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Independent singer-songwriter Chris Oledude has released a powerful new single titled “Turning Tables,” a fun, funky, and truth-filled song that speaks directly to the economic realities many people face today and the growing need for social and financial change. The track serves as a strong introduction to his debut album, Preacher Man – Vol. 1, released through CESO Enterprises, Inc.
“Turning Tables” is a fair-wages anthem rooted in honesty, groove, and purpose. While the song is upbeat and danceable, its message is serious and timely. It reflects the struggles of working people and echoes the long-standing fight for justice, fairness, and dignity. The song draws inspiration from the biblical story of Jesus confronting the powerful institutions of his time, reminding listeners that for many, the struggle has not changed, and the need to push back remains.
The single is a duet performed by Chris Oledude and singer-songwriter Lindsey Wilson, and was co-written by Christopher R. Owens (ASCAP) and Dr. Lora-Ellen McKinney (ASCAP). Dr. McKinney first conceived the lyrical idea for “Turning Tables” in 2022 while preparing a multimedia exhibition titled “P3: The Painting & Poetry Project” in Seattle, Washington. The exhibition combined poetry with visual, physical, and musical art to explore themes of freedom, justice, and human dignity.
Dr. McKinney, an award-winning dancer, author, and psychologist, brings a deeply personal perspective to the song. She is the eldest daughter of the late Louise Jones, a respected business leader, and the late Rev. Dr. Samuel McKinney, longtime pastor of Seattle’s Mount Zion Baptist Church and a close ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her lifelong exposure to social justice activism strongly shaped the message behind “Turning Tables.”
After discussions following the 2022 exhibition, Chris Oledude was moved to write the music. He first performed the song live in New York in 2024 with an informal group of musicians during a celebration of Dr. King’s birthday. Following that performance, Oledude committed to creating a definitive studio version — a process that took 18 months to complete.
“Turning Tables” was arranged and produced by Chris Oledude for CESO Enterprises, Inc. Primary production and mixing took place at Mark Dann Studio in Woodstock, NY, with Mark Dann serving as engineer and rhythm guitarist. Lead and background vocals were recorded mainly at Sheriff Bob Studio in New York City, engineered by Kat Lewis.
Additional musicians include Greg DiBenedetto on lead guitar, Beau Brady on drums (recorded at Chip Fabrizi’s studio in Lower Manhattan), and a large group of background vocalists featuring Kiena Williams, alongside friends and family of Oledude: Kelly Berman, Liz Dreyer, Judy Gorman, Pam Hamilton, Amy Kessler, Yanitza Lee, Nyasha Liang, Naomi Nissen, Ellen Mendlow, Elijah Dixon Owens, Debbie Quinn, and M. Vern Woodhead.
The single is the third release from the album Preacher Man – Vol. 1, following “Orange Blues 24” (released in late 2024) and “No Crowns For Clowns” (released July 2025). Award-winning videos accompanied both earlier singles. “Orange Blues 24,” originally recorded in 2020, features a stop-motion video created by Alyssa Dann, built from over 2,000 photographs and earning numerous international film festival awards. Oledude’s earlier video tribute, “George Floyd: Say Their Names,” also received more than 150 film festival accolades worldwide.
Preacher Man – Vol. 1 includes 11 original songs written over a 40-year period, marking a major creative rebirth for Oledude. The album blends classic soul, gospel, funk, folk, pop, and protest music into a contemporary sound that honors musical history while speaking directly to the present moment. Influences include Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, and Gil Scott-Heron, yet the voice and message remain distinctly Oledude’s own.
The album has already received strong critical praise. Writing for Music Review World, reviewer Chloe Tiffin-Gearin described it as “less like a debut and more like a long-awaited homecoming,” calling Oledude a messenger who bridges generations with honesty, heart, rhythm, and resistance.
With “Turning Tables” and the release of Preacher Man – Vol. 1, Chris Oledude delivers music that is honest, hopeful, and unafraid to challenge power.
“Turning Tables” is available now on most streaming platforms: open.spotify.com/album/3sXXeq5uE
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