Segun Akinola 

Composer Segun Akinola took over as composer for the modern revival of Doctor Who from 2018 to 2022. While this site originally intended to only cover themes from the classic era, Akinola delivered such an innovative take—and one that draws so heavily from the Derbyshire original—that we feel it warrants recognition.

Coming Soon!

Segun was generous enough to grant DWTheme.com an exclusive interview to discuss the technical details of what went into his theme. We’re deeply grateful to Segun for his time, and a full write-up of what we learned will be posted soon, so please check back!

Approach

Akinola’s approach to the theme was unprecedented in 55 years since the original was produced, which in hindsight is surprising considering the theme’s origins.

The original theme was made using unconventional techniques to craft sounds that were new and unlike anything heard before. Numerous themes have taken those sounds and tried to incorporate them wholesale into an altogether different theme, but they are rarely well-integrated and often stand apart like oil and water. In contrast, other artists have used their own unconventional techniques to create an entirely new rendition of the theme—the most prolific being Peter Howell, who created the iconic theme used from 1980-1985.

And yet, prior to 2018, no one had done both—taken the original sounds themselves and used unconventional techniques to create something new and in some cases totally unrecognizable from them, and use that as the foundation for a completely new arrangement. It is something so obvious, yet never previously attempted to such an extent. In many ways, this is the ultimate distillation of the genius behind the Doctor Who theme’s very beginnings, and makes this theme simultaneously one of the most loyal ever produced, yet unlike any version before it. It is quite an achievement; Akinola proved, after 55 years and countless arrangements, there is still new ground to cover.

Akinola’s theme builds upon the original stems of Delia Derbyshire’s 1963 arrangement. The elements were altered and processed—sometimes so heavily they could be mistaken for entirely new sounds—and while some fill the same role, others have been repurposed in unexpected ways.

Bassline

Akinola’s bassline relies heavily on the original Derbyshire bassline for its sound.

Structure

The opening theme adopts the 1970s-era structure almost exactly, with the half-length bassline intro and cutting back to Melody 1 in some form two bars before the normal end of Melody 2—in this case played only once, as opposed to the extended repeating titles section of the 1970s opening.

Editor’s Note

DWTheme.com tries to avoid editorializing, but we feel compelled to emphasize the singular nature of Akinola’s contribution, unmatched in recent decades and deserving of a place among the all-time best. His interpretation doesn't merely stand out—it deeply resonates with what has defined the theme's legacy from the very beginning. In addition to being a technical marvel, it encapsulates a rare blend of loyalty and innovation, echoing the creative spirit that defined the original Radiophonic Workshop era. Akinola’s dedication to maintaining the essence of Delia Derbyshire’s creation, coupled with his unparalleled care and attention to detail, sets a standard that is not only admirable but truly inspirational.

While we can never know for certain how Delia herself would have felt about his work, it’s hard not to imagine that she would have respected, if not embraced, his creative ingenuity, unorthodox techniques, and meticulous craftsmanship, reshaping sound in ways that defy recognition and explanation just as she once did. Akinola’s theme is not simply an homage; it’s a living testament to the very soul of Doctor Who’s musical heritage, crafted with love, reverence, and an understanding that too few modern composers demonstrate. It embodies the heart of what made the Radiophonic Workshop’s approach so groundbreaking six decades ago.

We are fortunate and profoundly grateful to have had such a talent grace our beloved series, and we offer our earnest thanks to Segun for allowing us to explore this remarkable chapter of Doctor Who’s sonic journey with him. His work stands not just as a tribute but as a guiding light for the future of the theme—a future we can only hope will someday continue to honor the traditions so beautifully upheld by Segun Akinola.