestly, he has a story that makes most modern musicians look a bit lazy. This guy was busking on the streets of New York in the 80s and even got a shout-out from folk legend Pete Seeger. After taking a thirty-five-year break to work in politics and activism, he’s finally returning to his first love. His new single, “IF A WOMAN HAD MADE THE WORLD,” officially dropped on February 27, 2026, and it’s a total breath of fresh air.
The song is a massive tribute to the women who keep the world spinning. Chris originally wrote it way back in 1983 for his mother, Ethel, but he’s updated the dedication to include his late wife, Sandra. It’s a family affair, too—his brothers helped him polish the lyrics and melody decades ago.
This track isn’t just a simple folk song. It’s got a smooth, soulful vibe that feels like a mix of Lou Rawls and Al Jarreau. It has that classic jazz-pop warmth that makes you want to snap your fingers. Chris teamed up with a singer named Kiena Williams for this version, and their voices together are pure magic. Kiena brings this huge, powerful energy that really drives home the message of the song.
One of the funniest parts of the track’s history involves the guitar solo. Back in the day, a guy named Clyde Spillenger played the solo. Clyde was a law student at the time and was never actually happy with how he played it. Chris loved it, though. Fast forward forty years, and Clyde is now a law professor at UCLA, but he’s still a “jazz guitarist in a law professor’s body.” He came back to record a brand new solo for this version, and it sounds fantastic.
The track is all about questioning the “competitive viciousness” of the world we live in. Chris argues that if women were in charge, things might look a lot more like a community and a lot less like a fight. It’s a big, beautiful idea wrapped in a very catchy tune. Especially with what’s going on around the world, this tune comes in handy. I love the way the track starts, and those vocals like a crowd chanting brings this energy that fuels the listener to immerse themselves into the song and experience those jazz pop vibe. It carries this danceable beats that makes you wanna twist and turn, whilst clapping.
If you want a song that makes you think while you groove, this is the one. It’s got history, it’s got heart, and it’s got a law professor shredding on the guitar. What more could you want? You can check out the vibe and the history behind his work on the ARTivistUS YouTube channel.
Enjoy More From Chris Oledude here;
English