Music Reviews
Artist:
AyoTitle:
Joyful Album ReviewLabel:
Universal
Born to a Nigerian father and Romanian Gypsy mother, Ayo’s music is a mix of cultural heritage soul, folk, afro beat and reggae music. The African Gypsy (it’s what she calls herself I kid you not) also goes by the name of Ayo which means ‘joy’ in Yoruba. Signed to Polydor France, her album ‘Joyful’ has reached platinum status in France and will be released in the UK in Sept 2007. Will she succeed?
Well personally, I think the Brits will feel for this one. Mellow throughout, I can almost imagine hearing the single ‘Down on My Knees’ playing on the radio in my local café whilst I’m tucking into a full English. Low on the bass and heavy on the funk, Joyful delivers a package of hip soul-jigged-jazz mixed with rough-round-the-edges reggae. If that sounds a bit confusing then just imagine Bob Marley and Amy Winehouse together on stage. But Ayo is not about to go into rehab, no no no. She’s an unpretentious young lady who will surely brighten up the gloomy UK weather - god knows we need the sunshine. Along with ‘Letter By Letter,’ singles ‘Only You’ and ‘How Many Times’ are also big bangers.
The best bit is that Ayo is still a soulstress in training. If this album is only her debut, then I can’t wait to hear the next one. Trust me when I say it’s going to be big!
Joyful is out Sept 3rd 2007 on Polydor Records.
Single ‘Down On My Knees’ is out Aug 27th 2007.
Check www.myspace.com/ayosound and www.ayomusic.com for more info.
Review by : Bertan Budak
